Chapter 223
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Vanessa , meanwhile , kept drinking just enough to act more tipsy than she really wat ,
when the night wound down , the CEOs exchanged contact info with Orlando and then left , each taking their own actress with them .
Dawson stood and said , “ Mr. Nicholson , Mr. Gallagher , we won’t take up any more of your time ”
He helped Vanessa to her feet , ready to go . But Orlando stopped him . “ Dawson , Miss Ward’s a little drunk . If the paparazzi catch her like this , she’ll ba
trending for all the wrong reasons . ”
With Vanessa’s magnetism , it would only take one blurry photo for a hundred rumors to explode online – a fresh round of gossip and scandal.
“ You should call her family or friends to come get her , ” Orlando suggested .
Dawson nodded gratefully . “ You’re right , thank you , Mr. Gallagher . ”
He didn’t actually know who Vanessa’s family was , but he did know she was close to Aria
Without hesitation , he called Aria and asked her to pick Vanessa up at the Aureus Club
As soon as he hung up , he smacked his forehead – Vanessa had an agent and an assistant , didn’t she ? But it was too late now .
He assumed Russell and Orlando would leave , but to his surprise , they stayed put , content to wait .
Noticing Dawson’s confusion , Orlando offered , “ Aureus Club belongs to Russell . He can stay as long as he likes . ”
Of course . On his own turf , Russell could do whatever he wanted .
Aria soon arrived , knocking on the door and stepping into the smoky suite .
She made a beeline for Vanessa , ignoring everyone else , Dawson stood up
“ Ms. Saxon , ” he greeted her
Vanessa mumbled and pretended to wake up , her eyes fluttering open . “ Aria ? Why are you here ? ”
“ I’m here to take you home , ” Aria replied , slipping an arm around her ,
“ Love you , babe , ” Vanessa said , feigning drunken affection as she leaned into Aria’s shoulder
But from the moment Aria walked in , Russell’s eyes had locked onto her , cold and sharp as a blade – he didn’t bother to hide it
Finally , Aria met his gaze , recognizing him : Russell , founder of Masmubia’s largest underground casino , a master of the legal gray area , infamous for his dealings in the shadows .
She’d crossed paths with him before , once upon a time when she’d been undercover as a politician’s mistress .
Her eyes flicked to Orlando .
He caught her gaze and offered a polite smile . “ Md . Saxon , we meet again ”
Aria nodded slightly , then guided Vanessa out the door . Dawson said his goodbyes and followed .
The suite fell silent for a few beats before Russell let out a decisive sport . I’ve met her before . ”
Orlando looked surprised . “ When ”
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“ Five years ago . At Baron , ”
Baron – the notorious underground casino .
Fin Masmubia , she’d be easy to kill . But here in Huthaila , one slip and you’d pay dearly ” Orlando warned .
Russell gave him a sidelong look . “ You think I’m that reckless ? ”
Orlando shrugged . “ Just making sure you don’t do anything impulsive ”
Russell’s voice was cold as steel . “ I’m not that stupid . The Solemnity Guild isn’t easy to deal with . She’s a damn fine weapon , if you ask me
After all , nothing was more entertaining than watching dogs tear each other apart .
In the car . Vanessa lounged in the passenger seat , all trace of drunkenness gone . “ Russell’s Nebula’s CEO , huh ? Never heard of him she said , frowning
He wasn’t on any official wanted lists , but everyone who mattered knew his name – and how many people wanted him dead .
Ariamused , “ How did Neymar get mixed up with them ? ”
Vanessa filled her in . “ The big boss extended an olive branch . Neymar could hardly refuse . But Russell showing up in Huthailla ? This isn’t just about business – ll look into it . ”
Aria nodded . “ Focus on Orlando . Russell’s too dangerous . Stay away from him if you can . ”
Vanessa grinned . “ Got it . ”
Aria dropped Vanessa off at her apartment , stayed for dinner , and only left when she was sure her friend was safe
On her way home , she ran into the man she’d just been discussing with Vanessa – in the elevator .