C9 Prepare to Drink with Me

As Zoe's phone chimed, Blaine's did too. They exchanged smiles before Blaine stepped out with his phone in hand.

Outside the office, Blaine answered the call. Mrs. Zeller's voice came through: "Blaine, is there trouble at work? I'm a local and know people who could help you out."

"It's nothing, Mrs. Zeller," Blaine reassured her.

With no further insistence, Mrs. Zeller ended the call.

Before Blaine could ponder further, Zoe had flung the door open. Her pallor had vanished, replaced by a healthy glow and a beaming smile. She strode over to Blaine and, cradling his face in her hands, planted a kiss on his cheek with her crimson lips.

"Who was that? You seem thrilled," Blaine inquired, his face a picture of bewilderment.

"It was Mr. Fixit," Zoe bubbled over with excitement. "He's negotiated with Director Leigh. Leigh's agreed to a truce. They're setting up a peace dinner at Drunken Immortal Residence tomorrow night. Mr. Fixit says if we just apologize and pay up, it'll all be behind us. Blaine, you should stay away; your temper might spark a conflict."

Director Leigh, also known as Silas, was the notorious big shot of the Black Tortoise Region and Eric's boss. Unlike other gang leaders, Silas preferred the title 'Director Leigh,' but his reputation was that of a cold and ruthless man.

Blaine felt a twinge of doubt at Zoe's words but kept silent, not wanting to shatter her optimism.

By the time they reached the ground floor, the police had departed. Zoe whipped out her phone and called the renovation company, eager to give her beauty parlor a fresh look.

After all, catering to women was lucrative, and Zoe's salon was perfectly situated for a healthy monthly turnover. The prospect of resolving their troubles was the cherry on top of her good news.

After discussing things with the decorating company, Blaine and Zoe left the beauty salon and headed straight to the bank. There, Zoe withdrew a million dollars in cash, which represented her entire life savings—money she intended to use as atonement.

Blaine was uncomfortable with the situation, but he didn't let it show in front of Zoe. Once the cash was in hand, Zoe clutched the bag tightly, her vigilance heightened.

Driving back to Silk Home, Zoe suggested that Blaine spend the night at her place. Considering the cash in Zoe's bag and recalling Eric's words, Blaine readily accepted the invitation.

Zoe's three-bedroom apartment was spacious and lavishly decorated. Having purchased it early, its value had since skyrocketed.

"Blaine, why don't you watch some TV? Just keep an eye on the money for me, okay? I'm going to whip up some lunch," Zoe said, placing the cash-laden bag on the sofa as they entered the living room.

"You're not worried I might take off with the money?" Blaine jested, jangling his car keys.

"If you ran off, that would be that. It would mean I've made a poor judgment," Zoe replied with a laugh before heading into the kitchen.

Blaine flicked on the TV, casually tuning into the news as the aroma of cooking filled the air. Zoe was quite the chef.

By noon, Zoe had laid out a feast. The tantalizing smells made Blaine's mouth water.

Watching Zoe emerge from the kitchen, he felt a curious warmth in his heart. This simple, domestic scene was unexpectedly appealing to him.

Zoe's phone chose that moment to ring. She glanced at the caller ID, answered with a quick "I'll be right down," and hung up. It was just a courier, nothing to fuss over, so she went downstairs to collect the delivery.

"Let's eat first," Zoe suggested nonchalantly, tossing the package aside as she spoke.

Blaine nodded, eager to enjoy the meal laid out before them.

Zoe, seated across from Blaine, gazed at him, a faint smile gracing her beautiful cheeks.

Post-lunch, Zoe eagerly opened the delivered package.

Inside was a disc, prompting a slight furrow in Zoe's brow.

Blaine, disc in hand, headed for the bedroom, with Zoe trailing behind.

The bedroom's inviting scent revitalized Blaine. He inserted the disc into the computer.

The images from the disc soon filled the computer screen.

"Ah!" It was a porn.

On screen, the actress was letting out an exaggerated scream.