No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 687

I stared at his face, still so achingly familiar. How could I ever consider him a stranger? But I had to break ties, had to let him go. With a smile, I said, "I've already come to see you as a stranger."

Conrad's grip on my hand trembled before I gently pulled away, stood up, and walked off. I wasn't sure when exactly he left, but I read through the message he'd sent. It mirrored what Allen had mentioned the day before, filled with details about the Phipps family, their parents, and siblings. Conrad was trying to make sure I didn't confuse Phipps with Ernest, to prevent any misidentification.

I skimmed through the message, chuckled, and returned Allen's call around noon. Perhaps he was holding a grudge for my missed call the night before; he didn't pick up. Not bothering to call again, I went straight to Sapphire Lounge that evening. I approached the lobby manager directly, "I'm here to see Mr. Clark. Just tell him Ms. Hudson is asking for him."

"Ms. Hudson, right this way!" The lobby manager treated me with utmost courtesy, clearly briefed by Allen about me. Probably Allen was on guard, fearing what I might uncover. I didn't fuss about it, took my seat in the arranged room, and when asked what service I desired, I opted for some fruit and drinks, deliberately not mentioning Phipps. Allen was using Phipps as bait, and I decided to play along for a while.

Soon after, Allen arrived, "Knew Ms. Hudson would come today."

"I'm here to settle the bill," I said, laying out a check on the table. The contract had specified the amount. Allen didn't glance at the check but fixated on me, "Just settling the bill?"

"What else? Looking for a one-night stand?" I played along with his insinuation.

"Unlucky for you, Phipps took a leave. Won't be around here for a while," Allen said, his smile carrying a hint of malice.

"Who said I was dead set on him?" I retorted, causing Allen to touch his nose in slight embarrassment.

He then remarked, "Thought Ms. Hudson had a... thing for Phipps."

"He's just a guy with a knock-off face. I'm not dumb enough to value someone just for their looks," I demeaned Phipps thoroughly. I wanted Allen to know he couldn't manipulate me with just a face. Allen nodded, "Truly a Wagner, with such distinctive taste."

"Make sure to keep the check, Mr. Clark," I concluded, pressing the service call, "Bring in a couple more to pour the drinks."

Allen smiled, pocketing the check, and as he left, he added, "Ms. Hudson, tonight's on me. Invite as many as you like." Since he offered, didn't hold back, inviting a few more to join and drink on his tab.

but

Naturally, I asked about Phelore

it seemed they were all instructed to stay silent. Not wanting to press further, I left around ten, feeling it was time.

For the next few days, I avoided Sapphire Lounge. Dustin launched a full-on charm offensive, smarter than Conrad, never mentioning Phipps. If he didn't bring it up, neither did I. If he invited me out, accepted, fully aware Allen likely had eyes on me. It took about a week before I visited Sapphire Lounge again. This time, I caught a glimpse of Phipps heading into another room. with a few male models. But it wasn't long before the sound of crashing and breaking echoed from that room.

Clearly, trouble had brewed, and without a second thought, I headed straight for the commotion. As I entered, saw Phipps standing defiantly in front of some heavy hitters, shards of broken glass littering the floor beneath him...