No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 703

"Spill it, what's your game?" After skirting around the topic for what felt like an eternity, Phipps finally got straight to the point.

Now that I was aware of his true identity, there was no point in keeping secrets. "I've got a sister who might be caught up in all this. I need to know she's safe, maybe get someone to watch over her," I confessed. There was a brief pause before I added, "Her name's Deborah."

Phipps went silent. I couldn't tell if he was shocked or had already been in the know. Given that he had infiltrated the Sapphire Lounge with a hidden agenda, and had been there for quite some time, he must have uncovered something by now. "Alright, I'm in. But you're not putting yourself in danger," he commanded, leaving no room for disagreement.

However, his assurance didn't bring me any relief. On the contrary, my heart felt heavy. His mention of the risks involved in stepping into the Sapphire Lounge only served to remind me that Deborah was already inside. Was she hurt? The mere thought sent shivers down my spine.

"Did you hear me?" Phipps pressed, breaking the silence that had followed his promise.

Swallowing the dry lump in my throat, I managed to ask, "Phipps, why are you doing all this for me?"

Deep down, I yearned for him to admit that he was Ernest, that his actions were driven by love.

But he remained silent, and I couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle. "I'm meeting Dustin for dinner tonight. There's a chance I might need you to pick me up."

It was both a heads-up and a precaution. What if Dustin had ulterior motives? Last time, I could feign drunkenness to keep my guard up, but if he was planning something, I wouldn't be as prepared.

Phipps seemed to understand my concerns. "Then why go at all?"

I scoffed lightly. "What do you think?"

The entire day went by without a word from Deborah. My anxiety grew with every passing hour, to the point where I considered checking her place, though I quickly dismissed the idea, suspecting she was already at the Sapphire Lounge.

Dustin sent me the location for dinner right when my shift ended Conveniently, the restaurant was close to the bar I had been keeping tabs on.

So, I headed there without stopping by home first.

The bar was relatively quiet at this hour, the peak crowd yet to arrive, but the staff was all present.

"Welcome!" The young man at the door mistook me for a customer and gestured me inside with respect.

Once inside, I surveyed the bar, noting its fresh vibe. It seemed Haley was doing a commendable job as the manager.

"Right this way, Miss!" a server greeted me.

"Is the manager around?" I asked, opting not to sit.

In the next moment, the server mistook my question. "Looking for a job, Miss? Please, right this way."

A job? That was news to me. Haley hadn't mentioned hiring, though had told her she didn't need to keep me in the loop on every decision. She was taking my instructions seriously, it seemed.

"What positions are you hiring for? Females only?" I inquired further, curious.

The server gave me a once-over before suggesting I check with the management directly.

My gaze followed his direction, just in time to see a group engaged in a discussion, likely candidates who had come for the job. Choosing a spot, I settled down to observe the applicants come and go. Within half an hour, I saw a steady stream of hopefuls. Haley's staffing needs appeared substantial, which meant she was gearing up for something big. It was high time I made my move.

I snapped a photo with my phone

and hit

Send, just as Haley's voice

rang out from behind me. "Ms. Hudson, you're here. Why didn't you let me know?"