2025-07-28 23:58:20
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Ben wobbled closer to Alice, one hand clutching his ribs, the other wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. His voice came out shaky, rushed, and low.“Alice… Alice, Al, please,” he said, glancing nervously between her and Nolan. “He’s serious. Just—just do what he says, okay? Don’t make it worse.”Alice’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell did you just say?”Ben took another step toward her, desperation painted all over his face. “If you go with him. Just for tonight. Maybe he’ll drop it. Maybe it ends here, and nobody else gets hurt.”Alice blinked in disbelief. “You want me to go with him?” She looked him up and down, disgust growing on her face. “Are you out of your damn mind, Ben?”Ben swallowed. “He’s Leo Vaughn’s brother. The Leo Vaughn. Vaughn Hotels, Vaughn Towers—he’s from that billionaire family, Alice. This guy could bury all of us. I messed up, okay? If you just go, it might fix it.”Her mouth fell open, a bitter laugh escaping. “So because you messed up, I’m supposed to be
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Ben nervously forced a smile, his eyes darting between Leo Vaughn and the smaller man who had just slapped him… twice. His cheeks stung, his hands trembled as he clutched them, voice barely steady. “H-Heh… s-sorry. I-I didn’t mean to offend, I just… maybe we got off on the wrong foot,” he stammered, forcing out a weak, pitiful chuckle. “Just a little misunderstanding, yeah?” Behind him, Jordan leaned toward Maya, whispering behind his palm, “Wasn’t he just acting like some top dog ten minutes ago?” Maya snorted. “Now look at him. My God, he’s about to pee himself.” “I think he already did,” Linda whispered, biting her knuckle, her eyes wide with laughter. Ben heard that. He heard every single word. His ears turned red. His neck itched with shame. His pride shattered. But he kept the smile on his face crooked and desperate like a man pretending the ship wasn’t sinking under him. “I-I work hard,” Ben tried again, his voice cracking. “Mr. Vaughn, I swear, I was only—” The smaller
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Jordan leaned closer. “Wait… isn’t that the guy from the restaurant?” Ben’s face was turning pale. “Why’s he with them?” The small man stepped forward calmly, voice quiet but sharp. “Here I am now,” he said, eyes locked on Ben. “What was that you were saying before?” Ben stiffened. His heart dropped straight to his stomach. No way. No way. What the hell is this? He tried to play it off. He really did. But inside? His thoughts were spiraling fast. Why’s he here? Why is he with them? This can’t be right. I slapped this guy—what the hell is he doing walking in with these dangerous looking people? Still, Ben forced his chin up. Tried to act like he wasn’t sweating through his collar. “I… I work for the Irving family,” Ben said, voice louder than it needed to be. “So watch your mouth.” The small man stopped walking. He blinked. Just once. No change in expression. No shouting. Just one quiet moment— SMACK! The slap echoed through the lot like a gunshot. And it was funny. Stu
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No one moved. Jordan’s jaw dropped. “No. Way.” Linda blinked. “That’s… his?” Maya didn’t speak. Just stared, lips parted. Alice’s eyes were wide, mouth open just a little, still holding the key like it was a live wire. Ben didn’t move. His face changed. Not angry. Not mocking. Just… blank. Like all his thoughts had frozen in place. Ethan stayed calm. He didn’t grin. He didn’t gloat. He just nodded toward the window and said softly, “It’s parked right there.” Someone in the back whispered, “Oh my God…” Another guy let out a soft whistle. Ethan turned to Alice. “That’s yours, by the way.” Alice stared at him. “Wait. You’re… you’re serious?” He nodded. Ben took a breath. A shaky one. “There’s no way that’s yours,” he said. “That could be anyone’s. You probably just timed it with someone else’s key—” Alice looked down at the key again. Her fingers trembled slightly as she held it. She turned to Ethan, lowering her voice. “You didn’t have to do this. It’s… it’s too much.” E
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He handed the key to Alice with a small smile. “This is for you,” he said softly. “A gift.” Everyone around them laughed. “Wait, what?” Jordan squinted at the small object. “That’s a key?” Linda leaned closer, crossing her arms. “Please tell me it’s not for a wheelchair.” Alice turned the key over in her hand, confused. “Is this… a joke?” Someone from the back shouted, “Maybe it’s for a lawnmower!” More laughter. Ben, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, scoffed. “Looks like something from the 80s.” Jordan nudged Alice. “C’mon, what is it really? You hiding a scooter somewhere?” But the guy didn’t laugh. He just stood there, calm, watching them. Alice looked up at him. “You’re serious?” He nodded. “Look at it again.” So she did. The key was heavier than she expected. And smooth. Not like a regular car key. It had a shiny black plastic head, with silver trimming. There was a logo on it—a small round badge with blue and white colors. It wasn’t very
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When they reached the parking lot, Ben was still boiling. “Trash. That Ethan guy’s actual trash,” he snapped, loud enough for everyone around to hear. Jordan laughed along, slapping Ben on the back. “Facts, bro. Straight garbage. What even was that back there? Drama much?” “I mean, seriously,” Ben continued, not even trying to lower his voice. “Alice should be with a real man. Someone successful. Not some creepy, silent idiot standing in a restaurant like he owns it. Give me a break.” Maya giggled, linking her arm through Ben’s. “Exactly. You’re rich, smart, and handsome. I don’t know what she’s doing hanging around someone like that.” “Like she even has a choice,” Linda added, smirking. “It’s not like creepy guy owns a car or anything.” “Even if he did,” Ben said, pulling his keys from his pocket, “it wouldn’t be this.” He pressed the button with a smirk. Beep. Beep. A sleek black Mercedes just a few steps away blinked its headlights and gave a small honk. Everyone turned.
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