Chapter 74

A familiar perfume scent suddenly wafted into Emily Smith's senses.

She whipped her head around.

In the dimly lit corner, a burly man was leading a petite girl upstairs. That unmistakable silhouette made Emily's pupils constrict.

"Mia!"

She lunged forward and grabbed the girl's wrist.

Mia Harris lifted her head slowly, her gaze unfocused and lips pale. Her body hung limply in the man's arm like a broken marionette.

Emily's chest tightened.

She'd seen this too many times at The Royal Club—victims of spiked drinks.

"Back off!" The man snarled at her.

Suppressing her trembling, Emily forced a smile. "Sir, my friend seems unwell. Our other friends will be here any minute."

The man suddenly shoved her onto the stairs.

Emily's back slammed against the metal railing. Ignoring the pain, she clung to Mia's leg.

"Help! Someone's being kidnapped!"

Her cries drowned in the bar's noise. A few curious glances flickered their way before turning away.

"Looking to die?" The man raised his foot.

"Tiger."

A lazy male voice drifted from the second floor.

Emily looked up to see a young man in a floral shirt leaning against the railing. His gaze slithered over her like a venomous snake.

"Sweetheart, come up for a drink?" He smirked.

Emily tightened her grip on Mia's sleeve. "No thanks. Our boyfriends are waiting outside."

The floral-shirted man descended the stairs. He pinched Emily's chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"Calling the cops?" He spotted her phone and burst into laughter. "How amusing."

Two brutes appeared out of nowhere, hauling Emily toward the second floor. Mia was dragged behind like a ragdoll.

The private room door crashed open. Blinding light made Emily squint.

A dozen men and women lounged on the couches. At the center, Olivia Davis swirled a glass of red wine, flashing a triumphant smile.

Emily's blood turned to ice.

She finally understood—this was a carefully laid trap.