Chapter 414

Harrison knew Nathaniel would never approve of Rosalind getting involved with Everett.

Harrison arched one perfectly sculpted brow. "Mr. Falcon, this is none of your concern. Since when do you dictate Rosalind's personal affairs?"

Nathaniel's gaze turned glacial. "Finished with your little performance? Let's go." He seized Harrison's wrist with surprising force, dragging her toward the exit.

Gabrielle called after them, "Harrison! Mr. Falcon!"

Everett had retreated backstage to change. Though he rarely frequented The Velvet Lounge, the underground fight club's profitability couldn't be denied.

He'd just peeled off his bloodstained tank top when the door creaked open behind him. Everett's muscles tensed. "Identify yourself."

Rosalind stood frozen in the doorway, her cheeks flaming scarlet at the sight of Everett's bare torso. She clapped both hands over her eyes with a startled squeak.

Everett yanked a black hoodie over his head in one fluid motion, grabbed his duffel, and moved to leave without acknowledging her presence.

Rosalind blocked his path. "You're really going to pretend we're strangers now?"

Everett's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Move."

She planted her feet stubbornly.

When he sidestepped left, she mirrored him. When he feinted right, she anticipated his movement. Her arms crossed in defiance. "Not until you talk to me."

Everett's patience shattered. He seized the collar of her blouse and effortlessly lifted her off the ground like a ragdoll.

Rosalind gasped, her legs kicking empty air. The man possessed inhuman strength.

He deposited her unceremoniously on the floor and strode out.

Scrambling up, Rosalind gave chase through the crowd. Everett's imposing frame was already disappearing into the throng.

"Everett! Wait!" She shoved through drunken patrons.

Everett had no intention of entertaining Rosalind's whims. Home beckoned.

As he exited the club, a gleaming Bentley blocked his path. Three black-suited enforcers formed a human barricade.

"Ms. Langley requests your company tonight, sir."

Some wealthy socialite had tracked him down. Everett's expression remained impassive. "Not interested."

The lead bodyguard smirked. "She mentioned paying your family a visit if you decline. We already have their address."

Everett went rigid.

The man continued, "Consider this an opportunity. Serve Ms. Langley well, and you'll never want for anything again." He gestured to the open car door. "After you."

A dangerous glint flashed in Everett's eyes, but he entered the vehicle.

The Bentley peeled away.

Rosalind witnessed the entire exchange from the shadows. She flagged down a taxi. "Follow that car! Don't lose them."

Thirty minutes later, Everett stood in the penthouse suite of The Grand Celeste, facing a meticulously preserved woman in her forties.

Penny Langley appraised him with predatory satisfaction. "I always wondered what hid behind that mask. You're even more striking than I imagined."