Chapter 823 Industry Norms.
Instead of a restaurant, Richie had chosen a large, noisy bar.
Inside, the wild party scene made me wonder if I’d come to the wrong location.
“Ms. Rowan.”
I suddenly heard Richie’s voice behind me.
When I turned around nervously, I saw him holding a drink, clearly tipsy.
“Finally, Ms. Rowan. I’ve been waiting forever,” he slurred.
He gave me a sleazy smile and reached out, trying to touch my shoulder.
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I stepped back quickly, forcing a polite smile. “You’ve had quite a bit to drink, Mr. Browning. Maybe we can talk another time.”
His expression darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you too good to work with me now?”
Trying to hide my discomfort, I quickly shook my head. “Of course not, I’m really glad.”
“Hmph. That’s more like it.”
Still, he placed a hand on my shoulder and steered me toward a booth with a creepy grin.
The strong smell of alcohol on his breath made me feel sick.
It was my first time in a place like this, and with all the shouting and chaos, it didn’t seem like the right setting for business talk.
At this time, the werewolves around us were already losing control–some even stripped off their clothes and started dancing on the stage.
I was stunned and quickly shut my eyes.
Richie laughed at my reaction.
“Ms. Rowan is still innocent, huh? But yeah, it is a bit crazy in here. Let’s go somewhere quieter.”
I got up quickly, thinking we were leaving. Instead, he grabbed my arm and pulled me further inside.
People stared at us as we passed, and my nerves only grew more intense.
While he wasn’t paying attention, I managed to send a message to Rosaline asking for help.
Soon, Richie stopped at a small private room and pushed me in.
He held my arm so tightly that it hurt, and once we were inside, I was too scared to sit.
“Come on, sit here beside me,” he said, tapping the spot next to him.
I stayed where I was, no matter how many times he called me over.
Every instinct screamed that I was in danger.
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Chapter 823 Industry Norms.
“I said sit down!” he suddenly shouted.
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Startled, I flinched and nearly broke into tears, and I had no choice but to sit next to him.
“That’s better. Girls who know how to behave always rise to the top.”
His voice turned smooth as he lightly ran his fingers along my arm, his nose grazing my skin as he took in a deep breath, clearly enjoying himself.
“Please … stop.”
I was paralyzed with fear, completely shaken by his behavior.
When I tried to pull away, he tightened his grip.
“Where are you going?” he snapped, eyes full of malice.
“I–I think I forgot something important at work. Maybe we can do this another time?”
I stood up, trying to leave, but he yanked me back into the seat.
“You’re not going anywhere now that you’re here,” he growled, still smirking.
His hand kept moving across my arm as he said, “Actresses like you only get ahead by catching the right man’s eye–like us. You understand, don’t you? That’s just how the industry works.”
Suddenly, he shoved me onto the couch. His hands tugged at my clothes, and his mouth planted sloppy kisses on my face.
“Let go of me!”
I fought with all my strength, but I was far too weak against his Beta–level strength. My face was wet from his disgusting kisses.
“Still pretending? We’ll see how long that lasts.”
Just as he pinned me down, the door burst open with a loud bang. The next thing I knew, someone was pulling him off me.
I looked up and saw Byron standing there.
Without thinking, I grabbed his arm and hid behind him.
“You brat! What are you doing?!”
Richie yelled and swung a bottle, but Byron dodged it and kicked him straight in the chest.
“Back off.”
Richie hit the ground, and Byron stepped in front of me protectively.
Richie struggled to his feet, his face twisted with fury as he glared at Byron.
The two of them, both Beta wolves, locked eyes in a tense stare.
Eventually, Richie realized he wasn’t going to win. He pointed at Byron and hissed, “You’ll regret this.
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Chapter 823 Industry Norms
Then, at last, he stormed out.
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I couldn’t hold it in any longer–I broke down crying in front of Byron.
“Woo… woo… ”
“It’s alright. You’re safe now,” he said gently, patting my shoulder.
After we left the bar, I asked him to bring me to Rosaline’s house.
I missed her so much. I hadn’t been able to contact her recently, and she still hadn’t responded to the message I sent asking for help.
I didn’t want to sit around waiting anymore. I needed to see her myself.
But when the door opened, it wasn’t her–it was Caden.
“What happened?” he asked, looking surprised, before letting us inside.
“Where’s Rosaline? We need to see her,” Byron said, glancing at me.
“Isn’t she abroad for business? Didn’t you know?”
Hearing that, I froze in shock.
