The upscale rooftop lounge sat high above Downtown LA, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the glittering city skyline. Soft ambient lighting mixed with the warm glow of candles on every table.
Live piano music drifted through the air, accompanied by the quiet clink of crystal glasses and murmured conversations. The clientele was a mix of wealthy professionals, influencers, and young executives — all dressed to impress.
Jennifer stepped out of the elevator, the cool night breeze brushing against her skin. Her floor-length black sequined gown shimmered with every step, the daring high slit revealing the smooth line of her toned leg clad in sheer black stockings. Her silver-gray hair was styled in an elegant ponytail that flowed down her back, catching the light as she moved.
The off-shoulder sweetheart neckline accentuated her full breasts, while her strappy heels clicked confidently against the polished marble floor.
Beside her, Roy looked every bit the wealthy heir in a tailored black suit that fit him perfectly, the crisp white shirt unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of his chest. A subtle gold watch gleamed on his wrist as he placed a light hand on the small of Jennifer's back, guiding her forward.
A waiter in a crisp uniform approached them with a polite smile.
"Mr. Watson, your reserved table is ready. Please follow me."
Roy nodded and gently pulled Jennifer along. She walked beside him, the sequins on her dress sparkling under the soft lights. The waiter led them to a private corner table right beside the glass railing, offering an unobstructed view of the city lights below.
Roy smoothly pulled out the chair for her like a perfect gentleman.
Jennifer sat down with a soft smile, the red fabric of her dress pooling elegantly around her legs. "Thank you," she said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of genuine appreciation.
Roy handed Jennifer the leather-bound menu with a smooth smile. "Take a look. Order whatever you like."
Jennifer opened it politely, but the moment her eyes scanned the prices, her world tilted.
Hundred dollars… for Wagyu beef?
Bottle service starting at six hundred dollars?
She stared at the numbers, her mind spinning. What are they making these dishes with — gold dust?
Roy watched her reaction with a sly, knowing smile. He leaned in slightly, voice low and confident.
"Jennifer, shall I order for both of us?"
A wave of relief washed over her. She nodded gratefully, closing the menu quickly. "Yes, please. That would be great."
Roy's smile widened, clearly pleased. He raised a hand and called the waiter over with practiced ease. Without even glancing at the menu again, he began ordering in a smooth, decisive tone.
"We'll start with the A5 Wagyu carpaccio and the Hokkaido scallops. For the main course, the dry-aged ribeye for two, medium-rare, and the lobster risotto. Add a bottle of the 2018 Dom Pérignon and the Japanese whiskey flight to pair."
The waiter nodded without batting an eye, as if ordering over a thousand dollars' worth of food and drink in one breath was completely normal. He disappeared toward the kitchen.
Jennifer couldn't hide her astonishment. She had never seen anyone spend money so casually — hundreds, possibly over a thousand dollars, without a second thought. What must life be like when you can do that? she wondered, a quiet envy stirring inside her.
Soon the dishes began arriving, each one presented like a work of art.
The Wagyu carpaccio melted on the tongue, rich and buttery. The scallops were perfectly seared, sweet, and delicate. When the dry-aged ribeye arrived, sliced tableside with a flourish, Jennifer's eyes widened at the marbling and the intoxicating aroma. New chapters come out on g.com first.
Roy noticed her reaction and chuckled softly. "Good, right?"
She could only nod, taking another bite.
As they ate, Roy leaned back in his chair, swirling the champagne in his glass.
"So, Jennifer," he asked casually, "did you tell Leo you were meeting me tonight?"
Jennifer's hand paused midway to her mouth, fork hovering in the air. She forced a nervous smile.
"There wasn't really anything to tell," she replied, trying to keep her voice light. "We just met for a casual drink, right?"
Roy's eyes sparkled with amusement, but he didn't press further. He simply raised his glass toward her.
"To casual drinks, then."
Jennifer clinked her glass against his, the crystal ringing softly.
Back at the Cross house, the atmosphere was warm and familiar. Elizabeth was in the kitchen, humming along to a sensual R&B track playing softly from her phone as she cooked.
The whole family was home tonight. Sam lounged on the couch, half-asleep. Mary sat cross-legged on the floor, completely absorbed in her phone. Hazel was curled up in the armchair, typing quietly on her laptop.
Leo sat in the single seat, staring at the TV, but his mind was elsewhere.
Through the omniscient view, he watched the entire scene at the rooftop lounge in real time. He could see Jennifer laughing, cheeks slightly flushed from the wine, Roy leaning in close as they talked.
Leo sighed and leaned back against the couch.
This guy already figured out her desires, he thought.
He knew Jennifer well enough. She had grown up in a struggling family while watching richer relatives live comfortably. Getting into the same university as Leo had been her gateway, her pride. She loved him, yes… but status and security had always been a quiet ache in her heart.
One part of Leo wanted Roy to tempt her, to draw her closer. The other part hated the thought of anyone else touching what was his.
In the lounge, the evening had grown warmer. Jennifer laughed, her cheeks flushed from the wine, as Roy helped steady her while they walked toward the exit. His hand rested lightly on her waist.
"If you can't hold your liquor, why did you drink so much?" Roy teased with a grin.
Jennifer hiccuped, embarrassed. "Roy… who knows how much that bottle cost? I couldn't just leave it halfway."
Roy laughed out loud. "I could buy a hundred of those."
His grip on her waist pulled her a little closer. Jennifer felt it and looked up at his face. Roy's voice softened.
"From now on, don't worry about money when you're with me, alright? It doesn't suit a beauty like you."
Jennifer nodded shyly, her cheeks growing warmer. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
At the entrance, a sleek Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 waited under the lights. The driver quickly opened the door. Roy helped Jennifer inside, then slid in from the other side.
Jennifer looked around the luxurious interior, surprised. "Roy, whose car is this? We didn't arrive in this."
Roy smiled. "My driver picked it up. Don't worry — we can't drive when you're drunk, right? Isn't that what you told me yesterday?"
The driver glanced in the rearview mirror. "Where to, sir?"
Roy looked at Jennifer, who suddenly seemed nervous at the question. He won't take advantage of me, right? she thought.
Roy answered calmly, "Take us to her apartment."
Jennifer sighed with relief. The driver started the car without another word.
Roy leaned toward her ear, his breath warm. "What's with that look? Your face is all flustered."
Jennifer flinched. "Wha—what do you mean?"
Roy laughed genuinely. "You must have thought a rich guy like me might try to take advantage and eat you up tonight."
Jennifer became even more flustered. She pushed him lightly. "I never thought that!"
Roy laughed again, but his eyes drifted down to the way her stockings hugged her thighs. His cock hardened instantly. He took a slow breath and turned toward the window.
Not now… I can't spoil everything now.
Soon, the Maybach pulled up outside Jennifer's apartment building. The driver quickly opened the door. Roy helped her out.
Jennifer looked at him shyly. "Thanks for dropping me off."
Roy smiled and pulled her into a gentle hug. He breathed in the scent of her hair, his grip tightening for a moment. Jennifer stood awkwardly — she hadn't expected the sudden embrace. Roy reluctantly let go.
"I had a good time. Go on inside. I'll wait until you're in."
Jennifer nodded without a word and walked rather quickly toward the entrance.
Roy watched her back until she disappeared inside, then got back into the car. The Maybach roared to life and disappeared down the street.
Jennifer leaned her back against the door the moment it closed behind her. Her heart was beating fast.
You crazy bitch… what the hell were you thinking? If Leo ever finds out, he'll leave you like a whore…
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
/c/DevilsWhisper