In the underground parking lot, Quentin rushed over to open the passenger door of the Cullinan and plopped into the seat. “Dude, everything you asked for is done. Tess accepted the bags and the car.”

Stephen rested his slender fingers on the steering wheel, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly. “Did she get suspicious?”

Quentin replied honestly, “Yeah, she asked me if you bought the car. I coordinated with Naomi, and we managed to fool her. Tess trusts Naomi a lot, so she probably won’t think twice about it.”

Stephen let out a hum in contemplation.

For a moment, Quentin didn’t know what else to say. Stephen sat motionless, staring blankly at some point in the distance. The air inside the car was so quiet that the faint hum of the heater was the only audible sound.

Quentin knew Stephen was thinking about Tessa again and wisely kept silent.

After a while, Stephen finally spoke. “I really want to see her.”

Quentin was speechless for a while before saying, “Hold on.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll think of something for you.”

He dialed Naomi’s number.

“Hey, Naomi. When I dropped the car off for Tess earlier, she didn’t seem to be in a good mood. She looked like a withered eggplant, all droopy and downcast. She’s probably still upset.

“I’m really worried she might get sick from bottling everything up. Tomorrow’s Saturday, and she’s off work. Why don’t you take her out tonight to cheer her up?”

On the other end of the line, Naomi vented. “Well… Tess loved Stephen so much. Of course she can’t just move on like that. Why does she have to be the one suffering while Stephen goes around parading with some actress like nothing ever happened? You men are all cold-blooded and heartless!”

Quentin instinctively glanced at Stephen.

Lately, Stephen had visibly lost weight.

Faint dark circles shadowed his eyes, which was a clear sign of several sleepless nights.

No one knew Stephen’s feelings for Tessa better than Quentin. They’d been best friends for years, and never had he seen Stephen care for a woman this much. The usually composed and self-controlled man looked like he was on the brink of depression after this breakup.

He was forced to wear the labels of “heartless jerk” and “scumbag”. Even Quentin, as a bystander, couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.

After exchanging a few more words with Naomi, she agreed to take Tessa out for drinks.

Quentin casually asked, “So, which bar are you guys heading to? I’ll come pick you up later.”

Without a second thought, Naomi spilled the name of the bar.

“Alright then, have fun with Tess tonight. Don’t drink too much, though. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with headaches and stomachaches again.”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it. Stop nagging.”

After hanging up, Quentin shrugged. “All set. 20 minutes from now, we’ll head to Phantom Bar.”

Tessa hadn’t planned on going out~ that night. After dinner, she intended to curl up at home, binge-watch a few episodes of a drama series, and then go to sleep.

But just after finishing her meal, she got a call from Naomi, inviting her out for drinks.

During the day, she buried herself in work, keeping busy so she wouldn’t have time to think about Stephen.

But when night fell, the longing grew wild and uncontrollable, suffocating her until she could hardly breathe.

Heartbreak was like falling ill-no medicine could cure it. Only alcohol could numb the pain. She needed a release.

The white McLaren glided through the misty winter night like a ghost.

The open-air parking lot outside Phantom Bar was packed with luxury cars.

Tessa tossed her car keys to the valet and ascended the stairs, her high heels clicking against the pavement as she headed inside.

At 11:00 pm, the nightlife was only just beginning. The bar was packed with people; flashing lights, and

deafening music. On the central net

dance floor, men and women moved their bodies together, reveling in their pursuit of pleasure.