Karol's face darkened. She was down and out, yet this idiot was bursting with joy.

"Nothing. I just ran into some trouble," she said, forcing a smile as she glanced at Marlene's hand clinging to Kaden's waist—the two of them much too close for comfort.

A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes. In her heart, Kaden belonged to no one but her.

"By the way, Marlene, aren't you swamped with work at the company?" Karol inquired.

"I just miss him. He is so heartless. He doesn't miss me at all. I can't help but wonder which woman he's fooling around with now," Marlene replied, her glare directed at Kaden.

Karol was momentarily taken aback, and then her lips curled into a knowing smile. She leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Maybe someone is pestering him. You know what kind of man your boyfriend is, don't you?"

She let the question hang in the air, unfinished.

"Kaden, I'll be staying here for the next couple of days. I angered my father and he kicked me out," Karol announced as she sauntered over and took a seat next to Kaden. To the onlookers, they appeared nothing more than cousins.

Marlene's curiosity was piqued instantly. "What happened? How could your father throw you out? Is it because of that bitch again?"

Karol offered a wry smile, her gaze fixed on the woman before her, wavering as if uncertain whether to divulge the painful details.

"Kaden, would you mind stepping out for the night with your friend? I'd like to have a heart-to-heart with Marlene," Karol suggested, her eyes locking onto Kaden's for a brief, searching moment.

"Okay," Kaden replied, his voice tinged with resignation.

After he left, Karol turned to Marlene with a serious tone. "It's indeed because of Lilah. I told you last time to keep a close eye on Kaden. Have you done it?"

"Of course, since you told me last time, I have been monitoring him closely. I found that he has no contact with Lilah," Marlene responded with confidence.

"But it's not enough. I'll make a bet with you. Now that I've let him go out, he will definitely go to see Lilah. Do you believe me?"

Marlene's face changed.

As the night stretched on, Kaden did not return. Marlene’s worry morphed into action; she called his assistant only to discover he had ventured alone to the renowned club, Quiet Night.

Without hesitation, Marlene set out for the club. Meanwhile, Lilah was ushering Miranda into the hall of Quiet Night.

"You've always been the one giving massages. Tonight, let's flip the script. I want you to experience being on the receiving end," Lilah said with a smile.

Despite her reservations, Miranda acquiesced, slipping into the required attire.

They grabbed a quick meal first— Miranda's injuries precluded her from showering—then Lilah suggested they relax in the club's movie hall to while away some time before heading to the massage room.

As they were about to leave the resting area, a familiar, imposing figure approached them.

Lilah caught her breath, almost failing to recognize the man as Kaden. His presence always meant trouble.

Though Lilah intended to avoid any interaction, Kaden approached them with a genial smile, greeting them warmly.