Chris' playful smile persisted as he continued, four discreet bodyguards silently taking their positions beside him. He regarded Lilah with a smug gleam in his eyes and concluded, “Lilah, there are no surveillance cameras in this private chamber. The choice between passivity and initiative is entirely yours."

His deep-seated fear of mortality was evident in his cautious entourage of bodyguards.

However, these very precautionary measures might have been the catalyst for his daring actions.

"Is that so? No surveillance in this room..." Lilah retorted with a frigid edge to her otherwise beautiful smile. "That's precisely what I anticipated. What if I opt for neither option?"

"In that case, I'll make the choice for you," Chris declared, lunging toward Lilah.

His portly frame possessed an imposing strength that no ordinary woman could withstand.

To his astonishment, Lilah raised her fist and delivered a powerful blow to his chin, eliciting a pained cry from him. Realizing his vulnerability, he swiftly ordered, “Apprehend this woman."

The four bodyguards charged forward.

Casually seated on the sofa, Lilah remained unfazed. As the bodyguards approached, the door swung open abruptly.

Chris could scarcely discern the sequence of events. The four bodyguards tumbled to the floor, leaving only a single male and a lone female guard standing upright.

The realization dawned upon Chris. Lilah hadn't ventured here alone; she had her own team of bodyguards.

“I may have underestimated you but don't assume these are my only resources. Ha-ha, let me enlighten you. The staff of this club are my associates. Fetch someone for me."

Chris pressed the bell with a hint of arrogance.

His frequent visits to this exclusive club had been underpinned by lavish expenditures, establishing him as a VIP patron with tens of millions of dollars invested. The club had vowed to protect the well-being of its VIP clientele.

Moreover, the club's proprietor wielded considerable influence, dwarfing the stature of a young woman.

Initially reveling in his wanton, self-assured laughter, Chris’ mirth abruptly dwindled. Several minutes had passed, yet no assistance arrived, a departure from the norm.

Perplexed, he incessantly rang the bell, attempting to summon help.

Eventually, he dialed the manager's number but his calls went unanswered.

Lilah savored her tea with unhurried grace.

The tea bestowed by this exclusive establishment boasted an exquisite quality.

Elena and the male bodyguard assumed a discreet stance off to the side, their silence rendering them nearly imperceptible. Yet, individuals of their caliber possessed rarefied expertise in the art of concealment, transcending as virtuosos within their chosen vocation.

When Lilah observed how they bested Chris' four bodyguards a moment ago, a profound sense of contentment washed over her countenance.

She even began to speculate whether the domain of personal protection had morphed into a fierce arena of competition.

“Why the hesitation, Mr. Gates? Have your reinforcements forsaken you?"