Under the Veil I Rule
Chapter 239

Lucian murmured, "She told me before we were supposed to get married. Her family had set her up with someone else. She resisted at first, but eventually, her father threatened to end his life if she didn't comply, so she agreed.

Then she called me to break up. I was on set filming at the time, but I immediately asked for leave from the director and flew back to see her. I tried convincing her family for three days straight, but they just wouldn't approve of me. I had no choice but to come back."

"Why wouldn't they agree?" Elysia asked, puzzled. "You seem like a pretty decent guy."

"They thought being an actor in a sleazy place like Wye meant I'd picked up bad habits. They refused to accept me. She's a good person and very filial. Even though she knew her parents' views were outdated, she still obeyed them in the end."

"Ah, I see," Elysia said awkwardly.

"At least she was honest with you and didn't hide anything. She's a decent girl, just too dutiful to her parents. But what's done is done. She's married now, and you should try to move on."

Lucian nodded. "I'll do my best to forget her."

In the dimly lit lounge of a club, Finnian and Dorian sat on the central couch. Surrounding them were a few affluent young men from Wye, including Hogan and Dorian's cousin, Arnold.

Everyone was drinking and chatting animatedly, except for Finnian, who had been quiet and contemplative since they arrived. He barely touched his drink, seemingly lost in thought.

A knock sounded at the door, and Dorian called out, "Come in."

The club owner entered with a group of glamorously dressed women, nudging them forward, saying, "Go keep these gentlemen entertained. They're all high rollers, so make sure you impress them."

The owner then smiled at the men, reminding them to enjoy the drinks and call him if they needed anything before closing the door behind him.

These women

were seasoned at

working the room, immediately taking seats next to the men and skillfully pouring drinks as sweet words flowed effortlessly from their lips, quickly warming up the atmosphere.

The woman next to Finnian was dressed in a silver bodycon dress, with heavy makeup and noticeable cosmetic enhancements. She was attractive overall, but Finnian found the strong scent of her perfume overwhelming and wasn't fond of such heavy makeup.

Introducing herself as Luna, she poured a drink and handed it to Finnian with both hands, addressing him as Mr. Everly, mentioning how she'd seen him in financial news and that he looked even more handsome in person.

Finnian nodded slightly, gesturing to the table with his chin to indicate he wasn't drinking. Luna, catching the hint, placed the glass down discreetly.

Finnian's demeanor remained calm, and Luna kept her distance, though she continued to engage him in conversation.

For every few sentences Luna spoke, Finnian would only respond with a word or two, unlike the other men, who were animatedly chatting with the women beside them, creating a lively exchange.

Finnian's aloofness made them stand out, and Luna's smile began to falter as she realized she wasn't getting through to him.

As the night wore on and drinks flowed, half the men in the lounge were drunk, while the rest were at least tipsy.