Candace Xu dated Sebastien throughout her university years, and they made a vow to marry each other after graduation. But on the day of their graduation, Sebastien took her best friend as his plus-one and publicly embarrassed Candace as a despicable girl. Candace felt heartbroken and humiliated. After three years, when Candace crossed paths with Sebastien again, she noticed he still had lingering feelings for her. But Candace wasn't the naive and sweet girl from years back-she was everything he hated and once called despicable.
Chapter 1 001
As the streetlights flickered on, the city of M City was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, signaling the start of its bustling nightlife.
At Crystal Club, Candace Xu stood at the entrance of private room 305, holding a few bottles of red wine. Dressed in her work uniform, a flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes. Still, she had no choice-especially since Sebastien Lior was supposed to be here tonight.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and knocked gently on the door.
All eyes inside the room turned as she stepped in.
Her gaze scanned quickly-Sebastien wasn't there. A trace of disappointment clouded her expression. She had heard earlier that he'd be here tonight to negotiate business with Mr. Grants. While Grants was already present, Sebastien was nowhere to be seen. Had he not arrived yet?
While she stood there, lost in thought, the round-faced Mr. Grants, seated at the center, waved at her impatiently.
"Waitress, what's taking so long with the wine? Don't just stand there-get in here!"
A sleazy-looking man beside him glanced over and snickered, "Grants, this one's a knockout. Looks like you're in for a great night."
Though the room already had a few heavily made-up hostesses, none of them could compare to Candace's natural, fresh-faced beauty.
Upon closer look, Grants found her even more appealing. His gaze grew increasingly lecherous.
The man beside him, clearly up to no good, grabbed Candace's arm and yanked her into the room, seating her right beside Mr. Grants.
"Come on, give Grants a rundown of the wine. What's so special about them?"
As he spoke, he brazenly tried to grope her back.
Candace was mortified. Squeezed between two men in an already cramped sofa, she was flustered and uncomfortable. Grants, his interest piqued, shamelessly placed a greasy hand on her thigh.
Startled, Candace almost dropped the wine tray. She quickly stood and placed the bottles on the table, apologizing, "Let me introduce the wine first."
With practiced grace, she set the tray down, uncorked a bottle, poured a glass, and explained the red wine calmly. It was part of her job, and she took it seriously. But her professionalism only made Grants more intrigued.
As she leaned forward slightly, showcasing her graceful figure, Grants suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his lap.
Completely caught off guard, Candace lost her balance, and red wine splashed across her white blouse, soaking it and making the undergarment underneath visible. Grants' eyes burned with desire as his hands roamed across her back.
"Standing while serving is so dull," he grinned. "Isn't it better like this?" He leaned in, breathing heavily against her neck.
Candace struggled, her voice firm and angry. "I'm not for sale. Let go of me."
She may be a bar waitress, but she wasn't some plaything. Still, Grants paid no mind. Their brief struggle disheveled her clothes even more. As she glanced around the room at the amused onlookers, her heart sank.
Bam!
The door burst open.
Everyone turned toward the sudden noise-including Candace.
When she saw the tall figure at the door, dusty from travel, her entire body froze.
Sebastien Lior...
After three years, he still looked as noble and magnetic as ever-the man who once occupied her heart.
> "Candace, I'll love and protect you forever. I'll never let you be hurt."
His words from that night still echoed clearly in her mind.
Her eyes grew misty as she stared blankly at the man before her. His gaze was sharp, cold as steel, sweeping over her face like a blade, slicing through the memories she had buried. Her fingers curled tightly into her palms, trying to suppress the sorrow inside her.
Sebastien's deep, magnetic voice rang out: "Mr. Grants, my apologies for being late. Traffic was terrible-I hope you understand."
"Oh, Sebastien, don't be so polite. We're brothers here-come on, sit down!"
Even as Grants spoke, he didn't let go of Candace, still clutching her tightly.
Sebastien entered the room, his expression unreadable. The man beside Grants quickly gave up his seat for him.
Candace kept her head bowed, not daring to meet his eyes. She knew he must've seen everything.
She didn't even know how to react. After three long years, their first meeting was in such a humiliating situation.
As Sebastien sat beside Grants, her chest tightened painfully. She shifted, trying to get up, but Grants only gripped her tighter. He gave Sebastien a sly grin.
"Sebastien, they say M City is full of beautiful women, and I can see that now. Even a bar like this can turn out such elegant gems."
As he spoke, his hand slid along Candace's thigh.
Candace was about to jump away in panic when she heard Sebastien's voice, cool and mocking:
"Grants, maybe you don't realize-sometimes the prettier they are on the outside, the filthier they are inside. Looks can be very deceiving."
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