The pulsating bass of the club reverberated through Armando's chest as he walked through the dimly lit corridors of *Nocturne*, his most exclusive nightclub. The air was heavy with the scent of expensive cologne, top-shelf whiskey, and something darker—an undercurrent of tension he couldn’t quite place.
It wasn’t just business tonight. Armando needed a distraction. Jessica’s image, frail and distant, had been gnawing at his mind all day. No matter how much he drowned himself in work or whiskey, her absence left a void that nothing could fill.
“Boss, everything’s running smoothly tonight,” Alexander said as they approached the VIP lounge.
Armando gave a curt nod, his dark eyes scanning the crowd. He was in no mood for pleasantries or small talk. He stepped into the lounge, the velv
