Chapter 31 Male Revue
Elizabeth carried the groceries back home.
"Elizabeth, what took you so long? If you hadn't come back soon, I was about to start calling people to look for you."
Quinton took the bag from her, leaning on his cane as he made his way into the kitchen.
"Stopped to look around a bit," she replied.
She glanced up at the clock on the wall, her cheeks warming as she remembered the hour spent in Timothy's car. "It's so stifling today… I'm going to take a shower first."
From the kitchen came the sound of running water as Quinton began washing vegetables.
Elizabeth showered quickly, the sticky discomfort on her skin finally easing.
When she stepped out, she noticed a message from Mabel.
Mabel: [Elizabeth, eating alone feels so lonely. Can I come over tonight and share your table?]
Elizabeth smiled as she typed back: [You're welcome. Come on over.]
She opened her bedroom door, leaned out, and called, "Quinton, make one more dish. Mabel's coming for dinner."
"Alright," he answered.
Elizabeth booted up her laptop and opened her inbox. Among the latest emails was one from Tom—the man who had approached her about commissioning songs. She knew instantly who they were for: Sherry.
Even if he offered more, she wasn't selling.
She replied, declining the request.
When Mabel arrived for dinner, she blushed every time she saw Quinton.
Mabel was hopelessly obsessed with looks.
Once she learned that Quinton had cooked everything, she took a bite and exclaimed, "This is so good!"
Elizabeth found her delight amusing.
Quinton ate with his usual calm and said, "Thank you. If you like it, have more."
After dinner, Mabel volunteered to wash the dishes.
Elizabeth, worried she might not know how, followed her into the kitchen.
"Elizabeth, since Mr. Robinson isn't around, I want to take you somewhere tonight. Want to come?" Mabel lowered her voice, her eyes sparkling as she smiled.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and nodded.
Why only when he wasn't around? Where could she possibly want to go that he'd try to stop her?
Later that evening, Silverlight City was ablaze with lights. In some parts of town, the night was just hitting its stride.
Mabel led Elizabeth with practiced ease into Dream House.
Both women had sharply dressed bodyguards trailing them—a presence that radiated security.
Inside, Mabel told the bodyguards to sit at another table.
Elizabeth had never imagined she'd set foot in a place like this.
It was the ultimate playground for wealthy women — a male revue in the club, the music pulsing under sultry lights.
On stage, two men—bare-chested, their low-slung pants threatening to slip—moved with provocative precision, hips rolling in time with the beat.
Mabel clapped excitedly and asked, "Elizabeth, what do you think? Like anyone? We can order one to join us for drinks."
Elizabeth cleared her throat, giving a thumbs-up. "Impressive. But… are you sure it's okay for you to be here?"
Mabel was Manuel's wife, after all.
Elizabeth couldn't help worrying.
"Relax," Mabel said with a wink. "As long as I'm not physically cheating, Manuel doesn't care."
That reassurance settled Elizabeth's concern.
They agreed on who to invite over.
Mabel chose Number 5; Elizabeth picked Number 1.
Number 1 was pure muscle, while Number 5 carried an air of sophistication.
The two bodyguards assigned to protect Elizabeth exchanged glances but stayed silent. They wouldn't tell Timothy what Mabel and Elizabeth were up to.
Here, asking for company meant footing the bill for expensive bottles.
Elizabeth and Mabel ordered drinks but didn't touch them—the men were there to talk.
Everything was going smoothly until an unwelcome figure appeared.
Mindy walked in with friends, passing their table. Spotting Elizabeth, she smirked. "Elizabeth? Never thought you'd come here for a show."
Her gaze flicked to the two male companions. She let out a short laugh. "Guess taking the Johnson family's money really has made life sweet for you."
Mabel frowned. "Who is she? Bad breath—don't get so close."
Elizabeth chuckled. "She's my ex-husband's sister. And yes, her mouth is pretty foul."
The blunt exchange made Mindy's face darken.
Her pretty features hardened. She hadn't met Mabel before. "Who are you? I'm talking to Elizabeth—why are you butting in?"
Mabel said, lips pouting. "You're ruining our view. Leave."
Mindy laughed in disbelief. "This isn't your private club. You tell me to leave, I'll stay. In fact, I think you two should get out."
The Johnson family was one of Silverlight City's elite.
Dream House belonged to Matthew Sutter, a notorious playboy. The Sutter family would never offend the Johnsons.
Mindy thought Elizabeth was overstepping—just a Howard family stepdaughter, emboldened only by Timothy's backing.
Elizabeth poured Mabel a glass of juice. "Mabel, enjoy the show. I'll handle her."
Since the trouble had started because of her, she wouldn't let Mabel do the fighting.
Elizabeth's gaze slid to Mindy, her lips curling into a smile. "The Johnson family gave me plenty of money. Of course life's sweet. But I'm no longer part of them, so stop trying to throw your weight around. Doesn't it feel pathetic?"
Mindy's first reaction was to lift her hand to slap Elizabeth.
Elizabeth grabbed a glass of juice from the table and flung it into Mindy's face.
"You bitch!" Mindy screamed.
Sticky juice dripped down her cheeks, making her wild with anger.
Her friends, who'd been enjoying the show, rushed over with napkins.
Mabel glared at Mindy, her dislike plain.
Dream House's manager, Beck, hurried over, cursing his luck. Matthew had chosen tonight to inspect the place, and now guests were fighting.
"Beck, perfect timing. Throw these two women out. Put tonight's damages on my tab," Mindy ordered.
She hurled her napkin at Elizabeth, who leaned aside to dodge.
Mindy's eyes caught on Elizabeth's bandaged hand, hanging from a sling around her neck. Her gaze sharpened, and she swung her handbag toward it.
Elizabeth stepped back, bodyguards moving in to shield her and Mabel.
"So you brought bodyguards? Think you're tough?" Mindy sneered, turning to Beck. "Kick them out."
The other young women with Mindy chimed in. "They're ruining the show. Get them out."
Beck glanced at Mabel—Matthew had personally told him to treat her well.
No way was he throwing her out.
When Beck called Matthew, the man was resting in his office.
"Mr. Sutter, Miss Simpson's guest is in a conflict with Miss Johnson."
"Where are they? I'll go."
Timothy had told him to look after Mabel, who was a regular at Dream House.
But when Matthew arrived and saw Elizabeth at her side, he went silent.
She had come here too?
If Timothy found out, would Dream House survive?