Chapter 22: A Call Whore on Demand
Nicole's POV
As expected, Shier still loved Wendy so much that he casually gave her the sky-high "gift" I had sent him.
However, since I had anticipated this outcome, I wasn't particularly surprised.
I pulled at the corner of my mouth and let out a scornful laugh.
"Wendy, I don't know what you're planning to do with that watch, but if you want to trace who purchased it, go right ahead."
I paused, my gaze sweeping up and down, contemptuously taking in the seemingly expensive but tasteless dress she wore.
"However, I'll kindly remind you that with your status..."
I deliberately drew out the tone, "the salespeople at those top luxury boutiques probably won't even give you a second glance."
Forget about her, even if you added up all the assets of the entire Gerald family, they probably couldn't afford that watch.
"You!" Wendy was so infuriated by my disdainful attitude.
I had no desire to waste words with her and turned back to my room.
Hodgson was right.
It's time for me to teach Wendy a lesson; otherwise, she'd just keep thinking I was still the same Nicole who could be manipulated at will.
She was just an adopted daughter, what right did she have to oppose me?!
Just then, my phone rang abruptly.
Hodgson's name flashed on the screen.
My thumb hovered over the decline button, but I couldn't bring myself to press it. Thinking of that watch, I could only grit my teeth and swipe to answer.
"Hodgson, what’s up?"
"Tomorrow night at eight, come find me at the 'Night' Club." He commanded.
"What am I supposed to do there?" I frowned.
I seemed to have heard of this club before. It was Astoria's most upscale club, where many high society people gathered.
"You'll know when you get there." He laughed, deliberately not revealing the reason, and hung up right after.
Listening to the busy tone on my phone, I wished I could smash it into Hodgson's face.
"Shit!"
The next evening, I secretly slipped out without telling anyone at home and took a cab to the 'Night' Club.
Eric was already waiting for me at the club entrance. When he saw me, he nodded respectfully and led me inside.
The club's decor was extremely upscale, with a pleasant perfume scent lingering in the air.
The carpet beneath my feet was so thick it made no sound at all. The walls were hung with artwork I didn't understand, each piece illuminated by perfectly positioned lighting, making them appear very expensive.
Eric brought me to a private room door and pushed it open for me.
"Miss Nicole, Mr. Hodgson has been waiting for you for quite a while."
The lighting inside the room was somewhat dim. I pushed the door open, and the first person I saw was Hodgson.
He was lounging lazily on the sofa, a cigarette between his fingers.
Across from him sat a balding man, probably in his forties or fifties, and beside that man sat two blonde-haired, blue-eyed young women dressed revealingly.
When the balding man saw me, the smile on his face paused for a moment, then he turned to Hodgson and asked in an almost ingratiating tone.
"Mr. Hodgson, this young lady is...?"
Hodgson didn't acknowledge him, not even bothering to give him a glance.
From the moment I entered, his gaze had been fixed on me the entire time.
He lifted his chin toward me. "Come here, Nicole. Sit beside me."
I instantly understood his meaning.
Damn it!
He actually treated me like those two women, like a call whore he could summon at will?!
Anger made my heart constrict. I turned to leave, but he called out to stop me.
"Nicole!"
Hodgson's voice came from behind me, tinged with displeasure.
"What the hell are you angry about?"
I stopped in my tracks, turned around, and shouted at him in frustration.
"Shit! Hodgson, if you want to call a woman to keep you company, I can pay to get one for you, but you can't humiliate me like this!"
The room suddenly became very quiet.
The balding man and the two women beside him looked at me in shock, probably not expecting anyone to dare speak to Hodgson in such a tone.
Hodgson narrowed his eyes dangerously.
He stood up and walked toward me, until he had backed me against the door, then leaned down and whispered in my ear.
"Nicole, recognize the current situation. You're the one asking me for help. I'm giving you one more chance to reorganize your words."
I opened my mouth but couldn't utter a word. My chest, full of anger, suddenly deflated.
He was right. I was the one who needed his help. I shouldn't be willful.
Hodgson's patience was limited. If I angered him, forget about getting the watch back; he'd very likely make my situation even worse.
I closed my eyes and gave up resisting.
Satisfied with my submission, he took my hand and returned to the sofa. After sitting down himself, he patted his thigh.
I understood his hint.
Under the gaze of the balding man and the two women, I obediently sat on his lap and wrapped my arm around his shoulder.
The balding man froze for a moment, then immediately put on an ingratiating smile.
"Haha, Mr. Hodgson, no wonder you weren't willing to call women to keep you company tonight. Turns out you already had someone."
His words made me feel disgusted. So, did Hodgson come to 'Night' Club often and call prostitutes?
Hodgson didn't speak, just curved his lips into a smile, which served as his response.
He wrapped one arm around my waist, and with his other hand continued smoking while discussing business with this Mr. Carlos in front of him.
I listened for a few sentences. The content seemed to be about port cargo and some underground transactions, but I wasn't interested at all.
Hodgson seemed to be in a good mood, so they quickly reached a cooperation agreement.
"Mr. Carlos," Hodgson stubbed out his cigarette, "let's leave it here for today."
"Alright, Mr. Hodgson, you go ahead with your business." Carlos immediately stood up and left with the two women.
Hodgson pinched my cheek and instructed, "Wait here obediently for me to come back. Don't wander off."
With that, he also stood up and walked out, leaving me alone in the entire private room.
I didn't know what exactly he was going to do and could only helplessly stay in the room.
Before long, the door was pushed open.
Thinking Hodgson had returned, I looked up, only to see a woman walking in. It was one of the two blonde women who had been by Carlos's side.
She seemed to be called Julie.
Her makeup was somewhat smudged, her expression full of terror.
Seeing me, Julie looked as if she'd found a lifeline and rushed toward me, grabbing my hand.
"Miss Nicole, please save me."