Elora followed Lucas into the elevator, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived at the exclusive Astral View Club, located on the 48th floor.
The Astral View Club is a luxurious and private haven, offering a combination of fine dining, entertainment, leisure, gambling, and fitness facilities. What is truly breathtaking, however, is the grand swimming pool on its 60th floor, which spans the size of two football fields. The pool is level with the floor, creating the illusion that the water could cascade down to the levels below—an epitome of opulence.
Access to the Astral View Club is highly restricted, requiring a smart card for entry. The cards come in three colors—black, red, and white—and the color of the card signifies the holder's status. Both Elora and Lucas possess the coveted black card.
Upon entering the private dining room, Elora immediately spotted a familiar face—Milo.
"Miss Carter, long time no see," Milo greeted with a smile.
"Hello, Mr. Donovan. It's good to see you again," Elora replied, nodding at him with a warm smile.
"Come over here," Lucas gestured for Elora to sit beside him, clearly annoyed at the sight of her smiling at Milo.
Elora, undeterred, promptly sat beside Lucas. Everyone present in the room was from their social circle, and Elora was well-acquainted with them.
The meal for the evening was Chinese cuisine, and Elora was thrilled to see her favorite spicy clams on the table.
Without hesitation, Lucas picked up a spicy clam and placed it in Elora's bowl. Seeing that everyone else had started eating, Elora decided not to be coy and ate the dish Lucas had served her.
Lucas watched in quiet satisfaction as Elora devoured the food he had picked for her. A sense of contentment filled him, and he continued to serve her more dishes.
"Ah, Elora, perhaps you should keep an eye on your fiancé. He's been serving you all the food, and what are we supposed to eat? Even if you two are affectionate, you can't be flaunting your love like this. Have you thought about how the single folks feel?" Liam, sitting beside Lucas, couldn't help but notice how attentive Lucas was toward Elora. He couldn't resist indulging in a bit of gossip.
"Ah-choo!" Elora, startled by his comment, was caught off guard and choked on a chili. She quickly grabbed a large glass of water, drinking it down to alleviate the discomfort. The water tasted oddly sweet, with a hint of fragrance, but she didn't give it much thought.
"Liam, eat your own food and keep your comments to yourself," Lucas said softly, rubbing Elora's back without even looking at Liam.
Liam shrugged, unconcerned. After all, the potential marriage between the Ridge and Carter families wasn't exactly a secret. His offhand remark wasn't anything new, and he couldn't help but notice how Lucas was looking out for Elora.
"So, where are we heading next?" Liam eagerly asked after the meal.
"Anywhere. I'm fine with whatever," Lucas responded indifferently.
"Let's watch a boxing match, and maybe even place a bet," Liam suggested, referencing one of the gambling options at the Astral View Club—betting on the outcomes of boxing matches.
"I'm not going. I'm feeling a bit unwell and want to head back early," Elora quietly declined, her head spinning since she had drunk the water earlier. She had hoped to power through, but now she not only felt dizzy but also had a slight headache.
"Are you alright? Why the sudden dizziness?" Lucas asked, his voice full of concern.
"I don't know... my head hurts so much," Elora replied, looking unwell.
"You guys go ahead; put the bill on my tab. I'll take her home," Lucas said to the group, his voice gentle as he helped Elora up, guiding her out without looking at the others.
"Mr. Ridge, allow me to assist," Lucas's driver approached as they exited the club, eager to take over.
"No need, I'll handle it. You stay in the car and wait for me," Lucas said firmly, avoiding the driver's hand. He didn't want anyone else touching Elora.
Carefully, Lucas helped Elora toward the car, but she stubbornly refused to get in.
"Lucas, why is your car moving?" Elora asked, looking puzzled as she stared at him.
Lucas glanced at her. Her fair cheeks were flushed with a soft, delicate pink, and her hair had become slightly disheveled, falling in loose strands. Her lips were slightly pouted, and her eyes, usually so lively, now appeared distant and unfocused—like a deep, mysterious pool, radiating a seductive allure. The sight stirred something within him, making him feel an unexpected warmth.
"Lora, what did you drink? You're drunk," Lucas said, realization dawning on him. If he couldn't figure this out, he'd be a fool.
"What did I drink? I didn't! I only had that big cup of water after choking, but it was so nice! It tasted sweet and had a floral fragrance," Elora said, obliviously smacking her lips.
"That wasn't water. That was rum!" Lucas thought, facepalming inwardly. No wonder she was drunk. "Sweetheart, let's get into the car. I'll take you home."
"I don't want to. Are you going to abandon me and send me away?" Elora pouted, reluctant to comply.
"Where did that come from? I'm not abandoning you. You're drunk, and I'm taking you home," Lucas said, his heart amused and exasperated by her antics.
"You're lying to me," Elora sobbed as she spoke, her words coming out in a sniffle.