People in the booth were still enjoying themselves—chatting, laughing, getting to know one another. The atmosphere felt so lively just like a real Friday night should feel. While everyone was immersed in their own conversations, Tara remained unconscious, her head resting gently on Cain's shoulder.
No one paid much attention—until suddenly, Tara's favorite song began to play.
As if pulled by instinct, she stirred awake.
Slowly, she lifted her head, stood up, and without a word, began to sway to the rhythm. Within seconds, she was completely lost in the music, her body moving effortlessly as she danced.
"What in the world… the cold Miss Logan can actually dance?" Jade commented, his voice laced with disbelief.
Tiana, standing beside him, scoffed lightly. "Tara has always been a bubbly extrovert," she said nonchalantly. "I just don't know what happened. Three years ago, she completely changed. The person you all see now… is the result of whatever happened back then."
Jade nodded slowly, acknowledging her words, but chose not to comment further.
Meanwhile, as Cain, Jade, and the others watched Tara lose herself in the music, her phone began to buzz on the table.
Tiana glanced at it—
And froze.
The moment she saw the caller's name, all traces of alcohol left her system.
"Tara," she called out urgently.
But Tara was too lost in the music to hear her.
Without hesitation, Tiana grabbed the phone and walked over to her. Leaning close, she handed it to Tara and whispered the caller's name.
The effect was immediate.
Tara stilled.
All traces of ease vanished from her face as she sobered instantly. Without a word, she took the phone and walked out of the booth, heading straight for the bathroom.
The entire time, Cain watched her.
Quietly. Intently.
Without drawing attention, he stood and followed—keeping his distance.
Inside the bathroom, Tara went straight to the sink. She turned on the tap and splashed cold water onto her face, grounding herself.
Only after a few steady breaths did she answer the call.
"What took you so long to answer?" a cold voice demanded from the other end.
Tara didn't respond immediately. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself.
"…Hello, Matriarch."
"Tara," the voice cut in sharply. "I'm not in the mood for pleasantries. I'll get straight to the point. I want you at the old house tomorrow. Exactly 7 a.m."
Tara's grip on the phone tightened.
She already knew what that meant.
"Matriarch," she began carefully, "I don't mean to be rude or disrespectful, but I can't come to the old house tomorrow. I have to travel to City A for a business meeting. I won't be back until the next day—or possibly late in the evening, if everything goes well."
A pause.
"Is that the excuse you're giving me for not wanting to come?" the voice asked coldly.
"Of course not, Matriarch. I'm only stating the truth."
Another pause.
"…Fine."
The call ended.
The moment the line went dead, Tara immediately dialed her secretary.
The phone rang twice.
"Hello…" Kelly's sleepy voice answered.
"Hey, Kelly. Sorry for disturbing you, but I need a favor. Book me a flight to City A."
"Are you going there for something, Miss Logan?"
"Yes. I'm heading to the ANOX headquarters to finalize the contract and materials. Include all project necessities and activities."
"But I thought you postponed it because of the party this weekend?"
"Don't ask too many questions. Just book the flight—and push the meeting to 8 a.m."
"…How long will you be staying?"
"Make it a week. I'll work from City A."
"Okay, Miss. But what should I tell Chief Logan if he asks about you?"
"Tell him I have urgent work related to the project."
A brief pause.
"If there's nothing else, I'm ending the call."
"Understood, Miss."
"Good."
She hung up.
For a few minutes, Tara stayed where she was—calming herself, steadying her nerves—before finally leaving the bathroom.
Unbeknownst to her, Cain had been in the men's restroom the entire time.
Listening.
The moment he heard the door open from the ladies' side, he stepped out as well and made his way back to the booth.
He returned to his seat.
"Bro, where were you?" Jade asked.
Cain simply raised an eyebrow, offering no reply.
Before Jade could press further, someone who had just come in spoke up, "He just went to the bathroom. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were his boyfriend with all those questions."
Laughter erupted.
At that moment, Tara walked back in—and her eyes met Cain's.
For a brief second, the world around them faded.
Then the laughter broke the moment.
Tiana nudged Tara lightly. "Girl, what did the old man say?"
Tara glanced at her, amused. "He wants me at the old house for a talk."
"And your reply?" Tiana asked skeptically.
Tara chuckled softly. "I told him I couldn't make it—I have a business meeting. You know he won't argue once he hears that."
"Wow. These people really know how to leech off you," Tiana muttered, annoyed.
Tara said nothing.
"Oh! Before I forget—what about your engagement with that jerk?" Tiana added, taking another sip of alcohol.
"Have you forgotten? It's not my engagement," Tara replied calmly. "And I already told them I'm not getting engaged. Something happened."
"Oh? What happened?" Tiana asked, curiosity piqued.
"Well… there was an incident at the celebratory party about a week ago concerning me and—"
Her phone buzzed.
A message from Kelly.
Flight booked for 6 a.m. Meeting scheduled for 10 a.m.
"…Give me a moment," Tara said. "I need to make a call."
She stepped outside again and dialed Kelly.
"Hello, Miss."
"What's going on with the 10 a.m. meeting and the flight?"
"Oh—I just received a message from the CEO of ANOX. The meeting can only be held at 10 a.m. As for the flight, I thought you might need some rest before leaving."
"…Alright."
Tara ended the call.
She returned inside, grabbed her coat.
"Girl, are you leaving already?" Tiana asked, slightly drunk.
"Yes, love. I have work later," Tara said gently. "But I promise—I'll make it up to you once I'm free."
She hugged Tiana warmly.
"Oh! And don't forget to tell K.C she owes me for not showing up today!" Tiana added.
Tara smiled faintly.
Then she left.
The moment she was gone, Cain stood up.
"Where are you going?" Jade asked, confused.
"Leaving," Cain replied curtly.
Jade quickly followed behind him. "What exactly is bothering you today? Can't you just sit still for once?"
Cain stopped.
Slowly, he turned and looked at Jade—his gaze cold enough to silence him instantly.
Jade raised both hands in surrender, taking a step back. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry. Happy?"
Cain said nothing.
He simply turned—
And kept walking.