It was midnightin Manhattan ,
The Elysian Club was a temple of modern decadence. The walls were lined with black marble and crushed velvet. The sound system pumped a heavy, hypnoticbassline that vibrated throughthe floorboards.
The Apex racingteam had completely taken over the venue Hundreds of people were packed onto the dance floor. Waitresses in black corsets carried sparkler-lit bottles of Ace of Spades champagne through the crowd like glowingtorches.
Anissa sat in the supreme VIP booth, a massive, circular leather banquette suspended on a glass balcony overlooking the dance floor. She had taken off her leather jacket, revealing the tight black tank top. She held & crystal glass of sparkling weter, watching the thaos below with detached amusement.
Forrest was completely drunk He was standing on a table inthe corner of the booth, wearing his silver trophy on his head like a hat, singing loudly with his mechanics.
Suddenly, a violent commotion broke out at the velvet rope guardingthe entrance to the VIP balcony.
Anissa narrowed her eyes.
Two massive bouncers in black suits were physically restraining a man Who was trying to force his way up the stairs. His suit was wrinkled, his tie was loss; and his face was red with alcohol and fags.
It was Brendan.
He had somehow managed to get past the main door by tailgating a groupof oblivious sponsors, then bluffed his way upthe grand staircase. until he was finally stopped at the velvet rope guardingthe VIP balcony, screaming at the staff and causing a massive scene, driven by a ‘masochistic need to see the wealth he had been denied.
“Let me go!" Brendan shouted, strugglingagainst the bouncers ‘| am her brother! | am Brendan Roy! Let me in there!”
The bouncers didnt even blink They pr epared to throw him down the 0.0% 1520 8)
Anissa raised her hand, extendinga single finger.
The bouncers saw the gesture. They immediately released Brendan and st epped aside.
Brendan stumbled onto the glass balcony. He looked around at the staggering display of wealth-the towers of champagne, the imported caviar, the sheer exclusivity of the space. His eyes bumed with a toxic mixture of greed and intense jealousy.
He marched over to Anissa's table, tryingto pull his ruineddignity around himlike a cloak.
“This is disgusting" Brendan spat, pointinghis finger at the champagne bottles. “You are out of your mind, Anissa. Do you have any idea what this place costs? You're playing with fire.
Forrest heard the shouting He jumped down from the table, his face flushing with anger. ‘Brendan, get the hell out of here. | told you to stay away from her”
“Shut up, Forrest!’ Brendan snapped. He turned back to Anissa, his eyes. ‘wide and frantic. “You think you're so powerful because you have that black card? You rea fool! Harding Snow is a ruthless businessman When he finds out you're blowing millions of his money on a trashy party for mechanics, he will throw you out on the street! You'll have nothing Brendan was desperate for it to betrue. He needed Anissa to fall so he could feel tall again.
Anissa didnt say a word, She just looked at him with profound pity.
Just then, the general manager of Elysian approached the table. He was wearing a flawless tuxedo. He carried a silver tray lined with red velvet. He completely ignored Brendan, bowingde eply to Anissa.
“Madam, the manager said softly. “The preliminary tab for the evening. Whenever you are ready."
Anissa didn't even look at the piece of paper. 'Run the card."
Brendan, however, couldn't help himself. He leaned forward, his eyes lockingonto the printed receipt resting on the silver tray.
His breath caught in his throat. His face turned the color of chalk.