"Ha-ha-ha!" Baron threw his head back in laughter, holding his glass aloft. "Well then, we really should have met earlier. Here's to Ms. Jarvis, may our future interactions be nothing but pleasant!" Eugene was quick to interject, "Sylvia's not feeling well, so I'll toast to Mr. Barlow on her behalf."

Baron's smile remained, but his eyes had turned icy, the kind of cold one reserves for a rival. "Eugene, playing the knight in shining armor, are we?"

Eugene, ever the picture of grace, spoke plainly, "Indeed. Sylvia's stunning, and naturally, that attracts some unsavory attention."

Baron's smile had a mocking edge. "And what role do you play in Ms. Jarvis's life? Boyfriend?"

Eugene's face soured slightly, "Just friends. Is that a problem?"

Baron chuckled dismissively, "No problem at all! Of course, Ms. Jarvis has a lot of friends. I wonder where you stand in line, Eugene?"

"As friends, there's no first or last," Sylvia chimed in, lifting her glass. "Here's to both of you for considering me a friend."

glass and drained it in

Eugene had no choice but to follow suit

the tension, deftly changed the subject. Baron, knowing better than to

everyone to continue the evening with drinks and karaoke. Sylvia didn't want any more interaction with Baron. Usually, she'd make up an excuse and leave, but tonight, she

Gabriel also

so, they all ended

room, the hostesses that Baron had arranged were already

casual smile, "You go entertain Dannis and the others. I

glanced at Sylvia with a hint of appeasement, "I usually bring clients here. It's all just an act. If I'm not entertaining clients, I couldn't be less

out a scornful laugh and

himself,

Sylvia, "What do you

pale shade of anger. He had no choice but to shift away, putting more distance between himself

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