C36 No Sleeping Night

The infamous temptress Su Daji of ancient lore, who ensnared King Zhou and excised the heart of the loyal minister Bi Gan, has been reviled by generations to come.

Bao Si, Xia Ji, Zhao Hede, Empress Zhao Feiyan, and Lady Zhen... they were all renowned seductresses.

Their beauty brought calamities upon their nations and people.

While a woman's beauty can be a delight to behold, when it escalates to the level of national disaster, it becomes a transgression.

The woman before him could captivate any man...

Westley made no attempt to hide the longing in his gaze, staring at her so intently he nearly salivated.

This beauty, akin to a legendary temptress, suddenly turned her head to look at Westley.

A seductive smile played at the corners of her mouth.

Westley's heart skipped a beat. She was a master at allure.

She then slipped on a pair of black sunglasses, swayed her hips, and sashayed into the Golden Palace with poise.

As she crossed the threshold, nearly every attendant bowed in deference, not daring to gaze directly at her stunning visage.

It wasn't just the men who were spellbound.

Sienna, herself a woman of striking figure and looks, was taken aback by her beauty.

True beauty captivates all.

Under his girlfriend's watchful eye, Ethan withdrew his fervent stare with reluctance.

When he caught sight of Westley, he nearly burst into laughter.

Westley appeared utterly bewitched, his eyes still fixed on the entrance of the Golden Palace.

Little did he know, Westley wasn't lost in thoughts of the beauty; he was quietly assessing the security detail at the palace entrance.

Eight greeters, twelve guards, and a host of waitstaff stood at the ready.

The Golden Palace was truly formidable!

"Westley, do you know who that woman is, the one who just walked in?" Ethan asked, feigning mystery.

"Who is she?" Westley played along.

"That's Charlotte, the power behind the Golden Palace," Ethan revealed.

Westley nodded nonchalantly.

Her name wasn't particularly melodious.

It certainly couldn't hold a candle to Olivia's.

Ethan's irritation flared at Westley's indifferent reaction.

"Despite being a woman, her tactics are formidable. Rumor has it she was the confidante of Derrick, the legendary kingpin of Lindzac City."

"After Derrick passed away, she continued to manage his affairs. The Golden Palace is just one of her many assets. She's got nearly half of Lindzac's entertainment sector under her thumb."

"Lindzac boasts three roses. Olivia is the white rose, Charlotte the red, and Iris the black. Each one is coveted by the city's elite."

Ethan had the air of an entertainment gossip journalist.

Westley was somewhat taken aback to find his wife also made the cut.

But then again, he figured it made sense.

Given her savvy business acumen and stunning beauty, it would be odd if Olivia wasn't on the list.

Ethan was thoroughly pleased with Westley's reaction.

"Just stick with me, and I'll get you inside," Ethan said, clapping him on the shoulder with a meaningful look.

Westley just touched his nose and offered a wry smile, not adding any comment.

As they approached the entrance, a towering security guard blocked their path.

"Do you have a membership card?" he inquired, his tone courteous but all business.

Westley was caught off guard. They needed a membership card to get in?

"My cousin is Marlon, the head of your security," Ethan quickly interjected.

"You're Marlon's cousin?" The guard raised an eyebrow.

"Yes!" Ethan offered up a premium cigarette.

Taking the cigarette, the guard's demeanor softened. "Go on in. But remember, the clientele here is upscale—you can't afford to rub anyone the wrong way. If trouble arises, even your cousin can't save you."

"Thanks a lot," Ethan said, nodding vigorously.

Once inside, they were greeted by a corridor ablaze with lights.

"You're in luck following me. The Golden Palace operates on a membership basis; patrons have to drop half a million to join," Ethan explained.

"Half a million?" Sienna's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Absolutely. It's not a place for the average Joe."

Ethan cast a sidelong glance at Westley as he spoke.

Westley walked in silence, his footsteps echoing softly in the passageway. As they emerged, the grandeur of the Golden Emperor Palace unfolded before their eyes, a spectacle of opulence and splendor. The palace was a vision of gold, its brilliance nearly blinding, reminiscent of Middle Eastern tycoons who gilded even their toilets. Within these walls, one couldn't help but feel a surge of nobility, as if elevated to the ranks of royalty.

The name "Golden Emperor Palace" was fitting indeed.

Westley glanced around and noticed that while the crowd was sparse, it was composed of individuals in lavish attire. In stark contrast, he was clad in a simple jacket, coarse pants, and worn shoes, his hair a tousled mess. Next to the elegantly dressed security guards, he stood out in his plainness.

"Do you feel the class of this place?" Ethan asked, barely containing his smugness. It was his cousin who had secured their entry into the palace's inner sanctum, and Ethan couldn't help but feel his own status rise a notch.

Westley nodded, his gaze sweeping over the four levels of the palace, each heavily guarded. Curiously, the number of guards seemed to increase with each ascending floor, hinting at the exclusivity and importance of the upper levels. An ordinary club wouldn't necessitate such security—a clear sign of the caliber of guests that frequented the higher floors.

Sienna was also taking in the surroundings, her eyes wide with amazement at the palace's luxuriousness. It was akin to an actual royal residence.

Ethan, observing Westley's distracted demeanor, felt a surge of contempt. He was convinced Westley was overwhelmed by the grandiosity of it all. "Just wait until I make you embarrass yourself," he thought with satisfaction.

"My cousin has already reserved a private room for us, number 1022. Let's not keep them waiting. I'll introduce you to some friends later," Ethan announced, a plan clearly forming in his mind.

Westley paused for a moment, then it clicked. Ethan had been setting the stage for this moment, eagerly anticipating Westley's discomfort in such lavish surroundings.

"Absolutely, the more the merrier," Westley nodded in agreement.

"Without a doubt! Tonight is bound to be a night without sleep," Ethan said with a grin.

Yet beneath his smile lurked a hint of savagery and malice.