The sight evoked a momentary pause, a tension that threaded through the room.

Joseph looked momentarily surprised. Why was Aline here?

When the atmosphere was delicate, Aline wanted to sit down, but she saw Vera at a glance.

Joseph, however, harbored a secret, a shared understanding communicated with a subtle wink to Aline.

Gathering her wits, she managed a smile, her voice tinged with apology.

“Apologies, it seems I've taken a wrong turn.”

Aline withdrew.

Vera was the first to speak.

"What is she doing here?"

Aline had a mediocre family background. Normally, average people couldn't afford admission to this club.

So Vera suspected that Aline was a mistress of one of the male riffraff that frequented the establishment.

Vera and Aline were classmates, and Vera didn't really Like Aline. But Vera was unwilling to witness Aline's depravity.

A feeling of discomfort settled within Joseph.

He wanted to offer a few vague remarks, but Roscoe said lightly, “Aline? She Looks pretty. Don't take the wrong path. Joseph, how about you seize this opportunity and be the hero to save the beauty?”

Joseph wasn't pleased by his suggestion.

He knew that Roscoe liked Vera. Did he make that inappropriate comment on purpose?

When Joseph was about to refuse, a crisp, clicking sound suddenly filled the room. Waylen was toying with his Lighter.

He stared intently at the small flame.

The expression on his handsome face was unfathomable, and the orange glow from the lighter's tiny tongue of fire accentuated it.

Seeing this eerie scene, Joseph shivered and had a strange feeling. He suddenly felt that Waylen had become much more enigmatic than before, even though Waylen was only one year older than him.

His aura was different than before.

Waylen muttered, "Go check on Aline, Joseph. After all, she's Vera's classmate. It won't be good if something happens to her."