Rena's emotional state, still influenced by Waylen's presence, led her to believe that it was perhaps for the best that she wouldn't see Robert tonight.

After concluding the call, Rena intended to inform Vera of her departure. However, as soon as she lifted her gaze, she witnessed a tumultuous scene unfolding on the dance floor: Roscoe and Joseph were engaged in a heated altercation.

Joseph had arrived in his pajamas, seemingly impulsive in his decision to join the festivities. Consumed by jealousy, he resorted to a physical confrontation with Roscoe!

Roscoe possessed remarkable strength. It was clear that Joseph stood no chance against him.

Soon Joseph bore visible injuries, his face marred by bruises.

Within the banquet hall, a wave of screams rippled through the women in attendance.

Vera, on the other hand, stood stoically, observing the scene with a cold detachment, as if Joseph was not her husband at all!

This extravagant banquet had been organized by a prominent figure within Duefron's literary circle, a celebrity of considerable influence.

The hotel's security personnel swiftly descended upon the chaotic scene.

News of the altercation rapidly spread like wildfire throughout the city.

The headlines of Duefron’s newspapers were dominated by this scandalous incident.

Regrettably, Vera's once pristine reputation now lay in ruins.

In the late hours of the night, Rena escorted Vera wearily back to her apartment, their exhaustion evident in their weary faces.

However, despite their weariness, slumber eluded them, refusing to grant them respite.

Seeking to provide solace, Rena made a steaming cup of cocoa for Vera, hoping it would bring her comfort in their shared unrest.

Filled with a desperate desire to convince Vera, Rena longed to find the right words to sway her. Alas, the path to persuasion eluded her, leaving her uncertain of how to navigate the delicate matter at hand.

Seated on the sofa, Vera cradled the warm cup of cocoa, her eyes fixed upon its contents. After a prolonged silence, she finally lifted her gaze and posed a tender question to Rena, her voice gentle and trembling, “Rena, do you perceive me as cheap?"

With a gentle shake of her head, Rena vehemently denied such a notion, offering reassurance to her troubled companion.

She possessed an intimate understanding of Vera's anguish, having witnessed it unfold from its inception to its culmination.

In response, Vera's eyes fell, casting a veil over her emotions as tears cascaded into the cup, their sorrow mingling with the Liquid within.

Vera had once harbored a profound love for Joseph, despite his despicable nature. Such was the depth of her affection, an enduring sentiment that persisted even in the face of his reprehensible actions.

Quivering with emotion, Vera revealed her innermost desires, her voice trembling, "I yearn to smoke, Rena... I crave the solace of a cigarette."