"I never asked for your help," Rosalynn responded coolly before descending the stairs.

“Regardless, you're in my debt now," Barlow called after her, his voice filled with mirth.

Rosalynn chose to remain silent, tacitly acknowledging his claim.

She descended the stairs and surveyed the crowd from afar.

"I'm leaving," she announced.

She had done her part, and any further involvement seemed pointless.

“Don't you want to see how things unfold for Brylee?" Barlow caught her by the arm.

Rosalynn frowned.

"Don't touch me," she snapped.

Barlow released her, chuckling playfully.

"Come on, Rosalynn, don't be so prudish. You saw me naked.”

Her eyes shot him an icy glare.

She wished she could wipe that memory clean.

Just then, a voice called out to her.

"Good evening, Rosalynn."

Rosalynn eyed the man. He was a handsome fellow, vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place him.

“Who are you?"

“I'm Norwood Olson. A friend of Brian and Sanford. We've met before,"

Norwood said with a friendly smile.

Her memory jogged, Rosalynn recalled him from Royarid Club, where Sanford had roped her into a game of billiards. Norwood had been there, too.

"Hello," Rosalynn greeted him with a polite smile.

"Is this gentleman your boyfriend?" Norwood asked, nodding at Barlow.