As soon as Lance noticed Bettie walked into the wrong room, he quickly hurried after her.

Bradley sized him up, detecting a touch of animosity in Lance's demeanor. Squinting slightly, he probed, “Boyfriend?”

He recalled hearing that Bettie was single.

Bettie instinctively hid behind Bradley, gripping his sweater tightly.

Peeking out, she blurted, “He's no boyfriend of mine! He's a bad person who wants to grab me and sell me off, like to the ravines or something!"

Lance addressed Bettie. “Bettie, enough. I get you're upset with me but you can't just throw around accusations like that..."

Bradley stared at Lance with suspicion, retorting, “You've said enough.

I'm not handing her over. Get out quickly, or I'll get security involved."

Given his polished look, Bradley doubted Lance was involved in any illicit activity. More likely, he was a disgruntled suitor resorting to dubious methods in his chase after Bettie.

A hint of fierceness gleamed in his eyes behind the glasses. Lance looked intently into Bradley's eyes and asked with intensity, “Who are you? Who gave you the right to choose if she should stay or go? Just so you know, I won't leave her in the company of an unfamiliar face Like yours."

Could this guy be trying to take advantage of Bettie?

Tugging at Bradley's shirt, Bettie clarified, “Bradley isn't a stranger to me. He's my friend!”

Bradley shot Lance a smug look, remarking, “Did you hear that?"

Lance retorted, sizing up Bradley. "She's clearly drunk. She couldn't even find our room, Let alone identify her friends.”

The two exchanged tense glares, the air thick with tension.

Neither seemed ready to back down.

At that moment, guests were still in the private room. Bradley didn't want to be away for too long, so he turned to Bettie and inquired, "Who did you come with?"

“Sabrina. And where's she? Why didn't she stay with me?" Bettie questioned, her innocent eyes wide with curiosity.

“I know where to find Sabrina. Want me to lead the way?" Lance looked at Bettie.

Suspicious, Bradley quickly countered, “Which room's she in? I'LL escort her there myself