Chapter 2 Guys, Get Her!

Late at night, in the sultry embrace of Nightscape, the dim lights set the perfect mood. The bar hummed with life, its atmosphere heavy with a blend of music and murmured conversations.

Eliana entered the booth, spotting a familiar figure already nursing a drink.

She rapped her knuckles lightly on the table. "Brenna."

It had been years since Eliana had married Johnny, years of silence between her and Brenna. Yet, despite the distance, Brenna had always been the one taking care of Eliana's businesses, managing her affairs like a trusted guardian.

As soon as Brenna saw her, she leaped up, wrapping Eliana in a fierce hug. "Finally, you're ditching that bastard. I've been waiting for this day forever."

Brenna's voice wavered with a mix of excitement and emotion, tears nearly spilling over. When Eliana had suddenly announced her impending marriage years ago, Brenna had been certain it was a joke.

After all, Eliana was famous—a prodigy in medicine, an accomplished designer, a game player, a top-tier agent, and a master hacker. The list of her identities was endless. Yet at the height of her youth and success, she had chosen to retreat into the shadows, to live quietly as a wife.

"You're stunning. Johnny must be blind not to have seen you for what you are. But he hasn't laid eyes on you like this, has he?" Brenna said, eyeing Eliana's flawless features.

Eliana's face was a marvel—delicate, with eyes that sparkled with intelligence and allure. It was a face that could captivate anyone, but Johnny had never seen her like this.

Eliana shook her head slightly. "No, he hasn't. When he left, I was poisoned—ugly, fat, and barely recognizable. It was only after I rid myself of the poison that I returned to my true self."

Brenna leaned in, her voice serious. "So, what's next? All our businesses have been on hold, waiting for your return."

She took a moment before continuing, "You wouldn't believe how many people have been desperate to find Night, the legendary doctor, over these years. They've offered fortunes for your help. Even Phantom on the dark web has gone silent, and everyone's been waiting for you."

Eliana swirled the wine in her glass, her thoughts drifting. What had possessed her these past three years? It was as if she had been under a spell, content to ignore her career and to wait for a man who didn't care for her.

"Don't worry. I'm back," Eliana said.

"And have you figured out who poisoned you?"

"Yes. It was Hallie," Eliana replied, her voice flat, void of emotion. Hallie Brown, her half-sister, had been the architect of her suffering.

Brenna's eyes narrowed. "What are you going to do about it? Are you just going to let her walk away?"

Eliana's gaze turned steely. "Of course not. She'll taste her own poison soon enough."

Eliana and Brenna then discussed work over a drink. Both beautiful and commanding in presence, they drew the attention of several men nearby.

A group of men swaggered over, one of them smirking as he addressed them. "Hey, gorgeous ladies, how about sharing a few drinks with us?"

Eliana's response was icy. "Get lost."

The man laughed, undeterred. "You're feisty. I like that. What's the matter? No boyfriend to keep you company? Why don't you spend the night with me?"

Eliana's patience wore thin. "I won't say it again. Leave us alone."

The man, not sensing the danger, pushed further. "And what if we don't? You girls come here, dressed like that, and expect us not to notice? You must be here looking for attention. You should be glad I— ah!"

Before he could finish his sentence, Eliana's foot connected with his chest, sending him sprawling.

"You... You dare hit me? Guys, get her!" he shouted, trying to rally his friends.

But by the time the bar's security arrived, summoned by the noise, the men were already laid out on the floor, groaning in pain.

Everyone in the bar was left stunned, murmurs rippling through the crowd. Eliana's swift takedown of the men had been nothing short of impressive.

She dusted off her hands and glanced at the groaning figures on the floor. "Let's head to a room on the second floor," she said to Brenna, her voice calm and collected. "We can continue our conversation without being disturbed."

Meanwhile, on the second floor, two men watched the scene unfold from the railing above.

Carl Jones let out a low whistle, still processing what he had seen. "That woman is something else. She floored them all before I even had a chance to see what happened."

Johnny, standing beside him, remained impassive. "Yeah."

Carl took a sip from his glass, then added with a smirk, "She's gorgeous too. Much prettier than your wife." He still pictured Johnny's ex as the overweight woman with a blotchy face, the one he had heard about in passing.

"Ex-wife," Johnny corrected, his tone flat but firm.

Carl nodded, raising his glass for a casual toast. "Right. You guys got a divorce today."

After taking another sip, he continued, "But if she's hanging out with Brenna, she can't be all that innocent."

Brenna was Carl's rival in the business world, a fierce competitor who had crossed paths with him more times than he cared to count.

Eliana was nursing a bad mood, her thoughts swirling with the night's events. Brenna had insisted they drink enough to celebrate her newfound freedom, and Eliana had complied, perhaps more than she should have. The alcohol was beginning to hit her hard, and she felt a dizzy haze creeping over her.

When Brenna excused herself to the bathroom, Eliana decided to step out into the hallway, hoping some fresh air might clear her head. But as she exited the restroom, her steps faltered. Standing there, just outside the door, was Johnny.

For a moment, Eliana blinked, unsure if she was seeing things, her alcohol-clouded mind playing tricks on her. But no, it was really him.