Chapter 1999 - Finding Noah (3)

"Tim. Tim!", Chad shouted while leaning over the bar counter.

Chloe spotted that one of the four bartenders looked their way, and she recognized her neighbor.

"I'm leaving Chloe in your care…", Chad said when Tim approached them to what Tim nodded.

"What will you have?", Tim asked Chloe as Chad disappeared into the crowd.

Chloe was not sure what to get. This was a new place, a new life for her, and she thought that trying something new to drink would fit the occasion. "Do you have a house special?"

"We have a few. Let me pick one for you…", Tim winked playfully, and Chloe was not sure if that was a good thing. He looked like a good guy, but she knew that people can be deceiving. Of course, Chloe hoped that people are genuinely nice, but it can't hurt to be extra careful.

Now that she was left alone at the bar, Chloe realized that the club is huge and packed with patrons. Most of the people were in smaller groups, chatting and laughing in good mood.

Chloe noticed several gazes from males directed her way and she quickly turned to look at the bar counter because she didn't want to appear as interested in flirting with strangers.

Chloe exhaled in defeat. Even if Noah is here, there is no way she will see him, and even if by some miracle she spots him, there is absolutely no way that he will notice her. She regretted coming here. Chloe went to a few clubs before, but it's different when one goes with friends to have fun and when one comes on her own. Doesn't she look like she came to find a man? Well, technically, she came with the hope to see Noah, but not with an intention to 'get him into bed'.

"Are you OK, girl?", Tim's voice pulled Chloe out of her thoughts.

Chloe nodded and her eyes fell on the red and blue cocktail that Tim placed in front of her. The colors didn't mix, leaving blue on the bottom and red in the upper half. "What is this?"

Tim smiled with confidence. "House special. You will love it."

There was a loud cheer that made Chloe jump a little. She looked around but couldn't notice anything that would cause everyone to make noise. The big TV screen above the bar area showed that a match was over, so she guessed that people cheered for the winner.

Two seconds later, the image on the screen changed, and Chloe froze when she saw a video of four people who were sitting on the sofas and discussing something. One of those people was Noah!

Chloe pointed at the TV and she hoped that her expression didn't show that she was excited to see him. She did her best to act cool. "Is that a recording?"

Tim glanced behind and shook his head. "No. The screens here show a live feed from the club."

Chloe's eyes lit up. "Where is that?"

Tim pointed behind Chloe. She turned and followed his finger to the private room on the upper level. It was encased in glass and it almost looked like it was hovering above the crowd.

Chloe noticed that there were several such rooms, but the one where Tim pointed, was the biggest one, and the way that room stuck out, it dominated above everything.

Chloe's mood fell. It was just as she feared, it's one thing to see Noah, and totally different to interact with the man. She pressed her lips in a line firmly and made her peace with the fact that she will finish her drink and go home.

The screens switched to show two people entering a cage of some sort, eyeing each other menacingly, obviously ready to fight. Chloe remembered what Tim said.

"Tim, if everything is live from the club, does that mean that the fights…?"

Tim nodded, understanding Chloe's question. He knew that she was new to the area and that this was her first time in the club, so he was ready to explain. Tim pointed further down, on Chloe's right. "The fighting arena is there. You can go and watch the fights up-close. Let me know if you want to place a bet. If you go to the area with booths, you will see Rosie there. Restrooms can be accessed from each side of this bar, and you can also find them on the opposite corner.", Tim gestured behind Chloe and continued. "Our people are friendly in general and won't cause trouble but the same can't be said for all our patrons. Don't assume that everyone has good intentions. If you are uncomfortable, reach out to anyone who has this…" Tim patted his left chest pocket where the Chaos symbol was embroidered, and she understood that Tim told her how any of the employees can help her out of a sticky situation.

Chloe was dejected. Does she really look like a target that is easy to bully? Probably. Other than looking fragile, she also made the mistake of coming here on her own. What was she thinking?

There was too much going on and Chloe needed a minute to process it all, but first thing first. "How much for the drink?"

Tim raised his hand, indicating for her to hold it. "This one is on the house. I need to get back to work. Call me if you need anything."

Chloe smiled gratefully and she saw that Tim took another order and started pouring things into a metallic container. He was fast and skilled, and she admired how he flipped the container and bottles without spilling a drop. Well, she didn't know how those were his knife-throwing skills showing, but it was impressive, nevertheless.

Chloe took a sip of her drink. It was sweet and tangy, and she felt the burn of alcohol at the back of her throat. The most interesting thing was that every sip provided a slightly different taste. She never had anything like it. It was new and exhilarating, just like everything that happened in the last few days. Her mood improved when she thought of how this is a new chapter in her life, outside of the Long family's clutches, and so far, it's amazing.

Another change in the atmosphere happened as people quieted down, allowing the music to overtake the senses, and Chloe could feel the tension filling the air. She was unable to see what was going on, but then the screens switched to show Sarah and Aiden making their way through the club and the crowd parting, creating a path for them like they are royalty.

Chloe glanced below the screen and she saw that even the bartenders stilled (Tim included) and they all stood straight while looking in a specific direction with faces full of admiration and pride. She guessed that they are looking in the direction where Sarah and Aiden are, and she was amazed to see how much these employees are respecting the owners of this establishment. It reminded her of how Noah spoke highly of Sarah at the party at the Smith family villa.

Chloe's gaze moved to the private room, where Tim pointed that Noah was, and just as she expected, Chloe saw that Noah was next to the glass wall, standing straight with his hands behind his back and looking down at the crowd. From that distance, she couldn't see his face clearly, but somehow she knew that he was smiling and looking toward Sarah and Aiden.

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