Three sharply dressed men, exuding an air of menace despite their expensive suits, sauntered over to Jessica and Bethany’s table. Their leader, a man named Boyce, flashed what he clearly thought was a charming smile as he addressed the two women.
“How about joining us for a drink?” Boyce said, his tone laced with feigned politeness.
Before either woman could respond, one of the men placed two drinks on the table in front of them, his movements deliberate and intrusive.
Jessica glanced at the drink, her expression one of mild disinterest. “Sorry, I don’t drink,” she said simply, her tone firm.
Boyce chuckled as if her refusal amused him. “That’s not a problem,” he said casually, motioning to one of his companions. “Aldo, why don’t you grab two glasses of water for the ladies?”
Aldo, a wiry man with a crooked grin, nodded obediently. “Sure thing, boss,” he replied, already turning toward the bar.
Jessica’s voice sharpened slightly as she added, “I meant I’m not drinking anything. At all.”
Boyce’s grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his tone turning more insistent. “Oh, come on now. Don’t be like that.”
Jessica didn’t bother replying, her silence speaking volumes. Beside her, Bethany remained equally unimpressed, her body language making it clear she had no interest in engaging with the trio.
The lack of response from the women darkened Boyce’s expression. His false charm evaporated, replaced by a chilling edge. “Let me make this clear,” he said, his voice dropping ominously. “Tonight, you’re drinking with us. Whether you like it or not.”
Jessica rose from her seat, her expression calm but her eyes sharp with warning. “And what makes you think you can force me?” she asked coolly, her voice steady.
Boyce’s smirk deepened into something far more menacing. “Aldo,” he said, nodding toward the women, “make them drink. But do it gently, alright?”
Aldo stepped forward, his smile turning sinister. “Don’t worry, boss,” he said with a creepy chuckle. “I’ll be real gentle.” He reached out, his fingers aiming for Jessica’s chin.
Before he could make contact, Jessica moved like lightning. Her hand shot up, gripping his wrist with surprising strength. Aldo froze, staring down at his trapped hand in shock. Then, pain flared across his wrist as Jessica tightened her grip.
“Ouch! Let go!” Aldo yelped, his bravado vanishing as he squirmed under her iron hold. He tried to yank his hand free, but the pressure only increased, sending jolts of pain up his arm.
Jessica’s expression remained composed, her voice calm but firm. “What’s the matter? I thought you wanted to be gentle.”
Aldo’s face contorted in pain. “Please! I’m sorry! I won’t do it again! Just let me go!” he begged, his earlier cockiness crumbling into desperation.
The unfolding scene drew the attention of nearby patrons. Conversations quieted, and heads turned toward the commotion at Jessica and Bethany’s table. The murmurs of curiosity and alarm rippled through the crowd.
Even from the second-floor balcony, Ethan and his group noticed the disturbance below. Alexander, leaning forward for a better view, pointed down. “Look. Isn’t that Jessica and Miss Yates?” he said, his voice tinged with concern. “It looks like they’re in some kind of trouble.”
Ryan, seated nearby, snorted dismissively. “Serves Jessica right,” he said, his tone dripping with schadenfreude. “She probably brought it on herself.”
From their vantage point, they could see the two women surrounded by three men. One of the men was doubled over in pain, clutching his wrist as Jessica held him in an unyielding grip. While the details weren’t entirely clear, it was obvious something serious was happening.
Emily, sitting beside Ethan, spoke up. “Ethan, you should go down and help Jessica and her friend,” she urged, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Ryan scoffed again, his words sharp and derisive. “Why should Ethan help her? For all we know, Jessica might enjoy all that attention from those men.”
At that, Ethan’ face hardened. He turned to Ryan, his gaze like a blade cutting through the room’s air. The icy glare shut Ryan up instantly, his mocking smirk vanishing under the weight of Ethan’ silent rebuke.
Without another word, Ethan stood from his seat, his intention clear. He was about to intervene. However, before he could descend the stairs, something unexpected happened.
The man in front of Jessica stumbled backward, his steps clumsy as if pushed by an unseen force. His retreat only seemed to provoke another member of the group. With hostility written all over his face, the second man lunged at Jessica without warning!