novelxo Chapter 85
Episode 85
Each of them stood over six feet tall, boasting broad shoulders and slim waists—a sight that could easily place them among the ranks of second-tier celebrities.
This must be what people refer to as “toy boys” online.
Elizabeth had never stepped foot in a place like this before.
Yet, even without firsthand experience, the tableau unfolding before her painted a clear picture of its infamous reputation.
“Enjoy yourself, Miss!” the boys chorused, their voices smooth as honey but startling Elizabeth all the same.
Camille, however, remained unfazed, as if she’d walked these gilded halls many times.
She nudged Elizabeth with an elbow and gestured toward a young man leaning nonchalantly against the far wall.
“Look at the one on the far right,” she said, a wicked smirk curling her lips.
“Doesn’t he remind you of that jerk Elijah?”
Elizabeth followed Camille’s gaze, her eyes landing on the boy.
Under the dim, moody lighting, his sharp features did bear a fleeting resemblance to Elijah’s, though the comparison left a sour taste.
“A little,” she admitted, nodding reluctantly.
With a casual wave, Camille beckoned the boy over.
“Come and keep Elizabeth company,” she instructed, her confidence palpable.
The Elijah lookalike approached, smoothly uncorking a wine bottle.
“Miss, would you prefer poker or dice?” he asked, settling beside Elizabeth.
Elizabeth’s body immediately stiffened.
Despite the plush sofa, she sat rigidly, her posture reminiscent of a disciplined schoolgirl.
Her physical reactions had always been brutally honest—a testament to her emotional sensitivity.
Though undeniably attractive, the boy evoked no desire in her.
Instead, she felt a subtle sense of repulsion, her body instinctively recoiling.
Camille, observing Elizabeth’s discomfort, spoke with a mix of frustration and pragmatism.
“Elijah and his mistress have likely been intimate countless times.
You’re practically divorced—why cling to your principles?”
Recognizing the difficulty of changing someone’s nature, Camille turned to the boys.
“My friend doesn’t enjoy physical contact.
Drinks and games only.
Understood?”
Elizabeth’s grip tightened around the wineglass handed to her.
If Elijah could find someone else, why couldn’t she? Good men might be as rare as diamonds, but there was no shortage of men in the world.
Why should she resign herself to loneliness after cutting ties with the James family?
Swallowing her hesitation along with the wine, Elizabeth forced herself to stay.
Whether it was out of spite or a desire not to dampen Camille’s spirits, she reached for the deck of cards and began to play.
The boys, sensing the shift, found their places around them, and the games commenced.
Camille, more enthusiastic than skilled, quickly amassed a losing streak that left her with a row of empty beer bottles.
She swayed unsteadily as she rose.
“I can’t take it anymore.
Bathroom break,” she slurred.
Elizabeth stood to follow, but the crowd boxed her in.
A single misstep would mean brushing against too many bodies, so she sat back down, resigned.