Chapter 31 There were no blinding neon lights here - only two soft spotlights spinning lazily , casting a gentle glow through the room . Jazz music drifted from the speakers , giving the place a calm , almost intimate atmosphere that set it apart from the usual bars in town . Most of the tables were already taken . If you paid attention , you'd notice that the clientele was overwhelmingly female - and not just any women , but the kind who wore designer heels and expensive perfume , their laughter as polished as their jewelry . " Hey , look who's here - the boss herself ! " One of the regulars called out , waving Stella over without a trace of self - consciousness . " Faye , you're early today ! Brought someone new with you ? " Stella grinned , slipping behind the bar . " Yeah , finally managed to snag a reservation . " Faye shot her a mock - annoyed look . Stella , ever the charmer , picked up on the subtle complaint right away . " That's my bad . Mario , send three of the new cocktails to Faye's table - on the house . " Faye's annoyance melted into delight . The two exchanged a few more pleasantries , but when Faye tried to ask about Alessia , Stella deftly steered the conversation elsewhere without making an introduction . Plenty of eyes were fixed on Stella , watching her every move . Some were ready to gossip was this friendship real , or just for show ? Stella made her answer clear : she slipped an arm around Alessia's shoulders , her protective gesture leaving no room for doubt . Most ordinary patrons had no idea who Stella really was . Some of the socialites came just for the ambiance , but others were here hoping to get close to Stella . And Stella knew it - she made sure they all saw exactly what she wanted them to see . So what if the Tate family had changed their heiress ? Stella was still the sole heir to the Laines . Anyone with half a brain could weigh the balance : in this city , every top entertainment venue belonged to the Laines . Eighty percent of the deals these families made happened on Laines - controlled turf . Crossing them ? You could find another place to do business , but your standing would take a hit - and so would your reputation . With her point made , Stella led Alessia upstairs . The second floor was lined with private booths - small , cozy , perfect for two to four people . Any more , and the 1/2 15:39 noise would ruin the vibe . One wall of each booth was a one - way glass window , letting you look down on the main floor unnoticed . The attendant adjusted the air conditioning to the perfect temperature , set out a fresh fruit platter and a couple of drinks , and slipped away . " It's almost time , " Stella said , glancing at her watch . " I headhunted this guy . myself - great voice , and honestly , he's ridiculously handsome . He's only been here a week , and business has already picked up . " Alessia nodded , a distracted look on her face , like she'd just remembered something . " What's the date today ? " " The thirtieth . Why ? " " Nothing , just forgot something . It's not important . " She took a thoughtful sip of her drink , mentally making a note . Stella looked like she wanted to ask more , but the music in the bar suddenly cut out . The room shifted , a wave of anticipation rolling through the crowd , but the overall hush remained . A few guests overreacted , but the staff handled them quickly , restoring calm . " Bit dramatic , isn't it ? " Alessia arched an eyebrow , glancing down toward the stage . " Right ? But thanks to him , our sales numbers have shot way up , and we've got a whole new crowd coming in . " Alessia didn't respond . She just watched as everyone's attention was drawn to the stage . A spotlight hit the man's silver hair , making it gleam . At first , the lights were too bright for Alessia to see more than his outline . Then the first notes of a guitar filled the air , the light softened , and she finally saw his face . " Liam ? " she said quietly . " You know him ? " Stella turned , surprise in her eyes . " He's my third brother ," Alessia replied calmly , barely glancing before looking away . " Your brother ? " Stella raised her eyebrows , shooting Liam a teasing look . " Small world , huh ? " " You didn't do a background check first ? " " Nope . There was a fight at his old bar the other night - I jumped in to help , and , well , he got his pay docked because of it . So , I poached him for us . "