The Supreme Caspian Steele

Chapter [008] — IN TROUBLE [II]: AT A STRIP CLUB

Arthur and Diana arrived at the strip club in his Range Rover, the cold breeze barely registering as Diana, wrapped in Arthur's hooded sweater, focused on her mounting anxiety. Their car was greeted by one of the burly bouncers who, with little ceremony, allowed them to enter.

Arthur and Diana were led through the dimly lit club by armed guards, moving towards the exclusive champagne room tucked away from prying eyes.

Amid her concerns about her ailing company, including the near-bankrupt Luxor Hotel, Diana couldn't fully appreciate the situation. She needed a swift plan to avert disaster, her mind racing even as they approached the guarded door.

"Pass?" the bouncer shouted, without waiting for an answer, and then let them through.

As they approached the door, Diana frowned at Arthur. Her concerns for the failing company weighed on her, and she needed to discuss something important.

"Diana, are you okay?" Arthur inquired, drawing her closer.

Diana's anxious expression didn't go unnoticed. "We must talk," she insisted. "There's something important I need to tell you."

Before they could engage in a deeper conversation, a waiter appeared with a tray laden with fast food, including mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, sandwiches, hamburgers, and a shrimp cocktail.

"Get me some steak!" Arthur ordered.

"Well," Arthur shrugged good-naturedly, "I'm in the mood for beef, so I'll double the payment."

"Sorry, sir," the waiter replied, "we only serve fast food here."

The waiter placed their food on the table and left promptly. Diana was still burdened with her concerns, so Arthur tried to reassure her. "Diana, your company will overcome its financial crisis. Trust me," he comforted her while running his fingers through her hair.

Arthur attempted to lighten the mood by offering some of the mozzarella sticks. However, he couldn't help but notice something surprising on the stage floor, where dancers spun around the pole.

With the DJ's music blaring and neon lights bathing the room, Diana relaxed momentarily, sipping champagne and temporarily putting her worries aside.

"These dancers are quite something," Arthur commented.

"Cheer up and let's go dance! You can't be in a bad mood with me around; trust me, everything will be fine," Arthur suggested.

Diana, though wanting to feel better, found it challenging. "I don't think I can just forget about everything. The company is spiraling out of control, and you want me to keep quiet?" she lamented, her eyes bleary.

Her gaze remained heavy with worry as she took a sip of champagne and finally shared the grim details. "Arthur, my company is in big trouble. It's on the brink of collapse, and I don't know what to do."

As Diana spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. "Sales have plummeted, and we're drowning in debt. I've tried everything to save it, but nothing's working. I'm afraid I might have to shut Luxor Hotel down."

Arthur reached for her hands, trying to provide reassurance. "I'm here for you, Diana. You don't have to face this alone. Together, we'll find a solution."

Diana's tear-filled eyes met Arthur's. "I don't want to lose everything I've worked so hard for, Arthur. Can you really help me?"

Arthur offered more comfort, recalling the struggles Diana had shared with him earlier. However, he concealed his ulterior motives, knowing he was part of the problem. "We'll figure this out," he stated with conviction.

But Diana's financial worries weren't the only challenge. She revealed the rivalry between Luxor Hotel and Gerald's 7-star Synergie Hotel, further complicating the situation.

"Is there any way we could fix it and clear the debt?" Diana asked.

Arthur contemplated for a moment and proposed, "Remember that $10 billion alert Caspian received a while back? If we could somehow gain access to his account..."

Diana suddenly recalled their earlier conversation. "Oh, you mean the mysterious money I told you about?"

"Exactly," Diana affirmed.

"If we can retrieve that money, it could clear the company's debt," Arthur suggested.

Diana's face eased, and she began to see a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," she said, grateful for Arthur's support.

Arthur, his attention divided, pondered their next steps. Meanwhile, Arthur's secret dealings with Mr. Blanc, the manager at Luxor Hotel, weighed heavily on his mind. It was a web of complex schemes.

The strip club's atmosphere began to shift as dancers performed mesmerizing moves, and Diana stood up to join the crowd by the railing, the worry still evident in her demeanor.

Arthur scanned the room discreetly, trying to divert attention from his ulterior motives. With swift yet deliberate movements, he reached into his pocket, retrieved a packet of pineapple-flavored powder, which he knew Diana was allergic to, and discreetly poured it into her frothy cup. He then exchanged the cups before anyone could notice.

When Diana returned, Arthur inquired, "Are you feeling better now?"

Diana, with a faint smile and a hint of suspicion, replied, "Yes, thanks."

She raised the cocktail glass to her lips, unaware of the subtle switch Arthur had executed, her hand trembling as her nerves persisted.