as a muscle car unbecoming of a lawyer to dr

ter if we drive," he tells A

o you manage not to get a speeding ticket." She looked on in

discipline an

, "Also, I know the law we

fed as she rolled h

alive-an upscale bar known as "The Velvet Vine." The dimly lit establishment exudes an air

tep into

er the elegant decor,

an, a playful gl

k? Ready to dive into the wo

chievous smile da

wd. "I must admit, I'm more accustomed to courtrooms than swank

n her voice. "Oh, is that so? I didn't know I ha

"Well, you've always had a way of turning my world

ng look, the tension

us, her eyes scanning the crowd for potential witness

iew these socialites and see if they have any valuable information ab

tial leads. "Agreed. Let's gather some intel and see if a

n. Austine flashes a charming smile, introducing herself and Ethan as journalists fr

yet approachable tone. "We're investigating the disappearance of Elizabeth Kensingt

tine's line of questioning. One woman, adorned in a spark

ys surrounded by an air of mystery. But I'm afraid I didn't have the pleasure of

your insight. Do you happen to know if there were any specific individuals she a

gentleman who seemed quite taken with Elizabeth. Tall, dark, and handsome. He had an air of myster

oser, her voice filled with intrigue. "Do you happ

his name, but he certainly caught my eye. He seemed quite captivated by Elizabeth'

olite smile gracing his lips. "Thank you for sharing that information with us

a flirtatious tone. "If you ever need someone to dance wit

interjects, her voice laced with subtle teasing. "Oh, Victoria, you certainly know

playing on her lips. "Of course, my dear. But should you chan

th playful banter. "Seems like our investigation has attracted some u

cerity. "Well, I must admit, Austine, you certainly know how to keep things in

r. "Absolutely, Mr. Handsome Lawyer. We won't let an

h Marcus, the bartender k

ton," Austine begins, her tone sincere. "We've heard she had a conn

. Elizabeth was often seen wi

cover the truth. But I must warn you, va

prise and annoyance on her face. "Are you s

int of playfulness. "Let's call it a... small inves

rcus, we're here to uncover the truth and bring justice to those involved. If

s lips. "Fine, I admire your principles. Tell you what, a ge

eluctantly, she reaches into her purse and pulls out some cash, pla

a satisfied grin on his face. "Pleasure doing

rtley is not a man to be trifled with. He has his hands in various criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug

ned. Be careful who you trust. Damien H

stration welling up within her. "Thank y

complishment and dissatisfaction. "Can you believe

, these things happen, Austine. Some people are driven by thei

'll use this information to expose Damien Hartley and dismantle his c