Alpha's Rejected Mate Returns as Queen
Chapter 765: The Bait

Chapter 765: The Bait

Yarin's POV:

'Sunset' was a beautiful name, but when you think about such a beautiful name being given to a place that was so filthy, it was hard not to feel regret for the lost beauty.

Actually, it was not too late now, only six o'clock, but the sky was already pitch-black. The bustling streets were adorned with neon lights and advertising signs, showing off the delectable dishes within the storefronts.

Young couples on dates, office workers getting off work, idle bar regulars, and countless pedestrians fill their stomachs here. Money made this street even more splendid.

Lydia walked into the entrance of 'Sunset' with her head down, took a seat in a corner, and ordered the same meal as last night.

The waiter who took her order was a slim young man. He glanced at the bar to make sure the owner wasn't there and whispered to Lydia, "You shouldn't dine here, miss. There aren't many good people here. Haven't you forgotten what happened last night?"

His warning made Lydia's already tense body curl up even more, but she didn't leave. She just answered softly, "But it's the most affordable place to eat, sir. I don't have much allowance to spare."

The waiter sighed deeply and muttered, "There are many students at the school with circumstances like yours, right? That's why they've set the prices for the set meals lower than the school. The huge ad that takes up half the wall outside is meant to lure students like you, those who are clueless and tight on funds. I've only been working here for a week, and you're already the third one I've met."

Frustrated, he scratched his head and said, "Listen, girl, I need you to leave. I've successfully convinced the first two kids to never come back. I hope I don't run into a brick wall with you. I'm quitting after this week. I can't promise the next waiter won't be just as unscrupulous. After losing their first two prey, they have become agitated. If you stay any longer, you're in danger. They won't spare you."

He was genuinely concerned. My avatar, hidden in my sleeve, heard every word. He was a good person, and good people tend to suffer among the bad ones.

Lydia smiled gently at him, feeling his goodwill and softly said, "Thank you, sir. I understand you're looking out for me, but please don't worry. I promise I'll be fine, and there won't be any kids like me getting into trouble in this shop from now on."

Her words lacked credibility, sounding too good to be true. The waiter wanted to say more, but at that moment, a hoarse and disgusting voice came from behind him, saying, "What are you doing, Scott? Hurry up and take this young lady's order. Her pretty little body must be starving and impatient."

This suggestive teasing comment provoked hearty laughter from the men sitting at the bar.

What was strange about this shop was that there were hardly any customers. Besides Lydia, there were only a few men sitting at the bar, chatting casually. Yet, the shop's decor was cozy, exuding a strong Mediterranean style, completely unlike a 'men's bar'.

Perhaps, as the waiter said, the decor here was part of the trap.

The waiter, named Scott, quickly said, "Actually, she just told me she's not very hungry and was about to head back to school. Her dorm supervisor is waiting for her to check in."

He used the school as a shield and discreetly gestured to Lydia to leave. However, Lydia kept her head down, seemingly unsure of what to do in this situation.

A man with a belly like he was carrying a child of five months stepped forward, roughly pushing Scott aside, and cursed, "Don't fucking stand in the way, kid. Hurry up and take orders and serve other customers."

Then he turned to Lydia, his grubby face squeezing a sleazy smile. In a disturbingly gentle tone, he asked, "What would you like to eat, my adorable little angel? Look at your flat little belly. You must have been starving for a long time, right? How about a bowl of creamy soup? Let that hot, white, sticky liquid fill your hungry little tummy. I'm sure you'll have a satisfying dream tonight. What do you say?"

As he spoke, he reached out to grab Lydia's hand.

"Wait a minute, pal. She really should be heading back to school. Otherwise, the teacher will come looking..."

Scott wanted to step forward and intervene, but the man who had just been 'pleasant and gentle' suddenly changed his expression. Unexpectedly, he landed a heavy punch on Scott, causing him to fall to the ground. It was a really powerful punch, and Scott's nose started bleeding immediately.

"Don't you fucking meddle, kid!" the man roared. "You think I don't know what you're up to? You've been doing bad things over and over again, and I've tolerated you quite a bit. But today, you've really pissed me off. I'll get your boss to fire you, and then we'll have plenty of time to settle what you owe me."

Lydia screamed softly in fear, and this seemed to be the seasoning that the man needed. He didn't hold back at all, lifting Lydia up amidst Scott's painful moans. Facing his comrades at the bar, he said, "Gentlemen, let's start reveling on this wonderful night!"

The roller shutters on the restaurant's doors and windows had been locked by a few others long ago.