Chapter 23

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose, realizing he had truly forgotten about it. Nathan Lynch was back. The Alvarez and Lynch families had long been the most prominent in Mercity, their ties going back generations. Naturally, Adam and Nathan had grown up as close friends. Nathan's return was a big deal, and now Carly, Benjamin, and Melody were all waiting at Club 1996. Melody's cheerful voice chimed in through the phone. "Adam, hurry up and come!" Melody had always liked Nathan. Her dream was to marry him, but Nathan's high standards made it nearly impossible for any woman to catch his eye. Adam replied, "I'll be there soon." As he stood, he wondered why it bothered him so much that Celine was out looking for other men. Why was he even angry? She was just a girl from the countryside, someone with nothing better to do than chase men. Shallow—that was all she was. She couldn't compare to Carly. If she wanted to play, so be it. Let her play with whoever she wanted. … That night,