Meanwhile, Angel took the elevator downstairs. Her face was pale but determined, her steps heavy. She stood in front of the courtesan house, a single travel bag clutched in one hand. Her eyes swept over the surroundings—once her kingdom, now her exile—and she exhaled shakily.
"Angel!" someone called, breathless. She turned to see Celine rushing toward her, heels clicking against the marble floor.
"Celine? Why are you here?"
"Why would you leave without me? Are you leaving me behind?" Celine's voice cracked as she stepped closer.
"I'm no longer your courtesan. I can't take you with me."
"Says who? I can't be an escort for anyone else. You have to take me with you."
"You are employed by the courtesan house."
"It's not against the rule to go with you. Most of the escorts follow their courtesan after their contract expires."
"My contract was terminated. I have a bad reputation here. It's not a good idea for you to follow a loser."
"No! I'm going with you! I will always serve you, Angel!" she cried, snatching the travel bag from Angel's grasp.
Angel blinked fast, her emotions building, when more footsteps echoed behind them.
"Angel! Oh my Angel! How did you get yourself into this situation?" a familiar voice said.
Angel turned to see Olivia, Violet, Jade, and Daisy stepping out. Her mouth opened in shock.
"Olivia… Why are you guys outside?"
"We came to see you off, baby. Even though we were always fighting in the courtesan house, we are still best of friends. We trained together and became a courtesan on the same day. We can't cast you aside this way."
"Yes, Angel! We tried to talk to Madam Fransisca, but she said she can't go against Quincy's decision."
"You guys shouldn't have done that… You don't have to stress yourself for my sake. I admit that I messed up. I don't deserve your care."
"Angel, we are still cool friends. We can always meet outside the courtesan house. We will reunite once our contract expires too."
"During our training days, we promised to always stick together and travel the world together once we make it big…"
"I already ruined the whole thing with my selfishness. I was so selfish and wanted to be above everyone else…" Angel's voice broke and she looked down, swallowing hard.
"You don't have to feel bad, Angel! When we came here together, you were different from us. We came here to build our career and this is what we chose to do. But you were here against your will. You had to survive at all cost. We understand you perfectly. You are just trying to survive, Angel. No one is gonna blame you for that!" Olivia said gently, her eyes glassy.
"I'm sorry Olivia, Violet, Jade, and Daisy. I'm very sorry, guys… I'm sorry for ruining everything…"
"Where will you go to?"
"I'm returning to Outta City. I need to go find my sister. I need to take her away and give her everything I have to get my sister."
"If you ever come back, you should let us know."
"I will!"
"We will keep in touch, Angel."
"Thank you so much, guys. I need to go now."
"Celine, please take care of her."
"Sure, ladies! I will take care of her."
From the upper balcony, Fransisca watched the group with folded arms. Her usual stern face was now softened with sadness.
"Angel…" she murmured, eyes dim. "She could have become so great… but she messed it up."
"She was just being loyal to Logan," Jesse said quietly behind her.
"Logan is evil. She was not being smart around him. She should have considered herself first before Logan… She has the potential. She deserves better."
"Yes, she does."
"She was letting the power get into her head, forgot herself. She was the best trainee in her set. But then… she started unnecessary drama and competition. I hope she finds herself again."
"What is she going to do now?"
"Pay her $100 million."
"Madam! You don't pay courtesans that got her contract terminated before the expiry date."
"I'm just doing this for her. She needs to start her life afresh."
"I will do that immediately."
"Good."