Should I be impressed or wary?
Lily wasted no time and swiftly followed Carlo, leaving the curious bartender behind. The bartender's gaze lingered on her momentarily, a hint of intrigue in her eyes.
Yet, as the moments passed, she refocused her attention on her other patrons, attending to the half-empty glass that Lily had left behind, showing no further concern for the young woman's departure.
As Carlo guided Lily further inside, they navigated through a narrow corridor, eventually arriving at a bustling room that seemed to exude a more private atmosphere. The dim lighting cast shadows across the space, lending an air of secrecy to the activities within. Around a dozen individuals sat huddled together, engrossed in intense card games, their hushed conversations and occasional chuckles filling the air.
The room was adorned with vintage, mahogany furniture, complemented by deep maroon curtains that draped elegantly over the windows, partially obscuring the view outside.