Bad Luck

Salle de Bal Brise.

Lumian scanned the dim-lit dance hall, searching for Charlie, but to no avail. His heart sank. Hastily, he motioned for Louis and Sarkota to come closer.

"What's the matter, Boss?" Louis asked, his voice filled with anxiety.

He assumed that Lumian was dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the dance hall.

Lumian's eyes wandered across the waiters, all dressed in vests and bow ties. He casually inquired, "Where's Charlie? I need to discuss something with him."

Louis's eyes widened in shock. "Boss, didn't Charlie follow you out just now?"

Charlie followed me? Lumian's pupils contracted, as if he had been struck by a sudden burst of light.

He asked in a deep voice, "When?"

Louis pondered for a moment, confusion evident on his face as he looked at Lumian.

"Less than five minutes ago."

Lumian's gaze shifted to Sarkota, his taciturn and reliable subordinate, who also appeared puzzled.