After a period of time had passed, Harty decided it was time to make his move. He promoted MysticChaos21 to a Moderator in the chatroom. This action would grant Jess additional privileges within the chat, including the ability to manage the discussions and maintain order.

  Harty leaned over to Michigo and whispered, "I've promoted Jess to Moderator. It's a test to see how she reacts to having a bit of power. We need to see if she'll use it for the greater good or if she'll give herself away with her actions."

  Michigo glanced at Harty with curiosity “Do you suspect Jess, Harty? I mean, you’re testing her, but is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Harty hesitated before responding. “I wouldn’t say I suspect her outright, but…”

  Michigo crossed her arms. “You can’t lie to me, Harty. I need to know what you really think.”

  Harty sighed and admitted, “Alright, you’ve got me. I guess I did give myself away. I just believe she’s hiding something from us. We can’t ignore any potential threats. Her behavior has raised some red flags.”

  Michigo’s eyes narrowed, but her tone softened slightly. “So, what exactly do you think she’s hiding?”

  Harty leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “It’s hard to say for certain, but from what Angie knows about her, it could involve Shadowcroft in some way.”

  Sometime later, Harty looked over to Michigo and whispered, "I'm going to make a bold move now. I want to see if Jess is actually hiding anything at all."

  Michigo nodded in agreement, her eyes locked onto the screen. A private conversation between Jess and Chessmaster12 unfolded.

  Harty and Michigo both experienced a sense of shock. Jess's admitted her ex-boyfriend's ties to Shadowcroft. The implications of this revelation were far more significant than they had initially imagine.

  Harty turned to Michigo and said, "We've just uncovered a major piece of the puzzle, Michigo. Jess's ex-boyfriend being involved with Shadowcroft is a game-changer. We need to tread carefully from here on out."

  "This changes everything, Harty. We have to figure out how to use this to our advantage without putting Jess in more danger."

  Jess's messages continued. Both Harty and Michigo noticed an unsettling shift in the tone and content. The messages started to sound increasingly unnerving and filled with dark details. Harty’s eyes widened. “Something’s not right here. We need to get over to Jess’s house, now!”

  Without hesitation, Michigo bolted for the door. “I’m already on it!” Harty quickly closed his laptop, and was about to meet Michigo at the door, but someone whistled at him from behind.

  Chloe had transformed herself. Her outfit and hairstyle oozing confidence and sensuality. With a sultry demeanor, Chloe confidently approached him. Harty was both shocked and flustered by the sudden change. He stammered,

  "Who... who are you?"

  Chloe held a rope in her hands and grinned. “You’re not getting out of here, Harty. I know exactly who you really are."

  Before Harty could react, the door to Chloe's house mysteriously locked by itself, sealing them both inside. Harty felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. He whispered to himself, “OH… Oh…shit...I slipped up just for a second!"

  Roselle and Angie arrived at a building in which Roselle had never expected Tina to be associated with. The location was notorious for X-rated films, and it left Roselle with a sense of unease. Angie parked her vehicle. Roselle couldn't contain her questions any longer.

  "Angie," Roselle began while trembling slightly, "this place... and Tina's photos... It's all so overwhelming. Do you think Tina will ever be the same again after all this?"

  Angie shrugged nonchalantly after stepping out of the car. “Who knows, Roselle? It's hard to say. People change in ways you can't predict. But if Tina’s strong enough, she might come out of this stronger.”

  Roselle looked around nervously, taking in the seedy surroundings.

  “Is this your first time coming to a place like this,” Angie questioned.

  Roselle nodded with her eyes wide. “Yes, it is. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.”

  Angie gave her a firm look. “Keep your head up, Roselle. The only person who can protect you here is yourself. We need to find Tina, but we also need to make sure we don’t get ourselves into deeper shit.”

  Roselle took a deep breath. “Right. I’ll do my best. I just have--”

  Roselle was interrupted as a man in a business suit exited the building, looking happy and prosperous. Roselle's eyes opened wide. "Wait, isn't that Tina's father? “The man got into a luxury car and drove away.

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  Angie and Roselle exchanged glances momentarily. Right after that, they decided to knock on the door of the building. Moments later, they heard some cursing from inside, followed by the door being flung open. An angry man with a stern face confronted them.

  The man's gaze shifted to Roselle, scrutinizing her. “You don't look like anyone cut out for this type of showbiz, but the other one, maybe.” His eyes lingered on Angie.

  Roselle chuckled nervously. “We aren’t here to sign up,” she said quickly. “We’re looking for a friend. Her name is Tina. We were told she might be here.”

  The man’s face hardened further. “Tina, huh? And what makes you think she’s here? This ain’t a charity or a lost and found.”

  Angie stepped forward. “We know she’s involved with the people here. If you could just let us see her, we’ll be out of your hair.”

  "Tina's not here, and I don't want her kind around," he spat out. "She’s becoming a star, but you can tell that kid ain’t in it. I just spoke to her father too... what a fuckin scumbag. They only wanted my money and ain't care bout doing the job right and satisfying people."

  Roselle was taken aback by the man's words." Can you tell us where she might be or if you've seen her recently?"

  The man shook his head dismissively with a growl. His face surged with rage."I told you, she ain't here, and I don got no interest in helping you find her! Now beat it!"

  Roselle and Angie turned to leave but they were stopped in their tracks by the sound of a woman. She emerged from the building. She barely looked like she had any clothes on. They only saw her briefly before the man who was already angry exploded on them. “Are you crazy? Going out there dressed like that? You'll get us all arrested!"

  The woman pushed the man aside and approached Roselle and Angie with a smile. "Don't mind him, darlings," she purred. "He's always so uptight. How can I help you lovely ladies today?"

  Roselle took a deep breath and replied, "We're looking for Tina. Do you know where she is?"

  The woman nodded her head. Her colorful hair swayed while the woman took a few more steps forward. "Oh, you just missed them. Tina and her father left not too long ago. But, darling, you're in luck. I know Tina very well. My name is Beige, and I used to work with her."

  Beige spoke with disappointment while continuing, "We were supposed to make a very special film together, darling. I was so excited about it. But then ‘Uptightass’ over there came in and drove Tina and her father away. He's such a buzzkill."

  Roselle nodded nervously. “U-Um… I understand. It…must have been frustrating to have your plans disrupted like that."

  Roselle tried her best not to stare at Beige. The woman had noted the innocence in her eyes. She leaned in a bit closer and held a smile. “You know, sweetie, I can tell you're not used to this world, can't I? You're so pure and innocent, it's almost refreshing..."

  Roselle eyed her slightly in confusion. “U-Um…”

  "You see," Beige continued, "there's a lot you can tell about someone in just a glance. I can tell you know absolutely nothing about this side of things. Your behavior gives you away, darling."

  Roselle blushed while Beige got a feel of her face. Beige, however, didn't linger on Roselle for long. She shifted her attention to Angie. "You… you've got that look in your eyes. You know your way around this world, don't you?"

  Angie didn't flinch under Beige's scrutiny. She maintained her composed look and simply replied, "I know a few things. Can you tell us anything at all, or are we just going to be wasting more time here?"

  “Well, like I told you, she left with her father a little while ago. I think you would be able to find them at the downtown area."

  Angie nodded. “Thanks for the info."

  "Just be careful out there, especially with someone as innocent as her," Beige said, glancing at Roselle with a teasing smile. "This world can be a bit overwhelming."

  Roselle and Angie entered the downtown area. It was surrounded by a sea of people going about their business. The streets had chatter, footsteps, and also, traffic. Traffic which Angie and Roselle found themselves stuck in.

  Angie slammed her hand on the steering wheel of her vechicle in frustration. "This traffic is driving me nuts! Why’d we have to get stuck here?"

  Roselle reached over and turned on the car’s stereo. Upbeat music filled the vehicle, and Roselle began bobbing her head to the rhythm. She flashed Angie a grin. “Why not let the music lighten the mood? It might help us think more clearly.”

  Angie’s frustration shifted to mild amusement. “You know, I think you might just be using this as an excuse to turn up the music.”

  Roselle laughed softly.

  After some time, the car finally inched its way through the gridlock. Angie guided them toward the downtown area on foot. Roselle kept an eye out, scanning the crowded streets for any sign of Tina or her father.

  "Keep your eyes open, Roselle," Angie advised. "We need to find a lead, and it might not be easy in this crowd. Let's start by asking around discreetly. Maybe someone saw them."

  Roselle and Angie began showing a picture of Tina to anyone who might have seen her or her father. The people they encountered were mostly unhelpful or had no information to share. However, their persistence paid off when they approached a girl in her late teens with purple hair and a friendly demeanor.

  The girl took a look at the photo and nodded. She pointed to another girl nearby who appeared more provocative, with colorful tattoos and a dark style. The girl noticed them approaching and gave them a curious look.

  Angie showed the photo. The girl took a moment to study the picture and then pointed toward a nearby donut shop.

  "That way," she said unenthusiastically. "You might find what you're looking for there."

  Roselle and Angie entered the Donut shop. They scanned the interior. Soon, they saw a man sitting at a corner table. He appeared to be in his late forties, well-dressed in a business suit.

  Sitting across from him was a young woman with elegant, feminine charm. She had beautiful, long pink hair that cascaded down her back. Her stunning appearance made her seem like a character from a dream. What really caught their attention was her current attire, which was revealing.

  Tina's father, noticing Roselle and Angie's arrival, smiled warmly at the girl whom was assumed to be Tina. "Sweetheart, you can have all the donuts you want. It's a little treat before your next film."

  Tina nodded politely. "Thank you, Dad, but I need to stay the same size for the next film, so I'll stick to just a dozen. I can't afford to gain weight."

  Her father chuckled. "Well, you know best, darling. Get what you like."

  Tina placed an order for a dozen donuts. The men who were manning the counter immediately began preparing them. Her father wore an affectionate smile on his face.

  Roselle glared over towards them in deep thought.‘I want to know the truth. I can't stay in the dark any longer. But... can I really do this? Should I just stay still and never know the truth? Maybe… it's better to let Tina continue her life without any interference…’

  Roselle shook her head. ‘No! I’ve come this far… I have to do this!’