Chapter 13: Morning Seduction

The air in the hallway was thick with the smell of expensive perfume - a sharp, floral scent that didn't belong in the penthouse at this hour.

Aiden turned slowly, his jaw tight, to face the woman who had just interrupted the interrogation of the maid.

Vivian Sumall stood there, leaning against the doorframe of the guest suite.

She looked perfectly polished, even in the middle of the night, wearing a silk robe that cost more than Elena’s yearly salary.

"Vivian," Aiden said, his voice dropping an octave into a warning. "What are you doing here at this time? My father's estate is across town."

"Oh, Aiden dear," she purred. She didn't stay back. She moved into his personal space with a practiced, predatory grace.

She reached out, her long, manicured finger trailing slowly down the center of his chest, tracing the line where his shirt was unbuttoned.

Aiden flinches back, his expression darkening. He didn't just move away; he recoiled as if her touch was toxic.

"Come on," Vivian laughed, her eyes glittering with a mix of amusement and malice. "You of all people should know why I’m here. I’m the lucky charm, remember?

I couldn’t wait to see you secure that contract tomorrow. Before the day ends today, we’d definitely make a toast. To the big win. To the Logan name."

Aiden’s eyes narrowed. "Did you miss your way to Sebastian’s house? He’s the one who enjoys your company, Vivian. Not me."

Vivian didn't look offended. She just smiled, a slow, dangerous curve of her lips.

She patted his cheek - a gesture that felt like a slap. "Well... I’ll be in my room. Try to get some sleep, Aiden. You look tense."

She turned and walked away, her hips swaying maliciously.

Her assistant, Bob, followed silently behind her, struggling with a heavy designer suitcase. The click of her heels on the marble sounded like a countdown.

The Lingering Suspicion

As soon as Vivian disappeared around the corner, Aiden’s eyes darted back to the floor. Elena was still there, shaking so hard her teeth were nearly chattering.

She looked up, her eyes meeting Aiden’s for a split second before she scrambled to her feet and lowered her gaze.

"I’m sorry, Master," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Madam... Madam asked for a cup of coffee. I went to serve her, sir. I’m... I’m sorry siii……sir."

Aiden looked at her, his silhouette tall and imposing in the dim light. He wasn't a fool. He knew Olivia didn't drink coffee at midnight. 

He knew the look of a person who had just been caught trespassing.

He could smell the fear on the girl, but he could also see the fierce loyalty in the way she refused to look at the door she had just exited.

He felt a surge of cold irritation. Everyone in this house was playing a game behind his back.

"Clean up this mess and get out of here," he ordered, his voice like a whip.

He didn't wait to see her obey. He stormed away toward his own wing, his footsteps heavy.

He needed to be sharp for the Vanguard meeting, but the walls of his own home were starting to feel like they were closing in.

The Secret Call

Inside the guest suite, Vivian slammed the door and tossed her clutch onto the bed. She pulled out a small, encrypted phone and hit the speed dial. It picked up on the first ring.

"I'm fine here, honey. Don't worry about me," she said, her voice shifting from seductive to sharp and business-like.

"But why that house, that wasn't what we discussed?" the voice on the other end echoed.

It was Sebastian. He sounded frustrated, his breathing heavy. "You’re supposed to be beside me here, Vivian.

We’re supposed to cuddle the night out. I need you by my side at this moment. To boost me up for the big win ahead. Why, my love?"

Vivian rolled her eyes at the ceiling, her face twisting into a mask of boredom. She began unzipping her suitcase, her movements efficient.

"I’m sorry, my love," she said, injecting a fake sweetness back into her tone. "I just got tired along the line and decided to pass the night here since it was closer to the meeting location.

I’ll see you in the morning, sweetheart. I love youuuu. Mwah."

"But my lo….."

Click.

She dropped the call before he could finish. She stared at the phone for a moment, her expression turning cold. She wasn't here for Sebastian’s comfort.

She was here because she knew the Vanguard deal was the tipping point - and she wanted to be exactly where the explosion happened.

She looked toward the wall that shared a border with Aiden’s wing and smirked.

In her room, Olivia sat on the floor, her ear pressed against the wood of the door. She had heard everything….the crush of the phone, Vivian’s arrival, and Aiden’s anger.

But as she moved to get up, she noticed a small, white envelope that had been slid under her door during the chaos.

She opened it. Inside was a single, handwritten note on Logan Industries stationery:

“He isn't taking you to a meeting. He's taking you to an auction. And you're the item up for bid. Run while you still can.”