Chapter 1

Prologue

“It’s your turn, Elle. Be on standby!”

She gasped as she heard her floor manager’s voice, bringing her back to her senses. Tonight is the night to be bid by the billionaires.

In that club, she's known as Elle, short for Eleanor. But on the flip side, she's Brii, short for Brianna. Two identities with two different personas—a plain and an aloof college student in the broad daylight, and a seductive woman at a nightclub lurking in the dark.

Shit! Why am I getting nervous? Jeez, I shouldn’t be. I wanted this, didn't I? I need this so I could start over and get out of this place soon. Oh, God. Give me more strength and give me the best of luck. Grant me the wealthiest man out there. Please, don't beat me down. Gosh. I spent so many restless days just to get this far.

“Elle . . .”

“I’m coming over, madam,” she yelled back while fixing herself in front of the mirror.

She straightened up, her eyes fixed in the mirror. She was wearing a velvet, silky, low-cut dress that barely reached her knees. One reckless move is enough to expose her intimate parts. Its sequin design glimmered like a speck of pixie dust as the light reflected over it. Satisfied, a smile formed her lips.

The long wait is over, Elle. Let those filthy business tycoons bid you on their highest amount. They were all gathered here just to witness the night. Whoever bids the highest must be very rich. I should consider myself lucky, right?

She winked at herself in the mirror, brought her fingers on her wavy hair and brushed it down neatly. The club's "Madam" had it curled for her just for this night— to flaunt her most seductive aura for later.

“Look at you, looking so expensive. . .” Madam was in awe while eyeing her from head to toe. “You’re not labeled as a queen of seduction for nothing. You are so hot indeed. Everything looks good on you!”

“Thank you, madam,” she winked at her.

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll bid higher than we anticipated. I can’t wait to see them getting crazy over you tonight.”

She grinned at her from ear to ear. “Thanks, madam. I'll try my best tonight.”

“Here, wear this,” she placed a silky robe on her shoulders. “You knew the drill, right?”

She nodded.

“And this . . .” she slipped a black mask into her hand. “You can do this, Elle. Ready?” finally, she asked her after helping her with her outfit.

She smiled. “Always am, madam.”

“Good,” she said, gesturing towards the hall leading to the stage.

“The next in line was up for the auction ladies and gentlemen, this is the star of the night, the damsel of beauty, and the queen of seduction— Elle!” announced the host.

The Señorita song played in the background. The rendition was personalized by their guest singer and it started in slow motion. The music was the cue for her entrance and from the dark, she swayed her body as gracefully as she could. Her movement was slow but seductive. A smile formed her lips, showing the perfect set of her teeth.

Her hands gripped on the silver pole and swayed her hips for a tease by the time she reached the center stage. She couldn't help but smile broadly as she saw the amused expression in their eyes. Just like that, she stole the people’s attention attending the exclusive bachelorette yearly auction. Her "Madam" must be really proud of her now. Well, she's one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the club entertainment industry in the Philippines. And Elle didn't want to disappoint her.

As soon as heard the ring, she let go of the pole and untied the lace of her bathrobe. In a most teasing manner, she took the silk fabric off of her body, revealing her petite yet sexy figure. She couldn’t help but smirk hearing the crowds’ reaction when she took off the robe. Her body looked mature for her age. She’s only twenty years old but she possessed a body figure of a fine woman.

She continued swaying on the dance floor sensually. She let her hair cover her face as she bent over, biting her lips. They turned off the limelight in the last minute of her slow-dance, a hint when she has to take off her mask. Shortly afterward, the tiny bit of light flickers around the club. She then settled on a couch across the bidders' seat. She began to feel nervous but it didn't stop her from doing her thing like nobody's watching. She knew she needed this.

After a few moments, the auctioneer started to speak through a wireless microphone. He began introducing himself to the audience as well as explaining to them how the auction works. As soon as he finished talking, her nervousness intensified but she kept her smile and posture nevertheless.

By the time the cymbal clanged, a man raised his bidder card. “Five hundred thousand pesos.”

She stared at the man who just announced the starting bid price. It wasn't that bad for a start, however, she needed higher than the said amount. Besides, she prepared so much for this and she thought she deserved more than that.

“Five hundred thousand. Going once! Going twice! Anybody want to bid more?”

“One million!” a man whose voice sounded baritone raised his bid.

What does a nerdy-looking guy in a business suit and thick eyeglasses do in this kind of auction? Interesting.

Elle drew a heavy breath. One million was surely big enough. But looking at those men watching her with lust, she wanted to expect a much higher amount. Regardless of how the man looked, she cared less at the moment. She crossed her legs and bit her lips as she smiled at them seductively.

Come on. . . Someone has to do better than this.

“Two million!” The bid came from a DOM.

“Five million, plus a car.” A word from the other DOM bidder.

She held her breath for a second. That's a bit steep. A five million bid means she'd gain at least 2.5 million from it. Plus a car? Fair enough.

“Five million. Going once! Going twice! Anybody want to give higher than that?” the auctioneer continued.

Then, right at the corner of the lounge, a guy raised his bid. “Six million plus a car,”

Her jaw dropped hearing the amount he just said. Six million was a bit much but she'd love to have that.  The man was seated at a spot that was a bit dark for her to see. But even so, she could tell that the man was hot. She'd definitely spend a month with this guy for six million.

“Eight million plus a car?” The old man earlier in the bid tried to compete against the price.

Oh, goodness, not this old hag again.

She was a bit annoyed but she kept her smile visible to hide her irritation. Now that the hot guy got her attention, she somehow wanted him to win her over.

“Eight million plus a car. Going once! Going—”

“Ten million, a brand new car of her choice, and a house and lot,” A man with a baritone voice spoke in the dark, raising his bid price firmly.

Her smile widened and she could almost hear her heart pounding in mixed emotions. His bidding price cost an arm and leg! She'd definitely go for it. But when the spotlight landed on the man's face, the smile on her face faded right away.

That guy. . . Could he possibly be Prince Dave El-Greco?