Inside the Grand land VIP section. The VIP section didn't have any glaring neon lamps or loud music. On the contrary, the environment was rather quiet and intimate. This was where the urban white-collared workers and wealthy rich individuals came to relieve their stress.
However, in a private room, a small social gathering was taking place. The gathering consisted of all the well- known bachelors in the city and highly wealthy businessmen.In a dark corner, A man who had a cold and aloof aura with an indifferent expression was being surrounded by a group of people.These groups of people present weren't just ordinary wealthy people, most of them were the top giants of Miami and seeing them was very rare, however, they were all gathered here in one place not because of the event but because they were here because of a special guest who was no other than the man sitting in the dark corner."It's very rare to see Mr. Cross in this kind of social gathering. This time must have been an exception for Mr. Cross." The man said with a smile on his face. He was the chairman of HB Corps Simon Davis. Both the HB Corps and Cross Enterprise have been business partners for the past 5 years."However, I'm glad that I could see Mr.Cross here today."Getting no response, he became more anxious thinking Damien was offended by his words. He quickly beckoned for a pretty lady in a tight black body con dress a few meters away to come over."Mr. Cross, please enjoy this little gift from me. I made sure to prepare the very best for you." He glanced at Damien and smiled.The lady in the black dress was exceptionally beautiful but it was all thanks to the heavy makeup and bright red lipstick. The black dress hugged and outlined her body perfectly, showing her curvy hips and big breast. There wasn't a man who sees her that wouldn't definitely allow her to serve him. However, Damien didn't look at her, he just frowned in disgust and irritation when he heard Simon."It isn't needed." His deep voice sounded as he refused before the girl could near him.The girl froze in place when she heard Damien's straight forward refusal. She could only plaster a forced smile on her face and stood beside Simon."Chairman Davis, I've been hearing some rumors and I don't think it's wise enough of your younger sister to go around pretending to be my fiancée. I have no fiancee and neither have I ever met your sister or plan to. If you can't clear the thoughts of her mind, you can consider our contract being terminated as a special gift." Damien stated in a stern and affirmative tone with an indifferent expression.Simon was dumbfounded by Damien's words. Since when did his younger sister start spreading such rumors and he did not know about it. He needs to have a long conversation with her when he gets home. He can't allow her to use her foolishness to ruin his life."I…… I…. I… I didn't know my younger sister did such a thing. However, don't worry, Mr. Cross. I'll definitely talk to my sister and make sure to clear up all such rumors. You don't have to go that far to terminate our contract." Simon hurriedly remark." I hope you do bid on it. Now, if you would excuse me." Damien nodded his head and stood up from his seat and headed out of the private room to the men's room.After Damien left, the girl in black dress took her seat next to Simon, folding her arms in front of her chest." What was the meaning of what happened earlier, Simon? You said if I dolled up and look pretty, that Mr. Cross would definitely court me? He didn't even spare me a glance!" She spoke angrily, feeling agitated by how she was treated by Damien.He wiped aways the sweat that had formed on his forehead when he heard that Damien wants to terminate the contract but knowing that he still had a chance, he was relieved and turned to look at the girl."Kira dear, I already have a plan. Besides, no man can ever withstand your charm and skills, not even me. That's why I chose you because you're perfect for this job." Simon whispered as he leaned forward and planted a kiss on Kira's cheeks. Blushing in embarrassment, Kira gently pushed his face." Stop it, this place is an open place and beside right now I'm only for Mr. Cross " She said."What, do you think I'd be going through this stress to get you hooked up with Mr. Cross without you returning the favor." He remarked as his hand gently caressed Kira's exposed leg sliding his hand inside her gown but Kira immediately slapped his hand away."You really have to stop this, Simon. Mr. Cross didn't even look at me. Who knows if the rumors about him liking men was true. He is always going around with that handsome looking secretary of his." Kira remarked, she couldn't believe that Damien didn't even feel attracted to her. It affected her feminine charm."And if Mr. Cross comes back with you doing this, it would surely ruin everything. I'll definitely make sure to return the favor later, if you can get me hooked with Mr. Cross." Just as she finished speaking, Damien returned from the restroom.Seeing that Damien still didn't spare her a glance as he took his seat, she pouted her lips and she lowered her voice."What and how do you plan to get me together with Mr. Cross?" she questioned.Simon was a little annoyed that Kira stopped him earlier, but when he heard her question, a smirk formed on his face."You have to seduce him." Simon said."Excuse me, what was I trying to do earlier? Is that really your plan?" Kira inquired, confused by what Simon meant.Simon chuckled when he saw the confusion on Kira's face. "From the information that I've gathered, Mr. Cross would be spending the night here. Later, I'll drug his drink with two doses of aphrodisiac. Once the gathering is over, you can just make your way to his room and the rest is on how you seduce him. There would be no way he would be able to resist you once the drugs take effect." Simon explained to Kira with a grin on his face.Kira grinned from ear to ear, hearing Simon's plan."I knew you figured out a brilliant plan but can't you make the doses three?" she asked, feeling excited about the plan."Unless, you wish to handle the consequences if something happens to him?" Simon replied."Fine." They kept talking about their perfect plan but neither of them stopped to think of the consequences.Damien Cross, wasn't just the CEO of the Cross Enterprise. He was a man that even the government wouldn't dare to offend, not even the leaders of the underworld wanted to get on his bad side. No one dared to plot against him and ever get away. Those that did are longer living.“I... I’m starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling she’s trying to push me out of the competition,” Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Mark’s voice was low, filled with annoyance. “What do you mean, sabotage you? She’s already got the public on her side. What else does she want?”“I don’t know, Mark. But I can’t shake the feeling that she’s behind some of the things happening to me lately,” Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. “She’s been getting more endorsements, more media attention... She’s always one step ahead, and I feel like she’s using me to boost her own career. Maybe she’s trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I don’t have a chance to win.”Mark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didn’t respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everett’s words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everett’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. “What are you going to do about her? She’s the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell she’s been pulling strings, trying to break you down.”Eva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. “I’m not sure yet. But Christine’s time is running out.” She gave a slight, bitter laugh. “I won’t let her destroy me.”Everett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. “Be careful, Eva,” she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. “Christine’s dangerous. And she’s got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.”Eva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everett’s words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christine’s smile faltered. “What is she doing here?”Before she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, we’re honored to have Eva here tonight.”Christine stiffened. “What? That’s impossible!”Eva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasn’t an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the room—and the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I don’t care what it takes—pull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.”Tanya hesitated. “Christine, are you sure about this? Maybe you should—”“Don’t question me!” Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. “Do you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I won’t even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!”Tanya sighed. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. You’re playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.”Christine scoffed. “Please. Eva won’t be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Eva’s reputation, she had only fueled the public’s admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.“Christine?”She turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trusted—or rather, tolerated—because she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christine’s side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.“Wh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everything—sabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumors—yet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didn’t work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldn’t hide behind shadows. She wouldn’t need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the media’s attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing this—his favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didn’t even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.“Christine, what is this?” His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. “A dinner. For us.”Mark scoffed, shaking his head. “A dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what I’ve been dealing with? My father’s furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.” His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. “And do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancée might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasn’t one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.“Why didn’t you ask for my help?” His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeper—something close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.“Because it was something I could handle,” she said simply. “Like always.”Damien’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. “And if you couldn’t?”Eva shrugged. “Then I would have asked. But it wasn’t time for that yet.”That answer didn’t satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. “Eva—”“I know what you’re going to say,” she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. “You think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I don’t always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going home—where the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurking—was out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. “Eva.”Just her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said it—low, controlled, yet sharp with attention—that made her exhale slowly.“Hey,” she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, “What’s wrong?”She almost smiled. He always saw through her.“I can’t go home,” she admitted, rubbing her temple. “The reporters are camped outside. And after today’s interview… they’ll only get worse.”Damien didn’t answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. “Where are you?”“Penthouse suite at the Grand Royale,” she repli