CHAPTER 5

ALINA

I slowly opened my eyes to a massive white ceiling decorated with an expensive crystal chandelier hanging directly above me. Even in my slightly dazed state, I could tell that thing probably cost more than an average car.

My lips stretched into a smile.

As slowly as possible, I ran my fingers across the soft duvet covering my body, instantly feeling the rich texture beneath my fingertips. It was ridiculously fluffy, smooth, and expensive. The kind of bedding that practically screamed wealth.

Yeah… I definitely wasn’t home.

And I knew that for a fact because no matter how irresponsibly I spent money on luxury items, even I couldn’t afford something like this. Not anymore. Not with the depressing state of my bank account.

My gaze slowly moved around the room, taking in the elegant furniture, the floor-to-ceiling curtains, the gold accents, and the polished marble walls. Every single corner of the room radiated money. Old money.

My plan actually worked.

Vincent Sterling did take me home.

Perfect.

The sound of a door opening suddenly reached my ears, and immediately, I relaxed my body against the bed again, mentally preparing myself for the performance ahead.

Confused expression. Slight fear. Vulnerable woman.

Men loved that sort of thing.

They loved feeling needed. Loved believing they were rescuing some helpless woman from danger. It fed their ego in ways they didn’t even realize. And honestly, I doubted Vincent Sterling would be any different.

“You’re awake.”

The feminine voice instantly ruined everything.

My brows furrowed before I could stop myself.

Wait.

That wasn’t Vincent.

Slowly, I turned my head toward the source of the voice, and the moment my eyes landed on the woman standing beside the bed, my jaw tightened so hard it almost hurt.

Vera.

She stood there, holding a mug in her hand.

Quickly masking my disappointment, I forced my expression into confusion and slowly pushed myself upright.

The moment I moved, a throbbing pain exploded between my eyes, making me wince instantly.

I pressed a hand against my forehead and let out a weak groan for effect.

“Where am I?” I whispered softly, pretending to be disoriented. “How did I even get here? I don’t remember getting drunk last night.”

Vera let out a short chuckle before handing me the mug she had been holding.

“That should help with the headache,” she said.

Murmuring a quiet thank you, I accepted the mug and drank the entire thing without hesitation.

Once I was done, I handed the mug back to her and frowned slightly.

“What happened?”

“I should be the one asking you that,” Vera replied as she settled on the edge of the bed beside me.

Her brows pulled together with disbelief as she stared at me.

“Accepting a drink from a complete stranger at a club?” she continued. “Seriously?”

I blinked innocently. “He looked nice.”

The expression she gave me immediately after made it look like I had suddenly grown two heads.

“Are you actually serious right now?” she asked flatly.

Internally, I rolled my eyes.

But outwardly, I simply sighed and lowered my gaze, deciding it was easier to play along than continue the conversation.

Arguing with her would only drag things out unnecessarily.

“Yeah,” I admitted quietly. “I know. It was stupid.”

Vera nodded immediately, completely agreeing with that statement.

And honestly, the speed of her agreement almost offended me a little.

“Your brother must think I’m an idiot,” I muttered, desperately wanting to know what that cold, brooding man had done after I collapsed last night.

Vera laughed softly, clearly amused by the memory.

“Oh, he was definitely pissed,” she said with a grin. “Honestly, the last time I saw Vincent that angry was when he lost billions in a business deal.”

My heart practically danced inside my chest.

So I made an impression.

A very strong one too, apparently.

I had to fight with every ounce of self-control not to smile like a complete fool right in front of her.

But before I could secretly celebrate my success any further, Vera continued talking.

“He was furious that all that drama happened last night,” she explained, shaking her head slightly. “I remember him saying he would’ve preferred staying home instead of dealing with all that hassle.”

The tiny excitement inside me died instantly.

Completely.

My brows furrowed.

“Hassle?” I repeated slowly.

Excuse me?

I was the one who willingly got drugged just to capture his attention, and somehow he was the one acting inconvenienced?

The audacity.

Vera smacked her lips lightly before turning her full attention toward me. Her expression became more serious this time.

“Here’s the thing about my brother,” she said. “Whenever Vincent gets angry, he always takes it out on the person responsible for making him angry, and since he obviously can’t take it out on you…he’s going to take it out on him.”

My heartbeat instantly skipped.

“On him who?”

Did Vincent somehow catch the guy with the striped shirt?

Shit.

David wouldn’t be stupid enough to let him get caught… right?

“The guy who drugged you,” Vera replied. “Although, whoever he is, he avoided every single CCTV camera like he already knew where all of them were positioned. So for now, nobody has been able to identify him.”

Relief instantly flooded through me so hard I almost sagged against the bed.

Thank God.

“Well… no real harm was done,” I said carefully. “So I honestly don’t think you or your brother should stress yourselves trying to find him.”

Vera gave me a look that immediately told me I was wasting my time.

Then she stood up from the bed.

“I already feel bad enough for causing trouble,” I added quickly, trying to sound guilty and concerned rather than terrified.

She waved the statement away dismissively.

“It’s Saturday. My day doesn’t even start until noon,” she said before letting out a short laugh. “And as for whether you feel like a bother or not…”

A knowing smile crossed her face.

“Vincent genuinely doesn’t give a fuck.”

Well.

That was blunt.

“He’s going to find that bastard,” she continued, “and honestly, nothing is going to stop him.”

The warm drink sitting in my stomach suddenly felt grumbled.

I swear I could almost feel it climbing back up my throat.

Crap.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

The entire plan was only meant to get Vincent Sterling’s attention, not accidentally send him into a revenge mission against my fake attacker.

“Can’t I just talk to him?” I asked quickly. “Maybe convince him to let it go?”

Vera laughed immediately like I had just said the funniest thing imaginable.

“If you value your life,” she said between amused chuckles, “don’t make him even angrier than he already is.”

That was not reassuring at all.

Still smiling to herself, she pointed toward the bedside drawer.

“I think you should check your phone first,” she said. “That thing has been buzzing nonstop since morning.”