Chapter 4

I woke up early the next day to prepare. My eyes drifted to my vision board—a web of photos and connecting strings that looked more like a private investigator's wall than a home office.

These were the people who had stolen my life.

I bit my knuckle as my gaze landed on Zake. Damn. I shook my head, cursing myself for choosing his hottest photo to glue to the center of the board.

I ripped it off. Then, I glued it back. I ripped it off again, then hesitated.

"Get it together, Addie," I hissed.

"What’s the plan? To stare at him or to ruin them?"

It was fine to keep the photo up—for research purposes, obviously. Or maybe just a little fantasy.

Fantasy? I shouted at the empty room.

"No! Addie, you’re losing it. Get to the office and focus on the goal. Don't let that asshole distract you.”

I'm at his office around 6:00 AM and within one hour he will arrive. I clean his office, mop the floors, throw out the useless papers and it looks new now. Coffee is set on his table

Then, there was Rule Number Two: SPRAY YOUR PERFUME

Spray your signature perfume in his space so he’s haunted by your scent every second of the day.

I moved through the office, misting my perfume over his desk, the curtains, and even his chair.

I wanted it everywhere.

The goal was simple to make him fantasize about me until his thoughts were consumed.

Scent leads to addiction, addiction leads to obsession, and once he’s obsessed, he’ll be easy to play.

An hour later, I heard the door swing open.

I immediately positioned myself at his desk, pretending to clean, ensuring my back was turned so he had a perfect view of my silhouette. I had chosen a skirt tight enough to emphasize every curve, making sure I was the first and only thing he noticed

he sighed deeply “The office looks so clean”.

I turned to him, my face tamed as If I am innocent

“I did what you order” My voice, like a refined woman

“The smell, I like it huh, and coffee is ready as well, you're so efficient” he complimented me.

You like the smell huh? Well that was the beginning, I have so many steps to make you obsessed with me.

“Everything is set, Mr. Craige. Your meeting with Mr. Ford is at 2:00 PM at Vista. If there’s nothing else you need, I’ll take my leave.”

By 2:00 PM, we arrived at the restaurant. The atmosphere was heavy with wealthy polished floors, elegant skirting, massive crystal chandeliers, and golden chairs. It was clearly a playground for the elite.

“Wait here outside,” Zake commanded.

“I’m heading into the private room.”

As I stood by the entrance, a voice broke the silence.

“Adeline Villareal?”

I turned, blinking in surprise. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t you remember me? It’s Xander Corvus.”

My jaw nearly dropped.

“God, Xander? Is that really you? You look completely different!”

Xander had been one of my closest childhood friends back in the countryside.

“How are you, Addie? I’ve missed you so much,”

he said, a warm smile spreading across his face.

“I’ve missed you too!”

“So, tell me everything. The last time I saw you, you were trying to sneak out of school and got your skirt snagged on the gate,” he teased.

I burst out laughing, the memory flooding back. “Oh my god, I know! I was so embarrassed, I was like—”

“Get in. Now.” A cold, sharp voice interrupted us. I jumped, seeing Mr. Craige standing in the doorway.

“Mr. Craige? I thought I was supposed to stay out here?”

“I changed my mind,” he snapped, his eyes flickering toward Xander.

I turned back to my friend apologetically

“I’m so sorry, Xander. I’ll have to catch up with you later. Boss’s orders.”

I knew Zake hated repeating himself, so I hurried inside after him.

Zake’s POV

I was sitting inside discussing a deal for Artemin Corporation with Mr. Ford, but I couldn't focus. Through the glass, I saw Addie talking to that man—standing far too close, laughing like they shared a thousand secrets. A surge of irritation flared in my chest.

“Addie, get us some coffee,” I ordered the moment she stepped inside.

She nodded and immediately went to the service station. As she returned to the table, Mr. Ford’s eyes traveled somewhere they didn't belong.

“Hi, Addie. I’m Alan Ford,” he said, his voice dripping with forced charm.

“I’m an engineer, and I’m very interested in joining Artemin Corporation.” He leaned forward, his gaze lingering.

“You’re stunning. Tell me, are you single?”

As Addie leaned over the table to set down the cups, her neckline shifted. Ford didn't even try to hide the fact that he was staring at her cleavage.

My blood boiled. My fist clenched under the table, white-knuckled. He’s flirting with her right in front of me.

“Mr. Ford,” I interrupted, my voice low and dangerous.

“You aren't fit for my company. You might be a well-known engineer, but to be honest, I have no use for you.”

I stood up abruptly, the screech of my chair echoing against the marble floor.

“We’re leaving,” I said, reaching out and firmly grabbing Addie’s wrist to pull her to my side.

Once we were outside, I turned on her.

“Go home. Pick out your best dress when you're attending my grandfather’s 60th birthday with me. And next time? Wear something appropriate—something that doesn't put you on display.”

“I... I’m so sorry, Mr. Craige,” she stammered, looking down.

I glanced at my driver. “You. Give Miss Addie your jacket. Now.”

“Sir?” the driver blinked.

“I’ll buy you a new one,” I barked. “Let’s go.”