Chapter 2: The Phoenix

9 years later.

The Grand Hotel.

Selangor, Malaysia. 8:30 pm.

At a prestigious gala night party, hosted strictly for the créme de la créme of the society, Calista Bloom stood out as the center of attraction. Her stride was as elegant and majestic like a queen, yet it was fierce and unbridled like a lioness in the wild.

She looked alluring in her black silk front slit dress that caught all her curves perfectly, and showed a flattering amount of cleavage. She had a faux fur shawl scarf wrapped around her shoulders, a Christian Louboutin heels on her feet and a Louis Vuitton handbag in her hand.

She had ginger-red mane for hair, which she styled in a sleek, gelled-back ponytail. Her unique eyes were a pair of sage green orbs that matched her olive green dangling earrings and necklace. And her light make-up did nothing but enhance her ethereal beauty.

The soft clinking of champagne glasses and the muted hum of conversation filled the air as Calista made her way through the crowded room.

‘My one and only love’ by Wonder Eve —a mellifluous, slow jazz music was playing in the background, pleasing the ears of all who could hear.

The sweet scent of perfumes and the subtle aroma of exotic flowers wafted around her, mingling with the faint tang of cigar smoke. The warm glow of crystal chandeliers cast a flattering light on her tan skin, making her shimmer like gold.

As she sauntered down the aisle, she felt the gazes of both men and women on her. Yet, she had her eyes on one man only. The host, her target.

With her second target firmly in her sights, Calista's gaze locked onto the briefcase clutched in his hand. He stood in all his glory and splendor, surrounded by four imposing bodyguards. Each man was armed to the teeth, their eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of paranoia and hostility.

Undaunted, Calista gilded effortlessly towards her target, her captivating smile and sultry voice poised to disarm even the most skeptical of individuals.

On sighting her, Mr. Xang’s eyes sparkled with intrigue. The middle-aged half-American, half-Chinese businessman nodded discreetly at one of his bodyguards, who stepped aside, allowing Calista to draw closer. Mr. Xang's gaze remained fixed intently on hers, his interest palpable.

“You must be Mr. Xang,” Calista said, her voice husky and confident. "I've heard so much about you.”

Mr. Xang's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze roaming over Calista's cleavage down to her curves. “And you are...?”

She smiled even more radiantly, flashing her aligned dentition. “I'm Jennifer. It's an absolute pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Xang.”

"Please, call me Marcus," he said, his voice low and smooth. "It's lovely to meet you too, Jennifer. I must say, I find you to be the most stunning lady in this room tonight.”

Calista laughed, a passionless sound that sent a shiver down his spine. "I think you're charming, Marcus. But I have to say, I'm intrigued by your...reputation."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh? And what reputation might that be?"

She left out a sly smile. "Let's just say I've heard rumors about your...business dealings. And your rather...adventurous personal life."

Marcus chuckled, his eyes locked on Calista's. "I think you're trying to get a rise out of me, Jennifer. But I have to admit, I'm enjoying the banter."

Calista's gaze never wavered. "I'm just getting started, Marcus. Would you like to dance?”

“Absolutely!” Mr. Xang answered delightfully. “Perhaps, somewhere more private? My suit, per se?” He proposed.

With a mischievous smirk, Calista replied. “I think I'd like that.”

And just like that, he was enthralled by her beauty and gave in to her subtle seduction.

This was her domain now, a world where deception and seduction were mere tools of the trade. Calista was a master of manipulation, a chameleon-like operative who could blend into any environment and assume any identity. Her mission was clear, and she would stop at nothing to ensure its success —no matter the cost in human lives.