CARTER COSMETICS

At Brooklyn stood a very tall skyscraper: Carter Cosmetics, a large company that deals in all kinds of healthy and beautiful cosmetics and has branches all over the world.

It was originally a property willed to Elena Carter by her parents. Under her management, it became very successful and boasted its influence as it was at the top of the market with honest efforts.

After the incident ten years ago, Charlotte, Elena’s sister, became the new owner, alongside Adrian, who later married her. Although they ran the company well, it was mostly maintained through dirty work and sponsorships from people—most especially those who sympathized with them after the murder incident.

They were smart with their business operations but unscrupulous. They had most competitors lose to them in gruesome ways, increased their partnerships, and with the help of public relations officers, they were able to maintain a favorable and likable image. They were demons who appeared as beautiful and perfect as angels.

In the CEO’s office, which Charlotte occupied, a man walked in with two cups of coffee in his hand and some snacks. It was Adrian. He was in charge of doing the dirty work while Charlotte remained the face of the company. She had suggested that they start other companies as backups, but Adrian refuted, saying that they should focus and give their all to the currently successful one.

He walked up to Charlotte, who was busy staring at her laptop.

“Hey babe, here’s a coffee for you,” he said, and she paused to look at him.

“Aww, that’s so sweet and thoughtful of you,” she smiled at him, taking the coffee and drinking it. “You returned unexpectedly late today. Was the mission successful? How did it go?” she asked.

“It wasn’t easy. I found out that the person representing them wasn’t their real CEO, so I had the boys fish out the real one. Don’t worry, I didn’t kill him—just made him sign some of the documents I presented,” Adrian said as he took a sip of his own coffee. His demeanor was a giveaway that he was bragging and wanted compliments from Charlotte.

“Aww, that’s my superman. You know, sometimes I wonder how you got that brain of yours. You’re quick-thinking, and you always seem to have solutions for everything. I’m so proud of you, baby,” she praised him, kissing his hand.

“Then shouldn’t you reward me?” Adrian questioned as he dropped his coffee cup and leaned closer to her for a kiss. Once she brought her face toward his, he avoided it and looked toward her laptop. Charlotte was a bit annoyed, but she had gotten used to his teasing.

“What are you doing?” he asked as he turned the laptop toward himself. “Oh? You naughty girl, watching this kind of stuff in your office while alone.”

“What? You can’t blame me. I got bored waiting for you, and since it’s our anniversary soon, it got me reminiscing about how you touch me. I couldn’t resist anymore,” she said with a seductive look, biting her lower lip.

“Now that I’m back, you don’t have to imagine anymore; I’ll show you the real thing.” He cupped her face, and they shared a passionate kiss.

……….

Elena was made to wear a mask so she wouldn’t be recognized as they lodged at a five-star hotel. When she got to her room, she let herself fall onto the king-size bed. After a little time, a notification sound came from the phone Damien had given her earlier. It was a message from Damien telling her to have enough rest and not to think about anything since they had a flight to catch the next morning.

After reading, she heaved a long sigh, wondering if she was making the right decision to work with Damien. Although their conversation was short and their interaction minimal, she understood him as haughty, egotistical, arrogant, and cold. Although those words might be synonymous, it was just how Elena saw Damien.

“I’m not your puppet, and I’m not going to be anyone’s puppet,” she whispered to herself. The flight they had to catch was to Paris, where she’d stay and undergo facial surgery with a private surgeon, and then they’d return right before Adrian and Charlotte’s wedding anniversary to kickstart their plan.

After some hours, Elena’s mind couldn’t stop racing. It was overworking itself, thinking too many things at once. She couldn’t sleep, consumed by thoughts of the surgery, her sister and fiancé’s betrayal, how gruesome her revenge should be, and how to escape the grasp of Damien, who only viewed her as a disposable tool.

She wasn’t having it easy, so she decided to take a bath. She stripped and walked to the bathtub, submerging herself in the water, sparing her nose to breathe. There, in the silence of the water, she found peace.

++++++++++

Damien had finished with his shower and was about to go to bed when he decided to make a call. He went to his suitcase, brought out a telephone, dialed a number, and his call was picked up.

“Richard, prepare the jet for departure tomorrow. As early as 8 AM, we move.”

“Aye-aye, captain,” the person replied jokingly, but Damien wasn’t in the mood. Just as he was about to hang up, Richard asked him a question.

“Why do I feel like you’re second-guessing your decision? You’re never one to hesitate, and although I know you said her innocence was 90% certain, you seem too doubtful. What is it, Damien?” Damien stayed silent for a while before speaking.

“That girl… she’s dangerous, and that is going to be troublesome for me. She has bottled up her hatred and is about to cause an explosion once she releases it. The problem is that we might get caught in it if she acts recklessly. The power and backing that Adrian and Charlotte have gained over the years can’t be overlooked. I’ll have to put in more effort into controlling her.”

“Ah… so that’s it. You’re afraid she’ll become a viper who’s blinded by rage and poisons both allies and foes, right? Well… let’s see how things go.”