Seduction

"Vladimir Ivankov! What the hell are you doing here? You almost won the bid, you crazy idiot. Do you want to sabotage our plan?" Lanny lashed out at her brother. His sudden appearance during the auction was not part of their plan. "You are supposed to take care of the kids!"

"Why should I? I'm not their father," Vladimir retorted, maintaining his cold demeanor. "I should have won if you didn't interfere," He nonchalantly added, blaming his sister.

With her nostrils flaring, Lanny tightened her fist, harboring the urge to punch her stubborn and heartless big brother. "I'll tell Dad about this! You neglect your duty to take care of your nephew and niece!" She threatened him. "Go back now, you stupid jerk!"

Lanny and Vladimir were consistently engaged in ceaseless quarrels. They didn't get along well. Only Sabrina could pacify the two serving as their peace mediator.

"I'm not leaving," Vladimir asserted, crossing his arms over his chest. "And mind your words. I'm the Big Boss around here. This isn't your territory. Show some respect." He cast her with a stern warning glare. 

Lanny narrowed her eyes in response. "You won't budge, huh? Hmm, I'll tell Athena you're the worst Uncle in the world. She is very fond of Aaron and Kimmy, treating them like her own children. She will hate you if you neglect them!" she threatened him once again. This time her words worked like magic.

"Fine. I'll leave." Vladimir conceded, finally obeying his sister.

'Heh! I knew it. Sabrina is the best way to scare this crazy jerk!' Lanny smiled inwardly, feeling relieved.

"Gosh. Time to go back. I bet the bidding is over. I wonder who won." Lanny murmured to herself as she made her way back to the banquet hall.

Sabrina was already waiting for her in the dressing room. When Lanny arrived, she saw Sabrina pacing back and forth across the room.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked her worriedly.

"Oh, it's nothing. I've been waiting for you." Sabrina smiled at her faintly.

"Who won?" Lanny's eyes filled with curiosity.

"Dominique," she replied, smiling sheepishly.

"Holy Crap! Seriously?!" Lanny gasped in surprise.

Sabrina bobbed her head to confirm it. "Yes."

Lanny burst into laughter, her joy echoing through the room. "Haha! This is fantastic! It looks like everything is going our way!" She couldn't hide her excitement. "Make sure to play him in your palm tonight, darling!" she expressed her full support.

"Certainly. I will take care of it. I've been getting ready for this moment over the last five years." Sabrina reassured her.

"Good, Darling! If he does anything funny, just dial my number. I'll come to your rescue! Okay?" Lanny reminded her to be more cautious when dealing with her scumbag ex-husband.

"Don't worry, Lanny. You taught me self-defense. I can beat him using my own fists. I'm no longer the weak and naive Sabrina."

"Oh my gosh! I'm tearing up. I'm so proud of you. My best student! Go girl! Let's do this!"

*****

[ At Hilton Bay Hotel… ]

Half an hour later…

Dominique arrived at the lobby of the hotel. He was immediately entertained by the front desk staff.

"Mr. Dominique Smith, Miss Athena is already waiting for you in Room 1308. Here's the keycard." 

Dominique frowned as he clutched the keycard. He anticipated meeting Athena in the hotel's restaurant, not in a hotel suite.

As the hotel staff had sensed his confusion, she quickly clarified, "The candlelight dinner is arranged in the hotel suite, Mr. Smith."

The bellboy immediately approached Dominique, escorting him to the elevator for VIPs. Dominique silently took the lift, his mind filled with questions regarding Athena's identity. Who is the real person behind the mask? Is it Sabrina?

Ding!

The chiming sound of the elevator reaching the desired floor snapped Dominique out of his deep thoughts.

He stepped out of the elevator with a racing heartbeat. He couldn't help it. The mere thought of Sabrina being alive was making his heart run wild. As he navigated the long corridors of the hotel, an overwhelming rush of emotions spread throughout his body.

In a short while, Dominique finally reached Room 1308. He stood there for a few seconds, gathering his emotions before ringing the doorbell.

He heard the footsteps drawing nearer and nearer to the door. He waited for the door to be opened with so much anticipation.

And finally, the door slid open, revealing Sabrina who was only wearing a pink silk robe. Her face remained concealed behind the intricate lace of her black mask. Dominque froze on his spot due to this unexpected sight. 'Why is she just wearing a short silk robe?'

"Please come in," Sabrina invited him with her sultry voice matched with her mesmerizing smile.

Entranced, Dominique found himself instinctively stepping forward, drawn into her allure.

As Dominique entered the hotel suite, he couldn't help but notice the dim lighting and the soft, romantic ambiance that filled the room. The candlelight dinner was already set up. Sabrina didn't waste time to close the door behind them.

"Take a seat, Mr. Smith," she suggested, gesturing towards an elegantly set dining table adorned with flickering candles and exquisite tableware.

Dominique complied, settling into the chair as Sabrina moved to the other side of the table. His eyes followed her every movement. His gaze unintentionally landed on her exposed cleavage down to a pair of long flawless legs.

"Mr. Smith, I hope you don't mind meeting me here. I thought a more private setting would be suitable for removing my mask in front of you," Sabrina explained to him as she began pouring wine into their crystal glasses.

Dominique, still trying to gather his thoughts, managed a simple nod. He could already feel the physical and intimate tension between them. 

Her every gesture seemed purposeful, designed to captivate his attention. The dim lighting in the room cast a soft glow on her, enhancing the seductive aura she effortlessly exuded.

"Can you remove your mask now?" Dominique demanded urgently. As much as possible, he wanted to confirm her identity. He wasn't stupid. This woman was clearly seducing him.

"Oh C'mon, Mr. Smith. I haven't eaten anything yet. Just be patient okay? Let's enjoy the wine and the food first." She pouted her lips.

Dominique didn't argue further as he tried to be considerate of her. He grabbed his crystal glass and took a sip of his wine.

Her amber eyes sparkled with a concealed intent as she watched him consume the wine.