A scent

"Are you sure about this, Manuel? I'm so scared," she said, her voice trembling.

"Relax, you'll be fine," Manuel replied with a reassuring smile. "When have I ever put you in danger? Just do exactly as I told you to."

"I hope it's not poison. I don't want blood on my hands," she said, her eyes wide with fear.

Manuel took her hands and kissed each knuckle, making her cheeks flush pink. "You won't. I'll finish the job myself once you serve him the drink."

She nodded, took a deep breath, and got out of the car. Manuel reminded her, "Make sure he drinks before he tries to touch you." He reminded as he opened the car for her to get in. When the driver started the car, he said."Be careful." Leticia nodded and the car zoomed off.

Manuel sighed. He couldn't help but feel like a criminal. He's pushing her into the Lion's den for his own selfish reason. He knows she's not going to come out... Reluctantly, he went back to his house and sat abruptly on the sofa. He picked his phone and made a call "She's been sent over"

"Good" The receiver said before hanging up.

※※※※※※※※※※※※※

Leticia gawked at the cars in front of and behind the one she was riding in. Wow. She's never seen so much luxury cars, except in movies. This is glamorous.

She had one task and it was a tough one. It was simple yet difficult. "Seduce him."

The him was Devon Dwanye, one of the toughest and most mysterious tycoons in the country. Of course it might actually work because he's a womaniser.

She wondered why Manuel wants her to do this. She knows NOTHING relating to seduction! She felt out of her league, but Manuel's plan relied on her success. He's been one of the best friends she's ever had so this was like a payment for his kindness.

As she entered the mansion, she was awestruck by the opulence. Everything looked as though they were made from solid gold,even the floors. The water from the fountain had the golden glow and Leticia couldn't help but gawk and wonder. 'Is this how all wealthy people spend their money? This is incredible!'

She grew up in a small town, got an average quality education, but being the intelligent type, one would say she studied in the best college.

She presented her invitation card to the guards and made her way in, ignoring the lustful gaze of one of them.

The paintings around were beautiful and mesmerising. Although they caught her attention , she had to remind herself that wasn't what she was here for.

Luckily for Leticia, she blended in easily. No one seemed to notice her presence in fact as they were all too busy with themselves.

Leticia blended in seamlessly, ignoring the curious glances cast her way. She discreetly scanned the room for him , but he was nowhere to be seen.

She let out a frustrated sigh, reminding herself it wasn't going to be easy. She causally walked around the grand party room, taking keen glances at the men yet, no sign of him. Her feet were beginning to ache, causing her to feel uncomfortable. She decided to take a break and search for the ladies' room to collect herself.

***

***

Ruolan entered the room, and most of the men grinned at her. She was known as a beauty with brains, a smart young woman who found success early on. Despite her beauty, wealth, and desirability, her attitude was somewhat abrasive.

As she walked gracefully, the lacy tail of her red dress trailing behind her, she paid no attention to the admiring glances. Her focus was entirely on him.

He was seated on a comfortable couch with two women on either side, touching him, and another behind him, massaging his broad shoulders. His eyes were closed, his lashes fanning his cheeks. He was a sight for sore eyes.

Ruolan knew he had sensed her presence her but chose to pretend otherwise, which annoyed her. To divert the women's attention, she took off her necklace and tossed it into the pool beside them. They all looked at her like she was crazy.

"Whoever retrieves that necklace gets to keep it," she announced.

The five women burst into a laughter of mockery.

"What's her problem?" one of them said, eyeing Ruolan contemptibly.

"Is she trying to humiliate us?" another asked.

"How pathetic," one of them sneered.

"Yeah, what kind of necklace would make us leave our handsome man?" another spat, gently kissing him on his lips.

"How much is it even worth?" another chimed in, and they all agreed.

Their handsome companion smirked, his eyes still closed.

"It's not worth much, just 6.5 million dollars," he drawled, his voice deep and smooth. Instantly, the women scattered, creating a splash in the pool in their rush to retrieve the necklace. He smirked even wider.

"Wow, Miss Brooklyn, you just threw 6.5 million into the pool," he said, opening his captivating eyes. He never fails to entrance people in them.

Ruolan replied, "I hope 6.5 million is worth opening your eyes. They're petty gold diggers."

"They're just young women trying to make a living, and I respect that," he responded with a cheeky grin.

Ruolan sat beside him, glad to have his attention. "I'm here for something, Mr. Dwayne."

"What is it?" he asked, his tone almost lazy. Ruolan perked up, pleased he was willing to hear her out.

"Let's work together."

Knowing where this might lead, he grinned, his eyes showing slyness and lust. "What do you suggest we do?"

"You've acquired the best land, and I have the biggest brand name," she said with a knowing smile.

"Smart. Work together, raise stock prices, and make tons of money. Then we can celebrate all night long" he said, winking. Ruolan laughed softly.

"100 million should get me 40%," she said.

"30," he countered. She frowned, "Aren't you afraid I'll be upset?"

He smirked and leaned in before capturing her lips in a lustful kiss. She kissed him back, knowing what he was aiming for. "35, at least," she said, pressing her chest against his broad one.

"Deal." He muttered between their kiss and she immediately set a faster pace.

She kissed him passionately, but then suddenly, felt him tense up. He pulled back with a serious expression. Ruolan was puzzled by his sudden change in demeanor.

A passing scent had caught his attention, and he seemed entranced by it. He was about to rise to his feet when Ruolan tugged him back. An irritated frown settled on her gorgeous face as she demanded, "Where do you think you're going?"

His eyes narrowed. "Did you just frown disapprovingly at me?" he growled, his voice growing low and menacing.

Ruolan's eyes widened with fear and she quickly stood up, letting go of him. "I didn't mean to," she stammered, recoiling slightly from his intense gaze.

"Complete the transaction by Monday. I'll send the documents. Goodnight," he said coldly, walking away without a backward glance. Ruolan bowed clumsily as he passed her.

She began seething with frustration. How could he dismiss her so casually? What was it that distracted him? Not caring to find out, she stormed off.

***

***

Meanwhile, Leticia had a difficult time finding the restroom. When she finally did, she couldn't remember the way back, almost driven to tears from frustration.

She walked around, halls to halls. It was like a maze.

The hallways were dimly lit, but the paintings on the walls were brightly illuminated. She stopped to admire one when she had the eerie feeling of being watched. She turned, but saw nothing.

As she turned back to the painting, the sensation grew stronger, almost oppressive. Deciding it was time to find her way out, she turned around and was startled to find a man standing in front of her.

Her eyes widened—it was him!

He towered over her, with jet-black hair slicked back, black earrings in both ears, full red lips, and deep red eyes glaring down at her.