A Deal

~~At New Regal Hotel~~

The elegant lobby of the New Regal Hotel welcomed Irina and her secretary, the soft glow of chandeliers casting a warm ambiance.

"Madam, do you like it?" Irina's secretary inquired, glancing around at the opulent surroundings.

"It's fine, I guess. Did you inform Magnificent Entertainment of our visit?" Irina responded, her eyes scanning the intricately designed space.

"Yes, madam. They've postponed it to tomorrow. For now, they issued a statement apologising on behalf of the team to mitigate the damage," her secretary explained, adjusting the portfolio under his arm.

Irina muttered, "I'm scared. I have a bad feeling. Peony hasn't called me since yesterday, and her phone is switched off." The worry etched on Irina's face contrasted with the luxurious setting.

Turning to her secretary, Irina said, "Since they are delaying such an important matter, release a statement on social media: 'Tisiphone Org and their authors do not approve and promote indecency and will not work with any organisation that promotes it.'"

"But, madam, the loss will be immeasurable. And we have come this far. We should wait until tomorrow," her secretary stammered, glancing at Irina with a mix of concern and hesitation.

"They are clearly not valuing us! Just because we are new in the field, they think experimenting with us and issuing a random statement on social media will solve everything? We informed them earlier through their HR and decided on the date," Irina snapped, frustration evident in the tap of her fingers against her designer clutch. She is worried about Peony.

Just when her phone rang.

"Hello," Irina answered the call.

"Hello, Miss Irina. I am Benedict Auguste, the CEO of Magnificent Entertainment. Are you free right now?" A deep, resonant voice spoke, the sound echoing authority and confidence.

"Yes, I'm free right now. Did you call to change the date again?" Irina's tone was sceptical, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"I, Benedict Auguste, apologise on behalf of my company for the breach of contract and also for rescheduling the date. I would like to revise the deal tomorrow. Our company has always been serious about drama and novel adaptations. I'm calling to ask you not to reconsider our partnership. Our drama company would like to keep working closely with your organisation," Benedict explained, his words measured and deliberate.

Irina, truly pleased with his professionalism, said, "You're young, but you have the zeal that most CEOs lack. I would be glad to revise the deal."

Benedict complimented, "Our organisation is grateful for your consideration. Writer Mudan's work is an asset."

"I couldn't agree more. Because of your initiative, I'm considering it. Hope we have a good deal tomorrow," Irina confidently concluded, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you, Miss Irina. Meet you soon," Benedict hung up the call.

Irina, turning to her secretary, said, "Don't post it. We will wait until tomorrow".

~~~~~

~ Benedict's Private Villa ~

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the room, where Peony lay in a deep slumber. Soft murmurs escaped her lips, and her forehead creased with a subtle frown, as if caught in the clutches of a troubling dream.

She mumbles, "Mom".

Benedict, who is attentively taking care of her, leans in and tries to listen, with concern etched on his face.

She spoke again, softly pleading, "Mom, don't leave."

Benedict tenderly pats her head.

"Young Master", the butler interrupts as he stands outside the room.

"Shhh..", Benedict turned to him, a single finger pressed to his lips, urging for silence.

He steps out of the guest room "Did you bring the medicine?"

"Yes, Young Master. Also, I didn't inform the Old Master.", Handing the medicine to Benedict.

Benedict takes the medicine from the butler.

"Thank you."

The butler nods with a smile and leaves.

Benedict returns to the room and gently calls, "Peony, wake up."

Peony, still in a daze, slowly opens her eyes.

Benedict helps her sit as he continues, "Swallow it," as he gently feeds her the tablet.

Peony, still dazed, complies and swallows it.

"Now go to sleep," Benedict instructs, patting her head gently.

Peony mumbles slowly and softly, "What d-did y-you f-feed me."

"A secret poison," Benedict says, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Peony dryly smiles in a daze. "That is better. It's better than being alive and dealing with shit."

Benedict's countenance turns glum, absorbing the weight of Peony's words. He continues, "Then, I will hunt your soul and make you work for me."

"I will become a ghost and pay you.", She softly continues.

"That will be a problem. I don't need the currency souls use," Benedict responds, his brow furrowed, playing along with a serious tone.

"Pfft," Peony laughs softly.

Benedict, captivated by her laughter, gazes at her with a soft smile.

Leaning in with mock seriousness, he adds, "I prefer payments in good deeds, not ghostly currency, you know."

"That's so random.", She chuckles.

"No, it's not. I'm serious.", He shows his furrowed brows.

Peony smiles, but beneath the surface, she realises the very real dangers surrounding her.

Her smile fades away as she recalls her mother who is being surveilled, Mr. Gonzalez's threat, Garret who easily breaks his promises, Mrs Gonzalez targeting her and Garret and Benedict who mysteriously helps her.

Observing Peony lost in deep thought, Benedict playfully interrupts, calling out, "Miss Drama Queen, why don't you rest?" His voice, unexpectedly loud, breaks the silence in the room.

Peony, startled by the sudden volume, instinctively closes her ears. "Why are you yelling suddenly?"

"I do what I want to. And you are at my place," Benedict points out.

She yawns, "Oh, I'm sorry and thank you." A wave of embarrassment and dizziness washes over her, realising she's occupying someone else's place.

"If you're really sorry, then go to sleep. The sedative must be working," Benedict says with a hint of coldness.

Drowsiness gulfs her as she slowly falls asleep again.

"She is really defenceless around me. This is getting on my nerves," he mutters, covering her with a blanket.

He calls for his butler. The butler soon arrives.

"I will go out now. Tell the maids to take care of her. And call me immediately when she wakes up."

"Alright, Young Master. I will inform them to take care of Young Miss.", The butler nods.

Benedict smiles subtly staring at Peony.

He leaves the room, his steps purposeful. Pulling out his phone, he dials Mr. Smith."Boss, everything is ready. When are you coming?"

Benedict answers with determination and coldness, "Soon."