Xavier perfected his look, applying hair gel and powdering his face. He grabbed his car keys and exited his room with poise, entering the elevator.
On the first floor, he approached the receptionist, his voice low and smooth.
"Eleven sharp, I require a companion, champagne, and some... stimulation," Xavier requested, his voice husky.
A discreet wink accompanied the generous tip he handed her. With arrangements made, Xavier departed.
He slid into his sleek car and drove to the event venue, the prestigious Elsa Dumorées Modeling and Fashion Clothing Industry's adjacent hotel.
Xavier's arrival drew flashes and camera clicks as he struck poses, his tailored tuxedo gleaming under the venue's bright lights.
Meanwhile, Jennifer had arrived at Baker's place two hours prior to prepare Becca for the evening. "Remember, you're promoting a product in room 205, Bailey's 5-star hotel," Jennifer instructed.
En route to the party, Becca questioned the extensive makeup. "Is all this necessary?"
Jennifer reassured her, "Yes, trust me."
At the lavish gathering, guests donned masks, adding an air of mystery. Jennifer discreetly handed a waiter folded money, exchanging whispered instructions.
Becca's attention wandered to the affluent crowd swaying to the music, champagne glasses clinking and laughter filling the air.
She took a seat, her thoughts consumed by the opulent surroundings.
Two minutes later all eyes were fixated on a young woman who looked so captivating regardless of the face mask.
Becca had never been to such big parties, only birthday parties and graduation parties. She had a simple life and had never known a man or harm or evil in her life.
Becca had always prioritized her independence, never entertaining romantic advances. She wondered if her lack of attractiveness or beauty was to blame.
However, the truth lay elsewhere – Becca's focus on her goals and busy schedule left no room for relationships.
Tonight, though, she was swept up in the glamour. The grand hall dazzled her senses – crystal chandeliers, elegant décor, and lavish attire.
"Wealth" was the only word to describe this opulent setting.
As Becca watched, A-list celebrities strode down the red carpet, posing for photographers amidst flashing cameras and shouted questions from the press. She spotted Xavier, standing tall amidst the elite, his charisma radiating across the room. Captivated by his beauty, she knew she didn't stand a chance, so she looked away.
As Becca absorbed the luxurious atmosphere, a spark ignited within her. She vowed to rise to fame, leveraging her modeling contract as a springboard.
Surrounded by successful models, she felt motivated. The room buzzed with eligible bachelors and single ladies , but Becca's priorities remained clear.
Her mission tonight: showcase the product and kick-start her career.
Jennifer handed Becca a glass of wine, which she sipped, savoring the rich flavor. A few more glasses followed, and soon, Becca's senses began to blur, thoughts fogged, her senses reeling.
Her body temperature rose, and her vision distorted.
The room's vibrant colors and laughter morphed into a disorienting haze.
Panic crept in: "Is this what drunkenness feels like?" Becca wondered.
Another chilling thought gripped Becca: "Was I drugged?"
Becca's vision faded, Jennifer's face hovering above hers. Though her brain registered Jennifer's words, the sounds were muffled and indistinguishable.
As Becca's eyelids fluttered, her surroundings dissolved into numbness. Her eyelashes blinked in slow motion, a futile attempt to cling to consciousness.
A faint moan escaped her lips before her eyes closed, and she succumbed to darkness.
Becca passed out, unaware of Jennifer's swift actions.
Jennifer signaled discreetly to a waiting staff member, who assisted her in carefully placing Becca into a car.
Jennifer took the wheel, driving to Bailey's Hotel.
In room 205, Jennifer laid Becca on the bed, her plans unfolding with calculated precision.
Jennifer swiftly dialed the hotel receptionist's number.
"Remember our deal?" Jennifer asked, her tone firm. "I've transferred the balance. Ensure all CCTV footage related to this is deleted."
The receptionist's tone was icy. "Wild Cat's the one I answer to, Jenny. You do your job; I'll handle mine."
The abrupt hang-up left Jennifer uneasy, wondering if she'd lost control.
**Earlier****
Xavier's arrival electrified the room, captivating the audience as he claimed the third spot on the coveted list of New York's top ten youngest billionaire bachelors under 30.
Women fawned over him, but his guards swiftly intervened, discreetly escorting them away.
Xavier's gaze rose to locate Raymond, already seated with a lady to his right.
Raymond's knowing glance met Xavier's. "Fashionably late, as always." He said immediately. Xavier took a seat beside him.
Xavier's expression hinted at a deeper motive. "Mother's expecting me. That's why I'm here."
Raymond's raised eyebrow suggested he wasn't buying it.
The auction party kicked off with an infectious hip-hop beat, setting the tone for an electrifying evening.
As the music pulsed, the emcee's voice boomed through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to don your masks for the ball dance and red-carpet photo shoots!"
Guests eagerly complied, adorned in elaborate masks that added an air of mystery to the already-glamorous atmosphere.
The red carpet transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors as flashbulbs popped, capturing the essence of the night.
Xavier took his seat beside Raymond and his girlfriend, Sonia. "Good to see you, Sonia," he said, offering a warm handshake.
Sonia smiled graciously. "Nice to see you too, Mr. Chen." Sonia's response was polite, but her gaze betrayed a hint of curiosity about Xavier's presence.
The evening unfolded with a flurry of awards presentations, interspersed with celebrity announcements designed to capture the media's attention.
Stars and celebrities seized the opportunity to reveal personal scoops, strategically fueling tomorrow's headlines.
" Has she arrived?" Xavier asked, feigning nonchalance.
The inquiry about the mysterious woman's arrival remained unanswered, so he repeated his question.
Raymond shook his head. "I don't think so."
Their conversation was interrupted by a waiter presenting a wine bottle. "Wine, sir?"
Xavier alone showed interest, and the waiter poured him a glass.
The fine wine's rich flavor enticed Xavier, and he savored each sip and asked for more.
However, as the glasses emptied the third time, a creeping dizziness overtook him.
"Excuse me, I need some fresh air," Xavier said, struggling to maintain his composure.
Concern etched Raymond's face. "Are you okay, Xavier?"
"I'm fine, just need to...lie down," Xavier stammered, pushing back his chair.
His promise to his mother echoed in his mind – he couldn't disappoint her – but the room's spinning forced his decision.
"I… I'll head back to my hotel room. "Not feeling well," Xavier announced, standing unsteadily.
Raymond escorted Xavier through the exclusive back exit, reserved for A-list celebrities.
"I don't feel right, man," Xavier admitted, his voice laced with concern. "I'll call if I need anything."
As soon as Xavier disappeared into the night, Raymond swiftly connected with Taylor. "We have a situation. Get the car ready now. ASAP"
Taylor, Xavier's personal driver's voice, was firm. "Already on it, sir. What's going on?"
Raymond's voice dropped to a whisper. "Xavier's been compromised. I don't know how or why. Just ensure he gets back safely. I'll fill you in later."
*********
Xavier staggered toward the elevator, Taylor's steady hand grasping his arm to prevent a fall.
Once inside his room, Xavier yanked off his shoes, sending them flying across the floor.
A gnawing hunger consumed him, unlike anything he'd experienced. Swept up in an unexplainable craving, Xavier's thoughts swirled in confusion.
Overwhelmed, he lurched toward the bed, where a figure lay sprawled, shrouded in shadows.
As he drew closer, the silhouette's curves tantalized, and Xavier's lips curled into a primal smile.
He pounced onto the bed, his hands roaming over the figure's contours.
"Beautiful," he whispered, his voice husky with desire.
The figure stirred, and Xavier's gaze locked onto Becca's tranquil face. Ravenous and disoriented, before he knew it, his lips brushed against hers, sending shivers down his spine.
*********
Becca's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze meeting the stranger's intense stare.
He was inches from her face, his nostrils flaring as if inhaling her scent.
Disoriented and weak, Becca's thoughts swirled. Where was she? Who was this man?
Her misty eyes locked onto his, searching for answers, but her parched throat couldn't form words.
Exhaustion claimed her, and she slumped back onto the bed, her eyelids drifting shut.
Was this part of the deal or just the basics? She wondered, her mind foggy.