Hired for secrets

I did not need rescuing

It was the day of the highly anticipated FinTower event, where the high-rollers of the financial scene came together in an opulent night of fancy costumes and unique opportunities. Or at least that's what Sofie's invitation letter said. But she didn't care. She wasn't going for the splendor. Her objective was to sound out Mr. Lee. Find out his motives. From his emails to MP Kerry, Sofie already knew that he despised the MP for meddling with his financial empire and that he wanted to gain more control on the board by snatching up Phil's stock options. But was this enough for him to commit murder? And if so how could she prove this in a way that got Phil off the hook? That's what she's meant to find out tonight.

"Ready to shine at the 'Oscars of the finance world', where the high-rollers of...", Rachel mocked as Sofie opened the bathroom door, but she stopped mid-way through the tagline. "WOW! You clean up nicely."

Sofie was wearing an ivory slip dress with an open back. The thin straps on her shoulders held the bodice in place, but only just. When she moved, the silk slipped precariously from side to side, revealing risky side-glimpses onto her supple breasts. Her waist was tightly hugged by a black-laced waistband that accentuated her perky buttocks in a heart shape curve, flowing down the floor-length skirt.

"Looking like that," Rachel winked, "you don't need to be the last woman on earth to get into my bed."

"Stop! That's so sexist, Rachel..." Sofie scolded, though a small part of her envied the confidence her friend had. In Rachel's mind there was no doubt that women should fall over themselves to be with her, despite her looks. Maybe that's what money does, or she truly believed that charm and confidence trumps shallow beauty.

"Yeah... Play hard to get," Rachel huffed, "But, seriously, I feel like the fairy godmother, sending Cinderella out in a stunning dress to meet..."

"Prince charming? Hardly."

Sofie's stomach clenched. She was meeting Mr. Lee, who could very well be a stone cold murderer.

"You are so single minded, Sof. After your business with Lee, you could have a little fun. Couldn't you? This dress doesn't disappear at the stroke of midnight. And neither are the willing men or women for you to shag."

What a ridiculous thought. It would be unprofessional to linger after her assignment was done.

"Here," Rachel placed a condom in Sofie's handbag, "I dare you not to bring it back."

"You gotta be kidding! I won't have sex with a random stranger at a ball."

"Stop being so up-tight and live a little. Everyone will be wearing masks. It's perfectly anonymous. This is your chance to get Philón out of your head and build up a little buffer so you don't cling to the next playboy who pretends to know what you're thinking."

Sofie ground her teeth. This was way out of line. But looking at Rachel's gleeful grin, Sofie realized she was absolutely clueless how maddening her comments were.

"You know what? I really miss when I could just close the chat on you." It was impossible to stay angry at Rachel. "Luckily, I need to leave now, which is just as good."

She fastened her black lace mask, and summoned the lift. The mask gave her eyes a rogue flair and accentuated her ruby red lipstick. The reflection of a seductive temptress looked back at her in the mirrored lift doors. This will do.

It was dark by the time her limousine finally advanced to the entrance and the porter opened her door. He gaped at her daring dress before clearing his throat and mumbling, "Welcome to FinTower, ma'am. The reception is inside."

Sofie smirked. Pulling out all the stops was necessary if she had any hope of getting the attention of one of London's richest men tonight. Even if that meant playing the oldest trick in the book.