Nobody Loved Me Like You Do

💋CHAPTER 28💋

Valencia Levine's POV

"From being just the daughter to one of the most successful men in the business industry to being the influential fashion icon that she is today, Valencia Levine AKA The Queen of Elegance never disappoints with her dashing looks. She shocked the world when she attended fashion week in an elegant satin piece designed by Laurent Cote. Not only does her beauty fancify many but she also lives a fancy lifestyle that all women envy..."

And it goes on and on.

As the the reporter speaks, video images of me at the fashion awards and other events display on the screen.

Does it bother me when the fashion news praises me? Absolutely not! It's exactly what I want and what I worked for.

"You forgot designer brands are flooding me with requests to work with them," I say to myself in satisfaction as I listen to the fashion report.

I decided to spend the afternoon in my lounge room listening to the media obsess over my greatness. What's another way to satisfy my ego? Sipping on some Dom Pérignon champagne when I suddenly hear the echo of heel steps around the spacious, opulent interior. I do not bother turning my head to see who it is as I know it's my assistant, June because of her calculated steps.

"If my manager has sent you to highlight me about the scandals that has risen about me, I should tell you I'm already aware," I say to her.

I am being accused of paying my way up to the top and in their words, I don't deserve to be praised for something "I didn't work hard for".

"Very well miss Levine. Also, Im very knowledgeable about you. You should know by now that I wouldn't go beyond my line of work in order to force you to do something against your will but she also asked me to try to convince you to accept the interview requests. She believes it may ruin your career if you do not address this issue," she advises.

"We all know that when the media has nothing else to report about, they formulate shit in order to tarnish influential icon's image. I refuse to give my attention to this stupidity when I have a lot of important things to attend to. If anything, I should sue their ass," I say with a smirk.

"Understood," she responds.

June has been my assistant for the past 5 years and yet hasn't stepped out of line. All my staff know the level of professionalism I expect from them.

I set my glass of wine on the table and pat the spot besides me. Her face twists in perplexion at my sudden friendliness. She hesitates to take a seat until I gesture for her to do so. Packing her backside on the Italian sofa, she stares at me nonplussed.

"Wine?" I offer.

"No, thank you Miss Levine" she denies.

"Call me Valencia," I say.

"Miss Levine, I'll have to say, if it's that wine that has you acting this way then I suggest you take more of it often," she jests.

I pick up the bottle of Dom Pérignon and pour her a glass. I offer it to her but she tries to deny again.

"I insist," I say before she finally takes it.

She slowly puts the rim of the glass to her lips and takes a little sip.

"Tell me, did you do what I asked you to do the other day?" I question with a friendly smile.

June's smile fades.

"Miss Levine. My loyalty to you is through the roof but I cannot do that. It isn't in my line of work.." She explains.

"I offered to pay you extra," I enlighten.

Ever since Callan brought a girl with him to his parents dinner, I asked June if she can try to keep track of Callan's whereabouts and who he is with. It is so unlike Callan to be with someone out of his league. It would be so embarrassing if the media learnt of Callan's downgrade.

Callan agreed to our friendship only under one reason, our parents business deal. I never told him about the meeting I had with his father where he offered me 10% of the funds from the deal if I mend ties with Callan. He just cannot know about that.

"I'm sorry miss Levine, but that would be harassment," she says.

I sigh. "Inefficient". I roll my eyes.

Before she can take another sip of the wine, I take the glass away.

"Leave," I command.

I place the glass on the table with a clink. In bewilderment, she quickly gets up and walks out.

Earlier, I texted Callan if we could meet up tonight for dinner but he denied. That was also strange for him to do. When we were together, he was so smitten for me.

I just know, he is with that girl.

I text his closest buddy, Andreas and without knowing my intentions, he tells me that Callan told him he would be at toreen paytes restaurant tonight.

With that knowledge, I may have to take things in my own hands.

After putting on a black Alexander McQueen dress coat with black heels, I leave my mansion and head into my posh car.

I finally arrive at 6pm and park my car outside the restaurant. I spot Callan's car and that's how I'm sure he is still here. I walk into the restaurant where elegantly dressed customers chatter in hushed tones and enjoy their served food. Jazz music plays in the background to complete the energy a classy high-end restaurant is supposed to hold.

I spot Callan and the girl seated at a table as a waiter stalks over to serve them their food.

I march towards the kitchen with confident strides where busied chefs prepare the dishes. I stand by the entrance waiting for the server.

"Ma'am, have you perhaps lost your way?" The head chef ask's as upon acknowledging my presence.

"I'm supposed to be here. Don't worry about it. Carry on with your work?" I dismiss him.

I espy the server coming towards the kitchen serving area and gesture for him to come over.

"Can you do me a favour?" I ask as I hand over a small bottle of poison in his hand. "A few drops of this in the lady's food you had just served would be sufficient". I smile.

"No ma'am... This is unacceptable-" he says but his speech is cut off when I pull out $1000.

He takes it and immediately knows what he must do.