THE TEMPTRESS

||Uncontrollable||

•STEPHANIE•

Of course, Kaden had to be the mastermind behind all this. Just as I suspected, he hired some retired P.I to dig into my past.

Real original.

Thankfully, Steven managed to uncover this for me and handed over all the juicy details before I made my next move.

It's kinda funny how everything was falling into place, just as I'd planned. Kaden has no clue who he's messing with, and that's the best part of this whole mission.

The level of hate I felt for his father was pretty much the same as what was bubbling up inside me for Kaden.

I don't care if he's ridiculously good looking, charming, and a total bad boy. He's got the same blood as that monster, and that's reason enough for me to detest him.

Everything about him—his words, his actions, his charms—it all just gets under my skin. He's a constant reminder of why I despise men in general.

But a deal's a deal. I'll keep up the act, pretending to be his plaything, all the while keeping him distracted as I edge closer and closer to his father. And when the time comes, I'll take them both down together.

I stopped at the front door and rang the bell. A minute later, Lucy opened the door, shooting me a narrowed look.

"Hey," I greeted, no smile in sight.

I get it, she's not thrilled about me hanging around Kaden, but hey, I'm not here to make friends with any of them. Kaden's the only bullseye in my mission. If the others don't like me, well, that's their problem.

I'm not playing nice either.

"Kaden's not here, but he'll be back in a few minutes," she informed me, stepping aside to let me in.

I entered their house, and she closed the door behind me. I paused, glancing toward the hallway that likely led to their living room, where I could wait.

"Want something to drink?" she asked, surprisingly polite.

I was taken aback by the slight hint of hospitality. I almost cracked a smile, just for her effort.

"Nah, I'm good. Thanks, though."

She sighed, eyeing the staircase behind me.

"Let me show you to his study where you can wait."

I nodded slowly, surprised and slightly confused by her unexpected kindness today. It felt weird.

But hey, she's Kaden's friend. I guess that's why she's being civil to the girls Kaden messes around with, just to avoid getting on his bad side.

After all, he's still their boss.

I followed her up the winding staircase, and we reached the second floor of the house. She guided me through a spacious hallway, finally stopping at the grand mahogany door at the far end.

She swung open the door and shot me a small, secretive smile.

"Feel free to hang out in there."

I grinned and strolled past her, stepping into the room.

"Oh, and don't touch or steal anything," she added with a playful tone, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

With a teasing wink, I gently shut the door in her face before turning my attention to the room.

I was awestruck by its lavishness. Deep shades of burgundy and midnight blue draped the room, creating an atmosphere both luxurious and ominous.