Dangerous Minds

03

ELLA

Shit!

"Unbelievable! Some rich guy just hit my car and has the nerve to claim I'm at fault. I'm still fuming as I search for a place to spend the night. Tomorrow, I'll tackle this mess head-on.

As I dial Olivia's number, my anger simmers. "Olivia, I need your help. I've got a new target, Alejandro. Problem is, I've never met him."

"Do what we always do,meet him unexpectedly," Olivia responds. "Catch him off guard."

"Easy for you to say, but how do I know he is in a bar?"

"Use your resources, woman! Spy on him if you must. We need this job done."

"I'll get it done. Can you at least send me a photo of him?"

I hang up the call and waited for Olivia to send me the picture, still stuck in my car, pondering how to make a million. It should be simple, but something is holding me back. Am I just tired of trying? Olivia and I had started this venture to fund our dream of owning a clothing design business, something we were passionate about and worked on in our free time. But now, I feel exhausted, and this life isn't what I had planned. When my phone vibrates, I know what to expect. I pick it up and glanced at the picture, and all I could say is, "Oh my god." What have I just got myself into?

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

ALEJANDRO

As we shake hands, I say, ''It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Stewart.'' Our transaction has gone smoothly, just as expected.

Mr. Stewart is a trusted partner, and I'm relieved to have this day behind me. Exhausted, I head straight to my car, looking forward to a warm bath and a good night's sleep. But, of course, London's evening traffic has other plans.

I settle in for the wait, phone in hand, and groan inwardly when I see the unexpected caller. ''What now, Marcus? Another problem?'' I answer, hoping for a brief conversation.

''Do I always bring trouble, brother?'' Marcus asks, his banter wearing thin.

''Cut the small talk, Marcus. I'm beat.''

''Did you get her?' he presses on. I sigh, feeling drained.

''Not today, I had a long day at work. I'll start tomorrow.''

''Brother, I need your help. I'm tired of being taken advantage of by these women.''

''I know, Marcus. I'll get to the bottom of it.''

I assure him, "Don't worry, I'll handle it." But he groans, adding, "Just don't hurt her, okay? She's really beautiful."

I roll my eyes inwardly, thinking, What a ridiculous youngest brother I have. All he cares about is the beauty of the woman who stole from him. He thinks I'll go easy on her, but nobody messes with my family and gets away with it. This girl had better be ready, because I won't be an easy target. I'll play along with her game for now.

My phone buzzes again, and I see another message from Marcus, likely the photo of the girl. I tap to view it, and my eyes widen in surprise. She doesn't look like a criminal at all - in fact, she exudes class. Where does my brother find these women? I don't have time to judge her now, as I'm exhausted. But now that I have her face, it'll be easy to spot her.

Gotcha!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

ELLA

As I gaze at the photo, I realize with a start that this is the same man I met today - and he's my next target. How am I going to make this work? I'm sure he didn't notice my face, since I had to hide to avoid detection.

Why am I feeling uneasy about this? Am I tired of this life? No, I need to focus. I promised my parents a trip, and I must see this through. I book a one-night stay at a luxurious hotel, surrounded by opulence and excess. If I worked here, I'd make a fortune off these wealthy, unsuspecting patrons.

As I'm led to my room by a butler, I'm forced to take the elevator - a contraption that's always unsettled me since childhood. Unlike the romanticized notions of chance encounters in movies, I know reality is different. Not everyone meets their soulmate in an elevator. As we ascend, I engage the butler in conversation.

"Do many businessmen frequent this hotel?"

He turns to me, curious. "Yes, are you one?"

I fabricate a response, "No, but my husband is. He'll be joining me tomorrow."

The butler raises an eyebrow, "I see. You don't seem like the typical...businesswoman."

I retort, "Perhaps I'm a manipulator or a thief?"

He nods thoughtfully, "Maybe both."

As the elevator doors open, a man steps in, destined for another floor. But my attention is captivated by his impeccable attire and the unmistakable scent of luxury wafting from him. There's something familiar about him, and our eyes lock in a fleeting moment. His grin freezes my heart, leaving me breathless. Should I reciprocate the smile? No, something about his gaze unsettles me.

Just then, recognition dawns - it's Alejandro, the same man I encountered earlier. My mind races, hoping he doesn't recognize me.

"Goodnight, beautiful," he says with a disarming smile, leaving me speechles.

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