His Relentless Possession

[80]

It was clear that Raiden shared my sentiment of not wanting to be part of this. However, I could tell that Raiden was paying enough attention and seemed committed to playing his part as the representative of the Torex gang. I guess they call that a sense of responsibility.

"I don't have to do anything, right?" I asked, just to make sure.

"You do. Look pretty and smile. No matter what anyone says, just smile. Do not answer any questions. I'll do all the talking. Even if someone directs a question at you, just smile," Raiden instructed.

Those were some pretty harsh instructions. I nodded in acknowledgment. Not quite understanding what was going on, I would rather not say anything wrong either.

When it was time, the few maids that came along helped me dress while the makeup artist did my makeup and the hairstylist styled my hair. They also helped apply light makeup and style Raiden's hair. When we were both dressed, the whole event started to feel real. Well, at least the annoying feeling of wearing high heels that were too high felt very real to me.

Raiden looked like a movie star straight out of a spy action movie. He was so hot in his immaculate white suit and new hairstyle. I couldn't help but stare and prayed that he wouldn't realize. However, knowing Raiden, he probably realized straight away. Although, he was too focused on thinking about something to comment on it.

"Let's go," Raiden said as he offered me his arm when we were ready to go.

I placed my hand on his arm and nodded obediently. Just like Raiden had said to me earlier—"Be careful and don't die." I intended to do just that tonight.

...

The bright red dress that I had on felt too tight around the waist, just as I had expected. Although my reflection in the mirror was pleasing to the eye, the price for that was my lack of comfort. Raiden led me to where the evening gala was being held for the night, along with Luka and a few other men who were supposed to be acting as our bodyguards.

The atmosphere seemed festive enough, but I could feel an underlying sense of tension in the air. There were a lot more people than I had anticipated. Of course, I didn't know who was who at all. Surprisingly, there were more women present. I was far from being the only one. It seemed that it was common for men to bring an escort or two to the event with them.

Perhaps that was why the boss wanted me to accompany Raiden in the first place.

"Torex..." a low voice said from behind us.

I sensed Luka and the men stiffen around us as they became very alert. Raiden, on the other hand, seemed completely relaxed and at ease. We turned toward the voice that had just called out to us. It was an old man dressed in a very expensive-looking gray suit. All of his hair was white, and he had a very serious look in his gray eyes.

"Mr. Antonio, it is an honor to meet you," Raiden said smoothly.

I felt the old man's eyes on me, and I quickly smiled just as Raiden had ordered. Smile and don't say anything.

"Your old man decided to send you, huh? I'm not surprised..." Mr. Antonio said. He seemed to be on friendly terms with Raiden's father, so I guess that was good, right?

"He got lazy. Do you want to send a message to him?" Raiden said with a small laugh.

"No need. We should talk later over some good wine. I just wanted to let you know that I prefer that you're here... and not your old man... or your brother..." the old man said, and his eyes were as sharp as knives.

I felt Raiden stiffen a little at the mention of his elder brother, and I didn't have a good feeling about this.

"Sure. Let's do that," Raiden replied, the smile never slipping from his façade.