The Lost Riches

#1

Chapter 1: The Negotiation

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Wine, roses, and guns.

Scattered crowds of prim and proper looking (mute) men and their little too talkative arm candies filled the great hall. With silent gestures and tough looks, I knew what they were trying to warn each other-

'No gentleman shoots his wife for being too talkative.'

Or his mistress, no one could dare tell them apart.

On surface it felt like they were having a society gala. As you delve deeper though, you'd hear them, conspiring against innocent lives. These people were the epitome of selfishness, and they tried too hard to prove otherwise to the daddy don.

In the crowd of a thousand people who could happily get away with killing each other, there I was, simply trying to live.

I cracked a flirtatious smile at the young bartender who seemed to have been bedazzled by me. "You look too young to be a bartender." I couldn't help but point out, hoping he didn't take it the wrong way.

He looked alarmed, but then smiled furtively. "I'm in high school. My dad works for yours, so I'm just part-timing in here for some extra cash." I cocked an eyebrow at him, retrieving a can of beer from the counter. He just let me, fishing out another one to replace it.

"If your dad works for mine, I hardly think you need the extra." I shrugged. He chuckled at that. "I didn't mean the illegal part of the job. He's a cleaner at your place."

My eyes widened a little, his dismissive smile toning my embarrassment down a little. I took a sip of the cold bear, humming in satisfaction. "Well, I'd be sure to pay him a visit someday then."

He chuckled, giving me a challenging look. "You have thousands of cleaners at your place." I shrugged. "Being Chloe Bennett comes with a lot of advantages. If I want to see your father, I will see him." I wiggled my eyebrows playfully. He laughed a little, pouring a drink to a man in haste. 

"I'm not doubting that. I'm just saying, I'm a nobody to Chloe Bennett, just like my dad." He shrugged. I frowned at that. "You're not a nobody to me anymore. Nor is your dad." He gave me a ridiculous smile, resuming his actions.

I searched his eyes with curiosity. "What's your name, love?"

"I'm Caleb." He replied with a small smile. 

I smiled back, leaning towards him. "Caleb, then. As someone who's fond of your charm, I suggest you find another job. It would kill me to see you turn into a monster."

He looked shocked, but then diverted his attention to the drunk man asking for another vodka. I chuckled quietly, shaking my head. He immediately turned to face me with a determined look. "On the contrary, I want to be like you."

"A monster?" I raised an eyebrow, not exactly knowing what I meant. He scoffed. "A cardiologist. One of the best in town. And I don't think you're a monster at all."

I smiled at his words. As I watched him prepare a drink skillfully, I couldn't help but wonder whether a person as charming and determined as him should be working as a bartender at my father's parties of all places.

It could kill him.

And it kills me to know that. 

It made me wonder whether I'd be the way I am if I weren't my dad's daughter. And before I could think any further, I chugged down the entire can, vulnerable to people who could throw in comments on how un-elegant it was.