New beginning: Billionaire love story

Cindy paced around her small apartment, staring at the package sitting ominously on her coffee table. The brown paper and nondescript tape didn't give away much, but Cindy had a sinking feeling about its contents. She didn't know to Eligos's schemes, and whatever was inside the package, it definitely wasn't good news.

She sighed, muttering to herself as she peeled the tape back. "Let's see what kind of mess he's dragging me into this time."

Inside the box was a small glass vial filled with a clear liquid. It gleamed under the soft glow of her living room lamp, looking deceptively innocent. Cindy furrowed her brow, lifting it carefully. Beneath the vial was a neatly folded note, typed in Eligos's precise style: Pour this into Adrian's drink. Don't mess it up.

Cindy let out a groan, dropping the note onto the table. "Oh, great. Just another day in the life of Eligos's pawn," she muttered sarcastically.

Before she could dwell on it any longer, her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, her eyes scanning the new message.

Eligos: Adrian is attending the Galstone Banquet tonight at 8 PM. You know what to do. Don't disappoint me.

Cindy rolled her eyes, tossing the phone onto the couch. "Don't disappoint him," she mimicked under her breath. "Sure, because my life isn't already one giant mess."

Cindy glanced at the clock. It was already 6 PM, and if she was going to pull this off, she needed to look the part. Eligos had been clear: blend in, and more importantly, look like someone Adrian Saint Laurent would notice.

She made her way to her bedroom, throwing open her closet doors. Most of her wardrobe consisted of casual, bohemian pieces-comfortable, but definitely not the sleek, tailored style Claire Peterson was known for. Cindy frowned, rummaging through the racks. "Channel Claire Peterson," she muttered. "How hard can it be?"

The clothes that she had chosen earlier, she decided to change her mind after she read about the banquet that she would be attending. After all, Cindy also has an image to uphold.

After what felt like an eternity, she settled on a fitted black dress that hugged her figure in all the right places. It wasn't quite Claire's level of sophistication, but it would have to do. She paired it with a pair of heels she could barely walk in and slicked her hair back into a polished bun.

Standing in front of the mirror, Cindy tilted her head. "Okay, not bad," she said to herself. "Definitely not Claire, but close enough."

By the time Cindy arrived at the Galstone Banquet, the venue was already bustling with activity. Chandeliers cast warm light over the grand hall, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as elegantly dressed guests mingled.

Cindy's nerves buzzed as she clutched her small handbag, the vial tucked securely inside. She scanned the room, her eyes landing on Adrian almost immediately. He was standing near the bar, his tall frame and commanding presence impossible to miss. She took a deep breath, muttering under her breath. "You've got this. Just pour the stuff and get out."

But as she started making her way toward Adrian, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She glanced around, half expecting to see one of Eligos's men lurking in the shadows. Of course, there was no one obvious, but the weight of Eligos's expectations felt heavier with every step.

When Cindy finally reached the bar, Adrian was deep in conversation with another guest, a glass of champagne in his hand. She hesitated, wondering how to interrupt without raising suspicion.

Cindy squared her shoulders and approached him, her hips swaying just enough to catch the corner of his eye.

"Good evening," she purred, her voice honeyed and smooth.

Adrian turned toward her, his brow lifting slightly. His eyes flicked over her, polite but curious. "Good evening. I don't believe we've met."

Cindy tilted her head, letting her hair fall over one shoulder. "Cindy," she said, her voice low and inviting. "I couldn't resist coming over. You looked... intriguing."

Adrian's lips curved into a small, polite smile, but his brow furrowed slightly. "A pleasure, Cindy. Are you enjoying the banquet?"

"Oh, it's lovely," she said, taking a slow step closer. Her eyes sparkled as she leaned in just enough to invade his space without being obvious. "Though, I have to admit, the company just got a lot more interesting." Adrian chuckled softly, his gaze flicking to hers with mild amusement, but there was a flicker of something else uncertainty. "Well, I'm glad to make your evening a bit more enjoyable."

Cindy brushed a hand against her clutch, steadying her nerves. "Adrian Saint Laurent," she said, letting his name roll off her tongue. "I've heard a lot about you. Your work is fascinating. I'd love to hear more."noveldrama

Adrian studied her for a moment, his

expression thoughtful. "Thank you. It's always nice to meet someone interested in business," he replied diplomatically. His tone was polite but distant, as if he were trying to place her.

Cindy pressed on, undeterred. "What's the secret to your success? I'm sure everyone here would love to know."

Adrian gave a faint smile but didn't bite. "Hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, I suppose."

Before Cindy could push further, another guest approached Adrian, a tall man with an air of authority. "Adrian," the man greeted warmly, extending a hand.

Adrian turned, smiling as he shook the man's hand. "Good to see you, Charles. It's been a while."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Cindy seized her chance. Her hand slipped into her clutch, retrieving the vial. Her heart thundered in her chest as she uncapped it and tilted it over Adrian's drink, letting the liquid slide into the glass unnoticed.

Adrian and Charles were deep in conversation when Cindy turned back, her face the picture of calm. She stepped closer to them, her tone light and flirtatious. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Adrian glanced at her, his expression neutral. "Not at all. Cindy, this is Charles, an old friend of mine."

Cindy extended her hand, her lips curving into a dazzling smile. "Cindy. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Charles took her hand, his gaze lingering a little longer than Adrian's had. "The pleasure is mine," he said warmly.

Cindy's eyes sparkled as she raised her glass. "A toast, perhaps? To good company and a wonderful evening."

Adrian and Charles both lifted their glasses. "Cheers," Adrian said, his tone steady but distant.

Cindy clinked her glass against theirs, hiding a triumphant smirk behind her champagne. Her mission was complete, and she was already planning her exit strategy.

As the evening continued, Cindy kept

her distance, mingling just enough

to avoid suspicion. From the corner of her eye, she watched Adrian, waiting to see if the vial's contents would take effect. But Adrian seemed as composed as ever, engaging in conversation and sipping his drink casually.

Her phone buzzed in her clutch.

Eligos: Now make a move on him. Once he drinks it, the effect will start in 10 minutes.

Cindy stared at the message and thought of how to approach him cause earlier Adrian was only acting polite. But then she thought again, if the medicine has taken effect that means, Adrian will see Cindy as Claire. A smirk crossed her face.