Irene's Villa
Later, with Irene and her friends...
"Don't you think Richard likes you?" Esmeralda asked, her tone curious.
"Do you think so? I think he's just a flirt like me," Irene replied with a laugh, taking a bite of the pancakes Justin made.
"At least you know you're a flirt," Esmeralda teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Even if he likes me, I don't think he'll act on it," Irene said, wiping her mouth. "He's probably under the impression that Brian likes me and wants to hook me up with him. Oh, I forgot to tell you, even my father wants to hook us up."
"Woah, tell me more!" Esmeralda said, suddenly interested.
"He paid me two hundred thousand dollars twice to meet up with Brian," Irene said nonchalantly, leaning back in her chair.
"Two hundred thousand dollars? Seriously?" Esmeralda raised an eyebrow. "Your dad's got some crazy ideas."
"I guess so," Irene shrugged, unfazed. "But it doesn't really matter to me. Not like I'll ever listen to him."
"Are we going to the birthday party or not?" Justin asked, looking at Irene with a grin.
"Shall we?" Irene asked, taking a sip of her apple juice, looking around at her friends.
"Are you asking me? This is your mission, not ours," Esmeralda said, grabbing a pancake with a grin.
"Of course I'm going, just asking if you guys are coming with me," Irene replied.
"Of course, anywhere you go, I'm with you," Justin said, nodding enthusiastically.
"Should we shop for a dress?" Irene asked, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the others.
"I'm not with my cards," Justin panicked, his face turning serious.
"How can you not be, sweetheart?" Irene asked, teasing him.
"You're the richest among us. Try spoiling your girls once in a while," Esmeralda added with a smile, clearly trying to cajole him into spending.
"With Meralda, I can still cope, but Irene spends money like water. If she spends all my money, how am I supposed to get married in the future?" Justin joked, looking at Irene with a mock glare.
"You can just marry her then," Esmeralda suggested, her tone light and playful.
"That's also a good idea," Irene teased with a smile, leaning in closer to Justin. "Maybe I'll just marry you, then you won't need to worry about spending your money elsewhere."
Justin rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "You two are something else."
Esmeralda laughed, shaking her head. "Do you remember when she was on a mission, and she decided to drag the operation for a month just because the man was spending money on her?"
Justin let out an exaggerated sigh. "Am just trying to enjoy a little before finishing the mission," Irene defended, flipping her hair with a smirk.
"That's little? She practically stole a bag of money from her last mission because nobody knew about the money," Justin added, raising a brow at her.
Irene rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "If I gave the money to the government, they would just rip the fruit of my labor," she argued. "At least I'm better than you, who fell in love with your target—twice." She turned to Esmeralda with a knowing look.
Esmeralda gasped dramatically and placed a hand on her chest. "I'm human, not a piece of wood like you," she defended. "And I'm not the only one who fell in love—he also did." She jabbed a finger at Justin.
"I wasn't in love with her, I just felt pity for her," Justin said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Irene's smirk widened as she leaned forward. "Oh… pity? You would have been dead if I didn't blow her head off," she reminded him, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Justin let out a nervous chuckle before giving her a mock salute. "That's why you're the boss."
"This job—there's no pity, no love," Irene said, her voice dropping slightly, her expression serious for once. "The moment you love, that moment you're dead."
Esmeralda and Justin exchanged a glance before grinning. "Yes, boss," they chimed in unison.
Irene's lips curled into a playful grin. "I love it when you call me boss, say it again."
Justin scoffed and tossed a pillow at her. "In this apartment, you're my friend, not my boss. So shut up."
Irene caught the pillow with a dramatic sigh. "Okay," she muttered, and they all burst into laughter.
—
The grand hall was a spectacle of opulence. Crystal chandeliers sparkled like scattered diamonds, casting shimmering light across the polished marble floors. The air carried the soft hum of elegant conversations, the occasional clinking of glasses, and the gentle melodies of a live orchestra that wove seamlessly through the atmosphere.
The room was a masterpiece of refined taste—walls adorned with priceless artwork, plush carpets soft as silk underfoot, and guests draped in designer attire that shimmered with gold and diamonds. It was a gathering of the city's elite, where some sought to forge new business alliances, while others simply reveled in the prestige of being invited.
At the center of it all stood the birthday cake—an exquisite tower of sugar and artistry, its elaborate design a testament to wealth and status. Surrounding it were gifts wrapped in the finest packaging, each a symbol of influence and power.
Yet, amidst the grandeur, one absence was becoming increasingly noticeable.
Joshua glanced around the hall, his gaze shifting toward Victor. "Is your sister not coming?" he asked, mild impatience lacing his tone.
Victor, lounging with a glass of wine in hand, took a slow sip before answering. "I don't know. She hasn't been coming home." His voice held no real concern, just the usual exasperation.
Mary, who had been idly swirling her drink, scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Isn't it better if she doesn't come?"
"She's just going to ruin everyone's mood anyway," Victoria added with a smirk, earning a few quiet chuckles from those nearby.
Richard, who had just arrived at their table, slid into the conversation effortlessly. "Don't worry—your wish won't come true. She told me she's coming," he said with an amused smirk, taking a sip from his own drink.
Daniel, who had remained silent until now, muttered under his breath, "Whatever."
Joshua, catching the bitterness in his tone, raised a brow. "It's okay for the ladies to be jealous, but I don't understand you as a man, Daniel," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Thanks for asking him," Victor said, his tone carrying genuine gratitude.
Joshua gave a small nod just as Esmeralda strolled in, her confident presence instantly turning a few heads.
"Hi, guys," she greeted with a bright smile.
"Hello, beautiful," Victor replied smoothly, while Richard and Joshua acknowledged her with a wave.
Richard's gaze shifted toward Justin as he approached. "What's up, bro?" he greeted with a casual grin.
Justin, looking effortlessly sharp in his tailored suit, returned the greeting. "I'm doing great. You?"
Before Richard could respond, Joshua's curiosity got the better of him. "Where's she?" he asked, scanning the entrance for Irene.
"Irene?" Esmeralda echoed. "She's just parking the car."
Joshua's brows furrowed. "She drove? What are you doing, man?" he turned to Justin with playful disbelief. "Why would you let a beautiful lady drive?"
Justin smirked, adjusting his cufflinks. "I deserve a little princess treatment once in a while."
The group chuckled, their banter lighthearted as the anticipation for Irene's arrival hung in the air.
----
Outside the Hall
After parking the car, Irene stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking against the pavement. Instead of heading straight inside, she strolled around the perimeter of the hall, her sharp eyes scanning for an opportunity—a staged encounter with Raphael, Brian's father.
But before she could make her move, she caught sight of a shadow standing alone near a dimly lit corner. Curious, she stepped closer, her movements poised yet deliberate.
As she approached, she froze slightly, recognizing the familiar silhouette.
"Brian?!" Her voice carried a mix of surprise and amusement. "Woah, you smoke?"
Brian, casually leaning against the wall, exhaled a slow puff of smoke before glancing at her. The flickering glow of his cigarette cast a brief light across his face.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone unreadable. "Why aren't you in the hall?"
Irene, ever composed, shrugged slightly. "I thought of getting familiar with the surroundings," she said, her voice light but calculated.
Brian studied her for a moment before flicking his cigarette to the ground and crushing it under his shoe. "You do know guests aren't allowed here, right?"
"Really?" She feigned innocence, shaking her head. "I had no idea."
There was a brief pause, a lingering silence charged with something unspoken. Then, Brian's gaze swept over her, appreciation flickering in his eyes.
"You look gorgeous," he admitted.
Irene smirked slightly but said nothing. She knew she did.
Her dress—a striking red, off-shoulder corset gown—clung perfectly to her curves, the high slit revealing just enough of her toned leg to make a statement. Ruffled details adorned the edges, adding a touch of elegance to its boldness. She left her neck bare, letting the deep red of her lipstick do the talking. Diamond drop earrings grazed her shoulders, catching the soft light, while a matching silver purse and stilettos completed the ensemble. Her hair, styled into a sleek donut bun, was secured with delicate accessories, ensuring every strand stayed in place.
Brian let his eyes linger a second longer before glancing away.
If Irene noticed the effect she had on him, she didn't let it show.
Irene smiled, tilting her head slightly. "Thanks. Shall we go in?"
Brian raised a brow. "You don't know your way back?"