New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 426 Second Mission

Eligos sat in his dimly lit office, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he flipped a silver coin between his fingers. He wasn't just playing with the coin; it was his thinking ritual, a rhythmic, almost hypnotic motion that helped him map out his schemes.

His sharp eyes gleamed with satisfaction as an idea crystallized in his mind. Time to get Cindy involved again.

He grabbed his sleek black phone from the desk and dialed Cindy's number. The call was answered on the second ring, Cindy's bubbly voice coming through the line.

"Hello? Eligos?" Cindy sounded chipper, almost too chipper.

Eligos allowed a thin smile. "Cindy, darling. How's the glamorous life treating you?"

She laughed softly, the sound tinged with a bit of nervousness. "Oh, it's great, honestly. Never thought I'd be here. I have a photo shoot tomorrow if you can believe that."

"Of course, I believe it," Eligos said smoothly. "You're talented, Cindy. You just needed the right hand guiding you."

Cindy hesitated, then responded, "Thanks, Eligos. Really."

"Good. Now, let's get to business," Eligos said, his voice taking on a more commanding tone. "I have another mission for you."

The pause on Cindy's end stretched longer this time. "A... mission? Again?"

"Yes," he said, his smirk widening as he leaned back in his chair. "It's time to repay my generosity. Don't forget, Cindy, I made this life of yours possible."

Cindy froze for a moment on the other end of the line. She had promised to help him when needed, but every time he called, it felt like a Faustian bargain. She sighed softly, clearly torn. "I haven't forgotten. What do you need me to do?" Eligos's smile turned predatory. "You're going to seduce Adrian Saint Laurent."

"Excuse me? What? Adrian Saint Laurent? n Adrian Saint Laurent? The tabloids say the Saint Laurent family is practically royalty in the business world! How is that even possible?

"I'll hire a fake photographer to capture compromising pictures of you and Adrian. Once the photos hit the internet, Claire Peterson will see them. That's all I need for Claire to spend every waking moment obsessing over it. Maybe it'll even

a disbelieving laugh. "Wow. That's...

self-assurance. "I don't make amateur moves, Cindy. But this requires finesse. Adrian isn't the kind of man who can be easily swayed

"He looks like the type to see through everything. So, what's the

you'll find

and her brows shot up. "A package? What kind of

enough. Just know that it's

frowned, the suspicion clear in her voice. "Familiar?

his patience wearing thin. "Dress to resemble Claire Peterson. Do your hair like hers. Channel her style. Adrian won't be able to resist if he thinks

was genuinely offended. "Why Claire? Why

the key to that. You're not there to show off yourself you're there to plant doubt in Adrian's mind and get Claire

do as I say,

nodded. "Fine. But

it isn't part of the deal," Eligos said flatly. "Just wait for the package. Once you have it, the

her tone lacked enthusiasm. "I'll

again. "I'll send you the details

though it carried a hint of unease. "Ok, I will be

chance to really prove your worth,

sighed heavily, tossing the phone onto his desk. "Clueless," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "No wonder her career tanked

knew Cindy would do as she was told. She owed him, and Eligos always collected on debts. Leaning back in his chair, he allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. If all went according to plan, Claire would be too

he muttered

flipped the coin again, his sharp mind already racing ahead to the next steps of his plan. If Cindy could execute this flawlessly-and that was a big if it would plant the perfect