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."

Cindy's voice came back, higher-pitched than before. "Excuse me? What? Adrian Saint Laurent? n Adrian Saint Laurent? The tabloids

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 spark a nice,

a disbelieving laugh. "Wow. That's... sneaky. Smart, but

course it is," Eligos replied, his voice dripping with self-assurance. "I don't make amateur moves, Cindy. But this requires finesse. Adrian isn't the kind of man who can be

see through everything. So, what's the plan? How am I supposed to pull

smirk deepened. "I'm sending you a package. Inside, you'll find exactly what you need to make

"A package? What kind of package? What's in

soon enough. Just know that it's everything you'll

clear in her

wearing thin. "Dress to resemble Claire Peterson. Do your hair like hers. Channel her

was genuinely offended. "Why Claire?

is to mess with Adrian's head. Claire is 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 off balance. Do you understand now?" Still frowning, Cindy muttered,

Eligos said firmly. "Now, do as

grumbled but nodded. "Fine.

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

Cindy said, though her tone

"I'll send you

a hint of unease. "Ok, I will be

dripping with condescension. "This is your chance

phone onto his desk. "Clueless," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "No wonder her career tanked in the first place. The girl couldn't find her way out of a paper bag

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

she's halfway useful," he

of his plan. If Cindy could execute this flawlessly-and that was a big if it would plant the perfect seed