New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 427 The Vial

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.

not bad," she said

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

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

half expecting to see one of Eligos's men lurking in the shadows. Of course, there was no one obvious, but the

deep in conversation with another guest, a glass of champagne in his hand. She hesitated, wondering

shoulders and approached him, her hips swaying just enough to

purred, her voice honeyed and

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

tilted her head, letting her hair fall over one shoulder. "Cindy," she said, her voice

a small, polite smile, but his brow furrowed slightly.

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

roll off her tongue. "I've heard a lot about you. Your work is

studied her for a moment,

business," he replied diplomatically. His tone was polite but distant, as if he were trying

on, undeterred. "What's the secret to your success? I'm sure everyone here

a faint smile but didn't bite. "Hard work, dedication,

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

hand. "Good to see

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

when Cindy turned back, her face the picture of calm. She stepped closer to them, her tone light and flirtatious. "I hope I'm

neutral. "Not at all.