Chapter 4
As soon as I spotted him, I swiftly made my escape and slipped into the conference room where the other women were getting ready for the game. "I know it's him!" I whispered to myself, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to make sure he didn't see me yet, as it would ruin my carefully crafted plan. Despite the passage of time, I still recognized his voice all too well.
Dario, noticing my panic, quickly approached me. "You're here," he greeted me with a warm smile. "Are you okay, Mon?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Conrad almost saw me earlier. I bumped into him and I know it's him. I know his voice," I replied, my voice filled with a mix of fear and determination.
"Are you sure he didn't recognize you?" Dario asked, his worry growing.
"No, but I need to change my dress just to be safe," I answered, determined to avoid any slip-ups.
Leaving the backstage area, I couldn't help but glance in the direction where Conrad was seated. I held my breath, my eyes fixed on him. It was the first time I had seen him face to face since everything had changed. He had transformed, becoming even more handsome and masculine in my eyes. But no matter how much he had changed, he couldn't erase the pain he had caused me. I would never forgive him.
"They're right. You've changed a lot, Conrad," I muttered to myself, reminding myself of the hurtful things he had done. I had no other reason for reentering his life than to seek revenge. I had made a promise to my father to bring justice for the death of his wife, and I couldn't afford to fail.
"What will your reaction be when you see me again?" I asked myself, a hint of hatred in my voice. "You'll see the woman you left behind, and I'll make sure you feel the same pain you inflicted on me before."
"Three Million for number 3!" a man at the table bet, causing my nerves to spike. What if someone else won, and Conrad hadn't placed a larger bet on me? I had to remain calm and composed.
"The competition is heating up for Ms. Number 3, the mayor's daughter! Are you certain he's the one you'll choose?" the host announced, adding to the tension in the room.
"Yes, I'm one hundred percent sure," Conrad declared, surprising me.
"Ten million," he stated.
"Twenty million," the other man countered.
"What, Alpha? Are you still willing to bet on the Mayor's daughter?" the host inquired.
"I'm not sure, but there's something about her that intrigues me. Fifty million!" he boldly declared.
I was taken aback by his audacity, as it was an enormous amount to wager without any guarantees.
"Alright, you win!" the other man conceded his defeat.
Conrad smiled and promptly approached me, extending his hand.
"Can I claim my prize now?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.
"Take it easy, Alpha," Dario replied.
"Are you certain?" Dario questioned him.
"Yes, absolutely," he reassured.
"But before anything else, I need you to sign this agreement," Dario instructed him, anticipating Conrad's potential refusal once he discovered my identity.
"Agreement?" Conrad furrowed his brow in confusion.
"To ensure you won't back out. I want to secure the fifty million first," Dario explained.
"If you break the rules, you'll lose everything you have. I'm sure you wouldn't want that to happen," I softly interjected.
Conrad simply smiled and shook his head at the agreement. He exuded confidence and arrogance in those moments. I shook my head, wondering how he would react.
"I swear I'll never break the rules," Conrad assured.
"Alright. Sign it now before you can claim your prize," Dario responded.
I knew that if he backed down, it would be a great embarrassment for him. He didn't want to be defeated by the other wealthy men in the club. That's all I knew from Dario, but he was determined to secure the money first, no matter what.
Conrad signed the documents, and they shook hands. Then, he turned his gaze towards me.
"Mon, you can remove your mask now," Dario instructed me.
Slowly, I removed my mask in front of everyone. The sight of my beauty left everyone astonished, and I couldn't deny the fact that I was stunning.
"Monica?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Hi, it's Moon, the governor's daughter," I introduced myself.
"No, you deceived me!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anger.
Conrad's reaction caught everyone off guard, but I couldn't help but smile mischievously at him, teasing him further.
"Is there a problem, Conrad?" I asked innocently.
"Why did you come back here? What are you up to?" he questioned, his tone filled with emphasis.
"What are you talking about?" I replied, a playful smile on my face.
"You know you shouldn't embarrass yourself in front of everyone. Look, they're all watching you," I added, gesturing towards the crowd.
Conrad glanced around at the people surrounding us, attempting to compose himself. I knew he cared about his reputation and had his pride.
"After all this time, you still have the audacity to confront me?" he asked, his anger evident.
"Why? Haven't moved on yet?" I taunted him, a hint of amusement in my voice.
I maintained a seductive smile as Conrad took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on me.
"Me? Not moved on? Don't assume things unless I say so," he denied, his voice filled with defiance.
"Well then, we won't have any problems," I responded calmly.
"I'm just following my father's orders," I insisted, trying to justify my actions.
"What the hell? Your father ordered you to sell yourself to any man?!" he insulted me, his voice laced with disbelief.
"You haven't changed, Conrad," I smirked, enjoying the power I held over him.
"I will find someone to replace you!" he declared firmly.
"Are you sure about that? I thought you were the Alpha of every woman in Apollo City. How can you reject the Mayor's daughter?" I teased, my voice dripping with seduction.
"Look, someone is willing to take your place, so it's up to you. I have no problem if you choose them," I said, pointing out the women who had removed their masks.
"Do you want them to laugh at you? What about the fifty million?" I reminded him, a hint of threat in my voice.
"Damn it!" he cursed, frustration evident in his tone.
"I'm open to discussion, Dario!" I called out.
"Wait!" he interrupted me.
"Yes, what now?" I asked, feigning innocence.
"I am claiming my reward now. You win!" he declared emphatically.
I smiled seductively at him, leaving him stunned. The crowd erupted into applause.