The Ruthless Billionaire's Pawn

Chapter Four

Killian

The very moment Celeste grudgingly stepped into my penthouse, I knew by just looking at her that she felt caged. It all showed from the way she hesitated at the doorway. She had managed to sign the contract, maybe because of the heated period she was in, and I knew her coming doesn't relate to her accepting her fate. At least, not yet.

She forcefully rolled her small suitcase inside, the type that entails she wasn't ready to stay long, her eyes darting around for a threat. The security was very heavy as usual. My men loitered around, but all on their posts, not talking, keen in observing, and most importantly, armed to the teeth. They weren’t what you could describe as the polished, heavily overpriced security detail most billionaires could kill just to hire for parade. These were not the regulars , but the real professionals, properly trained killers, not boys, but men who had seen real war. Celeste tensed as she noticed on entering.

“Are you in a way secretly running another huge country from this part of the world, and I won't have known if I didn't come here?” she asked, her voice still sarcastic.

I smirked knowingly, shrugging to let her think whatever she wants. “All this does not means anything. This is me getting prepared.”

“Prepared , what do you even mean ? Prepared for a tribal war?”

I turned to her direction, keen to oberserve every of her facial expressions. “Tell me with honesty, Celeste. Why do you prefer acting rather so poised when you are aware they are targeting you?”

Her expression changed for a second, but changed before I could tell what it was.“So what should I do with that information now? You plan to keep me hostage like a homeless damsel?”

I moved closer, shifting my head. “I don’t have time for damsels in distress, Celeste. And as for you? You’re far from being helpless.”

She kept mute, maybe tired of arguing. She knew that this was way more serious than it seemed to be, but will still not play by my rules, at least for her safety.

Instead of saying else, she rolled her suitcase past me, pushing me deliberately just to get a reaction from me. “Fine then, I agree. But if I after my researches, I found out you are tricking me into submitting into your world, then, I won't waste time to turn your life a living hell, Voss.”

I chuckled in amusement. “I earnestly can't wait to see you perform, dear fiancée.”

That very night night, I begged for sleep to come.

I wasn’t the type that would lose a sleep over minor incidence like this, but surprisingly, Celeste’s presence troubled me. She happened to be two doors down, maybe awake, consciously plotting my downfall in her small head.

I was bothered, I'm used to threats, even familiar with betrayal. I had from scratch built my empire, and I knew who to trust and who to eliminate. Celeste, however, despite all my efforts was a complication.

Not just because of of what brought us together now. It has nothing to do with the contract. Neither does the brewing storm have a hand in it.

But on the singular note that she's way too smart. Very determined. Even with my orders to sit back and observe how I handle things, she won't also indulge me. And it's risk having her dig around for answers. It could cost alot of damages.

The gala was meant to be a simple move of power. A public appearance not to cause rumors, but solidify our engagement, package the lie to the public.

“Optics does matter,” I had tried convincing her earlier. “The more we let people believe in this lie, the easier it is for you to stick to the plan."

The look on her face said it all, like she was ready to hurl a wine glass at my handsome face, but surprisingly, she accepted.

Now, standing beside me, she wore a black silk gown which mercilessly hugged her curves. It looked like her second skin. Her hair was packed up, leaving a few strands dangling on her pretty face. She was beyond beautiful, all stunned and she knew her effect on me; which was the problem.

We made a grand entrance, arm in arm, displaying power couple together. In the hall were different elites from the city, ranging from CEOs to politicians, even socialites.

Celeste surprised me as she played her part well. She made sure to smile at the right people, nodded confidently at the right conversations, but I knew she doesn't want to be there with me.

I noticed it from the way she never left my arm.

Someone was by the corner, keenly watching her.

I scanned the crowd for any abnormal appearancs, but nothing seemed odd.

Then, just as I was in the middle of a conversation, well emerged with one of my business ssociates, that was when I saw it. Like a spark, a hand brushed hurriedly gainst hers. Then came a whisper.

Her entire body immediately became rigid.

Whoever that was responsible was fast enough to disappear and blend into the crowd before I could get even a glimpse of the figure.

I turned immediately to her. “Celeste?” I murmured to just get hearing. “What just happened now?”

She forced a smile as she faced me, and from the corner of my eyes, I saw her slipping something flat into her gown. “Nothing you should worry about,” she whispered back still smiling. “That is probably one of those party tricks.”

Lies, all lies.

Before I could make more effort to find out what she was hiding from me, the reporters in their number swooped in, camera all set and ready. “Mr. Voss, Ms. Knight! Could you please, be kind enough to give us a comment on your engagement?”

I turned around, smirking as I approved. “Of course, why not. We couldn’t wait to have you share in our joy.”

Celeste laughed, and could be perfectly mistaken to a woman in love with her partner. But immediately the Camera was out of sight, she slipped away from my grib, away from my sight.

I didn't stop her, I allowed her, at least for now.

But whatever the strange figure gave to her, and I'm sure was a flash drive, I would make sure to find out.

And if someone was planning to capture her, to maniplate her, that would be the worst mistake they had ever made.

But why flash drive?