Code of temptation

My name is Laetitia, known for my fiery red hair and sharp wit—a combo that’s gotten me into trouble more times than I can count, but also helped me live life on my terms. As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my mask and smoothing out my gown, I felt a rush of excitement. The masquerade ball was the season’s event, and I wasn’t going to miss it. It was also our first mission and I wasn’t so excited. We needed the money.l hated spying on people’s privacy. And that’s what I was about to do,spy on him,take all his dirt and expose him. My best friend Sophia burst in, her mask glittering. “Laetitia, you look stunning! That red hair of yours is on fire tonight!” I laughed, thrilled. “Thanks, Soph. I wanted to make a statement.” Sophia grinned. “You always do. Now, let’s go paint the town red!" As we entered the ballroom, a sea of colorful masks and swirling gowns surrounded us. The music was loud, champagne flowing, and I was ready to let loose after weeks of exams and family drama. People noticed me,some admired, some envied, others seemed intimidated. I soaked it all in thirsty for the attention.Tonight wasn’t just any night. It was the night my newest mission began,the mission to get close to the target, the man everyone warned me about. I’d been told to blend in, observe, and when ready, become indispensable to him. But nothing prepared me for the moment I first saw him at the masquerade ball,a sharp contrast to the cold, distant figure in the files. And there he was... unexpectedly handsome, and suddenly, my role shifted from watcher to something closer. I wanted to be near him, maybe as his personal assistant,anything to get inside his world. As our eyes met across the crowded room, my heartbeat quickened, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. “Target spotted”l spoke into the ear mic my eyes still wandering on his perfect body.l wondered how he’ll look down there.l snapped out of my thoughts as soph spoke behind me Sophi spoke back “The mission doesn’t have to be completed tonight,Let’s celebrate our first mission.l hope we don’t mess up” I heard footsteps striding toes me and I knew it was from Sophia. “I never knew he was this handsome….oh my oh my ,Lati I wouldn’t care if he took me as his mistress just to get close to that perfect abs”l looked at her with eerie expression. ”you’re drooling” l said to her knowing what was coming next “what,no no no I can’t be drooling it will ruin my make up”she started her little episode going here and there ”stop staring at me and help me find a mirror “Yes ma’am”I responded almost bursting out laughing. ”wait you were kidding with me,I’m so going to kill you”l stopped laughing and sprinted to the exit. “we’ll see where that tiny leg of yours will get you” I stopped facing her”we have a mission girl,but tonight let’s just party, all night,you in”I asked grinning The next day I was already suffering from a serious hangover when I heard a loud scream.Did someone die "Lati, can you come over here?" Sophia screamed, her voice laced with annoyance. I walked over, and Sophia thrust her phone into my hands. "Look what our landlord has to say," she said, frustration dripping from her tone. The landlord’s voice was stern on the other end of the call. “Glad to also have you here Miss Donovan” "You guys have seriously failed inspection," she sneered. "If you take a look around here, there are serious damages." "What? What does that imply?" I replied, my voice already rising in anger, knowing what she was about to say. "Your rent is increased, and I expect you to pay up before this week ends," the landlord said with an evil smile. I knew she hated us. I put on a serious face, and Soph replied, "Those damages have been here before we rented the house. Now, you know that is a load of shit." My anger peaked. "You showed us the apartment yourself and even talked about those flaws, telling us we were getting the best deal because of them. So what s**t are you saying" "I don’t recall any of that," the landlord spat back, her skepticism evident. "You guys will be paying for those damages in a rent increase." "Do we have a video of the apartment when we moved in?" Sophia whispered to me. I thought for a moment before responding, "Definitely not." "Yes, we’ll take it to court," Sophia said, determination in her voice. "With or without money? Court fees are a lot, plus you’ll need open availability, which you’ll be too busy working to pay your rent," the landlord smiled at her. "She’s right," I chimed in. "Money gives people power in this city, and we are just trying to survive in it.And some people cling like leaches,blood sucking mosquitoes" “What the hell did you say” “Exactly what you heard”l smiled with satisfaction Sophi pulled my clothes gently “Lati,please don’t make things worse ok,we might get thrown out,how will the mission be completed” I sighed facing back to the landlord “please continue.” The landlord continued, "We will be expecting some innovations for the whole building that will be added to the rent cost. Renovations will be conducted by Reign enterprise” I thought I heard wrong “wait who did you say is conducting the renovation again “ “Reign enterprise”sophi said screaming.Wow perfect opportunity for the mission.Although being an agent,we don’t earn much unless we go for a mission and I’m surely going to do this one,I needed the money,and the guy my subconscious said.