A Case in Red

Chapter 05

The blonde raised an eyebrow and turned her back on the waiter, who immediately hurried away with his tray, ready to return to service. I realized she wasn't just a simple organizer; her actions betrayed the fact that she didn't just want the event to be perfect—she wanted Conrad’s image to be perfect. Not allowing a single minute of delay in the speech, insisting that the staff perform their duties with methodical precision, and staying alert at all times. She was taking care of the smallest details, the ones that make all the difference. Whoever she was, she had the clearance to forge an introduction between anyone here and Conrad, and of that, I was certain.

— I’m not sure if you were paying attention, but you interrupted the conversation I was having with Mr. van Dorn earlier — I smiled at the woman in front of me, watching her expression. — It was an important conversation, and I would very much like to resume it in a more... private setting.

First, she remained serious, digesting my words. Then, she let out a low, almost forced laugh, as if she were hearing a joke. I furrowed my brow, not quite understanding which part of my statement had sounded funny to her.

— Look, I’m sorry, but you’re not the first woman to try to get to him through me — The woman turned serious again, placing a hand on her hip. — I know Mr. Conrad; he’s the gallant type, I’ll admit. He must have offered you a drink, asked your name, maybe even complimented your looks. But it won’t go beyond that, okay? He isn’t looking for a relationship and doesn’t have time for casual s*x, if that’s what you’re thinking you’ll get. So, you don’t need to pretend you were having an important conversation, because that excuse doesn't fly with me. Enjoy the party and stay away from him, because if I see you trying to talk to Conrad, I’ll call security.

My lips parted at the woman's speech. What does she think I am? A prostitute? A woman deluded by a man’s beauty and charisma, thinking they’ll embark on a relationship? I felt an urge to snatch the clipboard from her hands and tear those papers to shreds with my teeth. Never, in any place, have I been degraded to such a level.

The woman brushed past me, nearly bumping into my shoulder. Before she could walk away, I listened to my impulse to grab her wrist and force her to look at me again. I saw the surprise on her face; she clearly didn't expect me to react like that. Elegance doesn’t always win. Thanks to her short stature and my six-inch heels, I looked her up and down, asserting my superiority over the blonde. She lifted her chin to return the gaze, but I could sense her fear. I stepped closer to her, our bodies almost touching, intimidating her.

— I am not one of those sluts you’re used to seeing, darling. I have no interest in a one-night stand with Mr. van Dorn, and you can be sure that buying me a drink isn't enough to win my attention — I watched her swallow hard, realizing the mistake she had made by speaking to me that way. — You should know me, or at least know my name. And if you don’t, perhaps you aren’t qualified enough to deal with the people at this opening. Tell me, what would Conrad do with your job if he knew you mistreated one of his guests?

— I’m sorry, ma'am, it wasn't my intention... — Unlike the arrogant tone she had used earlier, her voice was now low and calm, recognizing that she wasn't talking to just anyone.

— Apologies aren't enough for me. I will be reporting this to Mr. van Dorn. Do you know how embarrassed I am after the way you treated me? — Finally, I released her wrist, bringing my hand to my chest. — I want a private conversation with Mr. van Dorn to follow up on our earlier talk, and I expect you won't interfere again.

— Unfortunately, Mr. Conrad won’t be taking meetings today; it’s an important day for him, he needs to attend to all the guests.

— Then book a slot for me in his schedule, dear — I pointed to the clipboard in her hand. — Or are you going to tell me he’ll be busy until he returns to his country?

— Mr. van Dorn’s stay here in Brazil will be short. He returns to Portugal in a week; he didn't come here for business meetings. I’m very sorry.

— I’m going to say this one more time, because I don’t think you’ve understood what this is about yet — I tried to keep my tone firm, but she was getting on my nerves. I’ve never been rejected like this by anyone; in fact, I dare say anyone would do anything for five minutes of conversation with me. Perhaps she didn't recognize the magnitude of my importance here, and I was willing to make her understand. — My name is Viviane Beltrão. I am one of the top international relations executives in Brazil. If Mr. Conrad wants his empire to solidify on Brazilian soil, he’d best not ignore my offer. If I give this hotel a bad review, not even Brazilian D-list celebrities will stay here. But if he has me in his corner as the official liaison for the Maison Rubra in Brazil, anyone in the world would trade the Copacabana Palace for this place — The blonde’s eyes widened. I felt a surge of satisfaction in my chest; it’s the feeling that washes over you when someone treats you like a mere citizen and discovers you are so much more. I knew she had noticed, too, that her job was now in my hands. As a bonus, I made her believe I could toy with the success or failure of the Maison Rubra.

— I will do my best to arrange your private meeting with Mr. Conrad — Finally, the woman yielded, realizing she could do nothing to stop me from getting to him, and if she tried, she could put the newly opened hotel in a risky position.

— No, you won't do your best. You will give your life for it. Check his availability and contact me before I make everyone here believe this place is a five-and-dime hotel disguised with some luxury furniture — I pulled a small card from my bag with my company logo and my number, which I carried everywhere because you never know where you'll make an important connection.

I knew she must have been feeling a bitter taste in her throat, and the thought made my heart flutter a little faster. The woman took the card and stared at it in shock, as if, until that moment, she still doubted I was a businesswoman.

— VB Global Strategy? — she muttered under her breath, but not low enough for me to miss it. — You really are Viviane Beltrão...

— Were you expecting me to be trying to trick you? — I questioned. — So first, you accuse me of being a prostitute, and then, a liar.

— No! A thousand apologies, Ms. Beltrão, at no point did I mean to insinuate you were a prostitute or a liar — I felt the air of desperation that finally took over her voice. — I will contact you tomorrow morning to inform you of the date and time of your meeting. Don’t worry, I won’t let Conrad return to Portugal before that happens.

— Make it as soon as possible, dear. My offer won’t last long.

I turned my back on her and walked away, but I could still feel her gaze burning into my back. A satisfied smile touched my lips; I had gotten what I wanted. Now, all that’s left is to get what I need.