New beginning: Billionaire love story

The morning sun streamed through the wide windows of the studio, casting a warm, golden glow across the polished floors.

Cindy sat in a chair in the makeup room, surrounded by a flurry of makeup artists and stylists. Brushes swept across her face, fingers fluffed and teased her hair, and there was a constant buzz of chatter all around. Cindy, despite herself, couldn't help but feel a growing excitement bubbling up in her chest. She hadn't been in a situation like this in ages-a real, high-end photoshoot with an actual luxury brand. It almost felt unreal.

She stared at herself in the mirror, blinking at her reflection, slightly stunned.

So, this is really happening?

Truth be told, she hadn't believed that mysterious guy, the one she'd met yesterday, would actually pull this off. He had been so vague, so distant-he hadn't even told her his name, let alone given her any sort of assurance.

She didn't even know what his face looked like, much less what kind of expressions he might've had. She had assumed he was just some shady nobody trying to play a big game. But here she was, glammed up and ready for the spotlight. "Five minutes, Cindy!" one of the team members called out, a clipboard in hand. "We'll be starting the shoot soon. Get ready!"

Cindy's heart skipped a beat. The thrill of being back in the game-the cameras, the lights, the glamour-it was intoxicating. She hadn't realized just how much she missed it until this moment. She gave herself one last look in the mirror, a smirk playing at the edges of her lips. Maybe this whole deal wasn't so bad after all.

Sure, that guy whoever he was-had been mysterious, but maybe he really did have the connections. Maybe all he wanted was someone to work with, and if this was all she had to do, well, Cindy wasn't going to complain. She could have her life back, her fame, her glamour, just like old times.

And all she had to do was keep doing what he told her. Simple enough, right?

The photoshoot began, and as soon as the cameras started flashing, Cindy slipped right back into her old self. The poses came naturally-head tilts, sultry glances, confident stances. She did not need any direction; it was like riding a bike. Her body just knew what to do. As she moved gracefully under the bright studio lights.

She thought to herself, Maybe this guy isn't so bad. Maybe working with him could bring me back to the top.

Meanwhile, across town, in a darkened room, Eligos sat at his computer, his fingers lightly tapping the desk as he watched the screen. He wasn't really interested in the task at hand-monitoring his computer. It was Claire he was keeping tabs on. Suddenly, his phone buzzed on the desk beside him. Eligos glanced at the screen before answering. "Yeah?"

"Boss, she's taken the bait," the voice on the other end reported. "Claire found the body. She's at the station now with her little right-hand man. They're being questioned as we speak."

A slow, smug smile crept across Eligos' face. "Is that so? Well, well... I guess she's smarter than I thought. Figured she'd find it eventually."noveldrama

The voice on the phone continued, "Yeah, she's playing right into it. Everything's going according to plan."

"Good," Eligos replied, leaning back in his chair. "And what about Cindy? What's the word on her?"

"She's at the photoshoot. Seems like she's happy. Probably thinks she's back on top of the world."

Eligos nodded, a pleased expression spreading across his face. "Let her enjoy it. Give her a little taste of that old life. She'll come crawling back to me before long, mark my words."

There was a pause on the other end before the man asked, "What's next, boss? You want us to keep an eye on her?"

"Of course," Eligos said, almost lazily. "Keep watching her. But before you leave, make sure you plant my name card in her bag. Let's make sure she knows where to find me when the time comes." "Got it, boss. I'll take care of it."

As Eligos hung up the phone, he let out a soft chuckle.

This is all too easy, he thought.

Women like Cindy were

predictable-always reaching for the

next shiny thing, always ready to make a deal if it meant staying in the spotlight. Unlike Claire, who was

harder smarter, and more

calculated. A snake, Eligos thought to himself, with just a hint of

frustration. She was slippery, always

suspicious, always questioning.

That's what makes her such a fun challenge.

Eligos stood up from his desk, pacing around the room as his thoughts swirled. "Claire... Claire Peterson," he muttered to himself. "You won't see this coming. You will be surprised by what I have in store for you."

He could practically feel the

excitement building inside him.

Claire didn't know it yet, but he was

playing a long game, and every move she made was just another step toward her inevitable downfall. And the best part? He wasn't just going to break her. No, that would be too easy. He was going to take everything from her-everyone she cared about, everything she loved.

"Oh, it's going to be beautiful, very memorable and beautiful." Eligos said aloud, a dark grin spreading across his face. "By the time I'm done with her, she'll be nothing. She'll be shattered. Broken."

He could already see it. Claire's strong, determined face twisted in agony as everything crumbled around her. It was a delicious thought, one that kept him motivated. But for now, patience. He had to let things play out, let her suffer bit by bit.

Eligos returned to his desk, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Soon enough, Claire," he murmured. "Soon enough you will feel what I feel."

As for Cindy, well, she was a pawn. An easy one to manipulate, no doubt about it. He'd give her a taste of the good life, reel her in, and then use her however he saw fit. It wouldn't take long before she was completely under his thumb, just another tool in his ever- expanding game.

He picked up a pen, twirling it between his fingers as he thought about the future. "As for you Cindy, how gullible you are. I will let you have your fun now," he whispered. "She'll be back. They always come back."

Eligos couldn't wait to see how things would unfold. Cindy would serve her purpose and Claire? She would fall. And when that day came, Eligos would be there, watching it all, savoring every moment.

Back at the photo shoot, Cindy was

posing in front of a glamorous backdrop, the camera flashes

lighting up the room. She smiled, feeling the rush of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, she could trust that mysterious man after all, What harm could it do? She'd get her life back, her fame, her fortune. And all she had to do was... well, whatever he asked. That didn't seem so bad.

As she hit another pose, Cindy thought to herself, Yeah, this is it. I'm back, baby.