Chapter 2: Étienne

Charlotte Hayes' POV

Damien Yves Étienne is a 25-year-old billionaire with several businesses. He was the only son of the great Étienne family, who were known for their enormous economic success. But does this family have a dark secret that they can't reveal?

"A billionaire, Charlotte! Can you believe it? Mr. Étienne invited you!" Mr. Lee exclaimed, smiling broadly. Mr. Lee appears to be more enthusiastic than I am. Nonetheless, I'm intrigued. I had no idea the man I met was a billionaire. What other surprises does he have in store for me? "Wait a minute... Étienne. Isn't that the owner of the Étienne Agency?" I was taken aback. My husband works as an actor for the Étienne agency. To think my husband would be under such a man.

"Yes, Charlotte! What do you think? This is a great opportunity to even rise in notoriety!" my manager, Hanes, smiled. It was amusing to see how eager they were to let me go. Because I know deep down that they have their own strategy. "I'll go," I sighed as I looked Mr. Lee in the eyes. Later that night, I was in the opulent Étienne building. It was a large and crammed area. I was wandering around among the people when I felt someone grab my arm—I looked at the person and saw him.

"You've arrived!" exclaimed Damien. "Ah," I bowed slightly in respect. "Mr. Étienne, I'm delighted to be invited to such a lovely event," I said softly. He abruptly laughed soothingly and stated, "So you did hear from me from your manager."

The moment his gaze fell on me, he was entranced. "You... You're stunning," he said. His pupils were dappled with twilight. I was surprised to receive a compliment out of nowhere, especially from a man like him. "Oh please," I coughed, "teasing me is just mean." Damien smirked and cupped my cheeks in both of his hands. "I'm not, because no matter how hard I look at you, I see beauty." My heart trembled at that moment. I felt a strange sensation inside of me. It was warm, but... At the same time, it's mystical. Knowing that everyone's attention was on us, I took two paces away from him.

He was left with a depressed expression. "What's the matter?" he inquired, perplexed by my actions. "I am a married woman, Mr. Étienne; if anyone spreads false rumors, it will be my deficit," I groaned. Damien guffaws. "If anyone spreads false rumors, I'll do everything in my power to silence them," he replied, a whimsical smile on his face.

I was fascinated by his words. Such self-assurance is admirable. "So, Mr. Etienne, shouldn't you get started on your introductory speech?" I smirked as I looked at him. "Aha! Right, milady. See you later," he said as he walked away. "He never ceases to amaze me," I said with a smile.

It had been a long time since I had a sincere smile, so it was quite phenomenal. It's as if some of my grief was wiped away. Damien enters the stage with a microphone in hand. At the same time, I went behind the stage, where the models were waiting. Everyone's gaze was drawn to him, a handsome man. Some were piqued by his appearance, while others were eager for the event to begin. "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. Today, I'm hosting a modeling event from various agencies to show the world that people can have a bond despite being in different agencies. I am overjoyed that each of you accepted my invitation, and without further ado, the modeling event begins."

The audience clapped, which echoed throughout the room. Models walked towards the stage, striking a glamorous pose. Every member of the audience was enthralled and couldn't stop applauding. It was soon my turn to walk. I was known for my catwalk and beauty, and as a result, I rose to the position of top model. I walked in a slow, gentle manner that posed class as the lights were beneath me. With a faint smile and a seductive look, I stared directly into the audience. Every eye was on me. This scene... It was something I was used to. After  all... "I live for the applause."

It wasn't long before it was time for the buffet. I was drinking red wine and gazing out the window. The nighttime view was flawless and warm. Reporters suddenly surrounded me, breaking the silence I was in. "How does it feel to be invited to such a luxurious event, Charlotte Hayes?" "Do you think your fame will skyrocket after being invited by an Étienne?!"

My mind was filled with questions. It gave me a migraine. Is it because of the wine or because of the questions? "Pardon me, but I'd like some alone time because I'm not feeling well—" "Do you have any comments on.." "Can you tell us why you were talking with Mr. Étienne before the event?" Their ignorance made me feel like I wasn't a human anymore in their eyes. But I couldn't help but smile. "Pardon me, the shock of being invited to such a lovely event is still in me, so please let me rest for a while, and if you have 'ears' and a 'heart,' won't you understand my situation?"

They went quiet. "Thank you," I said as I walked away. I still had the wine glass in my hand. It was deserted. I went for a walk after leaving the glass on a table. "I should go home now. Should I tell Mr. Etienne? But where is he?" I found myself in the hallway, roaming around like a lost cat. I came to a massive door at the end of the hallway with the sign "Master's room" on it. "Could this be his room?" I speculated. I was about to knock when I heard mumbles coming from the other room. Curious, I placed my ear to the door and heard Damien's words.

"Are you f*cking kidding me? Do you want me to tell the world that the Étienne family is secretly a Mafia family?" he yelled to the person he was speaking to. I was taken aback. "Mafias?" I wondered, my heart pounding. It was at this point that I became aware of a presence behind me.