01. The big debt

I gripped the phone with trembling hands, my mind spinning in panic as I stared at the loan shark on the other end of the line.

"I already told you, I don't have the money right now," I protested, my voice wavering.

The man's voice was cold, cutting through me like a knife. "What are you talking about? You've had enough time, Bianca. I want my money, and I want it now."

I closed my eyes, fighting back tears of frustration. I had lost everything, every penny... Maybe if I tried to explain the situation...

"I had your money. It was all saved up, and I was going to pay you back." I sniffled loudly and wiped away one of the tears with the back of my hand. "But my ex-boyfriend stole it from me. He left and took all my money. I'm completely broke. I'll fix it, I just need more time—"

"More time?! Do I look like I'm joking? Do you think I'm some kind of fool?"

"Please, I—"

"You have three days, Bianca. Three days. And you'd better show me my money again, or the consequences will be severe for you."

Before I could respond, the call was cut off. Shaken, I stared at the phone for a few seconds, still trying to process everything.

My heart sank. I knew there was no way to get that kind of money in such a short time. But...

I couldn't give up yet. My mother was in the hospital and needed money for the operation. My sister had been deceived and harassed by a cruel loan shark, and she didn't get any money. I had also been robbed by my ex-boyfriend, who took all my savings. And now, the situation was desperate.

With a still trembling voice and tears in my eyes, I began searching for someone who could help me. I thought about selling my kidney, even knowing it would only cover my mother's operation costs for three months.

As I scrolled through the contact list, my gaze fell on a number that, even after all these years, was still fresh in my memory.

At first, the enormous building didn't intimidate me, nor did the snobbish employees who looked me up and down with superiority. The white corridors, immaculately clean like those of a hospital, were long enough that the more I walked, the smaller I felt.

When I finally reached the office reception, the blonde, slightly wrinkled woman stared at me before buzzing the boss:

"Mr. Takahashi, Miss Evans is here."

I just stood there watching as the secretary nodded and informed me, "He's waiting in his office."

I took a deep breath, gathering all my strength to face the man who could be my only hope. I thanked the secretary with a nod and headed for the indicated door.

My heart raced as I crossed the threshold of Masato Takahashi's office. The room was opulent, with luxurious furniture and a panoramic view of the city through large windows. Masato sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his expression serious and inscrutable.

"Bianca," he said, his deep voice echoing through the space. "What a pleasure to see you again."

I forced a tense smile as I approached the desk. "The pleasure is all mine, Masato."

The handsome man was still the same: the same toned muscles beneath the suit, the same strong and slightly calloused hands, the almond-shaped black eyes capable of intimidating effortlessly.

Before I could say anything, Masato spoke first:

"Well, I won't prolong this too much. After all, you already told me yesterday about what happened." A hint of amusement crossed his face as he tilted his head: "And what a fine boyfriend you found, huh?"

Embarrassed, I felt my cheeks heat up, but I didn't reply. No, I would humiliate myself, cry, and do whatever it took to get the money, even if Masato wanted to have fun with my desperation.

"I believe the two of us can help each other a lot, a great deal. And since I'm feeling particularly generous, I'll give you your payment even before you complete your work."

"Thank you, Masato, I—"

He interrupted me with a hand gesture. I stopped talking, once again sullen and embarrassed.

"Of course, I don't need to say that once you accept my terms, there's no turning back." Masato adopted an almost threatening expression. "Do you understand?"

I subtly nodded.

Dramatically standing up, Masato stared at me for a few seconds before placing his hands behind his back and deliberately observing his office as he spoke:

"Your skills are impressive. It's rare for me to hear the same name more than once when I talk about people of your caliber. But until now, I never thought it would make any difference to me or my interests."

He paused and continued:

"The Lady of the Night is one of the most delightful strippers in Los Angeles' clubs."

Hearing that, I felt my mouth go dry. "How do you know that?"

Masato winked at me.

"I know a lot of things. Well, as I was saying, your skills—"

"What, you want me to be your personal stripper? Fine, I can do that, as long as you don't reveal my identity to anyone."

The businessman burst out laughing.

"Oh, darling, why do you think I would waste my resources on someone like you? I already have my own night-time entertainment, you can believe that."

I wanted to scream, run away, curse, but I held back. I needed the money, needed the money, desperately needed that damn money.

Returning to his usual serious and intimidating demeanor, Masato continued: "However, I know someone who would love to have a meeting with you."

He turned his laptop screen so that I could see the image he was pointing to: a handsome man in his forties, blonde and slightly muscular. Next to him was a woman of the same age, dressed luxuriously.

"This is Thomas Braxton. And this is his wife, Diana Braxton."

"I don't understand."

"Thomas is an… old enemy of mine. For years, he has been trying to ruin my reputation, spreading rumors about me and doing everything to undermine my social and financial power." He paused and continued: "The irony is that Thomas is everything he says I am. An arrogant womanizing jerk."

"And what do I have to do?"

"Thomas is trying to gain more popularity. And for that, he wants to run for office this year." Masato crossed his arms. "But I doubt he'll be elected when they discover all his secrets. Especially when they find out he's having an affair with a famous city stripper..."

"So... You want me to?"

"You're going to infiltrate his house. Seduce him like the most alluring of jewels. Make him divorce the woman who loves him... And forever destroy his reputation."

"But—"

"That's it, or you won't be paid," he interrupted quickly. "So, what do you say?"

Nervously, I looked again at the computer screen. Thomas didn't seem as threatening or unpleasant as Masato mentioned, but what choice did I have?

Reduced to a rich man's prostitute. That's what was happening to me.

Reluctantly, I responded in a low voice:

"Alright. I accept."

Excited, the businessman clapped his hands together and rubbed them in contentment.

"Great. Your training starts tomorrow. You're going to love it."

"Okay. But who will... Train me?"

His gaze became ten times more intense as he said softly:

"I will." And he winked, leaving me instantly shivering.