Chapter 11

Days passed and Valerie was still struck by her meeting with Jane. She had contemplated contacting her several times, following Juan's suggestion to find out what really had happened all those years but she fought against the urge.

Maybe she would reach out to her eventually, but now was not the right time to do any of that. She picked up the files Juan had delivered to her early that day to have a look. She hasn't been feeling much of herself lately and that was not good enough. 

The document had every single detail about Carlos and his dealings outside of the office. Just as she had predicted, Carlos was yet to give up his gambling habit and for her, that was a good thing. 

A smile lined her lips as she studied the papers, pleased with Juan's work. Then, she saw it, the one way she could work her way into Carlos' life for the most of her plan. 

ELITE NIGHTCLUB. Carlos was a regular at this particular nightclub. And according to Juan's report, he never missed a weekend there. Today could in fact be her lucky day as it was a Saturday. Clubs are usually busy on the weekends. 

Her eyes darted to the clock on the wall, it was almost 8pm. She jumped to her feet and hurried up the stairs to her bedroom. 

Moments later, Ivy's car pulled up at the club's parking lot. Translucent lights in multicolour gave life to the huge sign “THE ELITE NIGHTCLUB” that hung on the entrance. Retrieving her purse from the front passenger seat, Ivy did a quick check on her makeup with her small compact mirror in her bag before stepping out of the car.

She took the hair tie off her burgundy colored hair, letting them fall to her shoulders as she began approaching the entrance. Her confident strides and gorgeous face beat turned heads her way, making her even more confident that Carlos would be no different from those gawking at her. Besides, she knew first hand about Carlos' taste in women- sophistication and class, and used that to her advantage. 

She was dressed in a short emerald green dress that stayed glued to her curves like a second skin, barely reaching her knees. Her bosoms spilled over the edges of the sweetheart neckline that framed her face. The hem of the dress was pleated, with a slit stopped at her thighs. The daring backline that went down to the middle of her back, gave the perfect silhouette, exuding seduction and sass.  

Carlos was an easy target to find. He was seated in the VIP lounge, with a host of ladies frolicking around him. Ivy scoffed at the sight, as she approached the bar for a drink. “Two shots of whisky, please.” She said to the bartender. “Neat.”

Her gaze was fixed on Carlos, mapping out a way to get him to notice her. A sinister smile appeared on her face the moment she saw him leaving the lounge area. She quickly gulped down the drinks she was served, and ordered for a glass of martini. She picked up the glass, paid for her drink and moved swiftly in Carlos' direction, her gaze not faltering for a moment.

“Shit!” Carlos cursed in anger.

“Oh no. I'm so sorry, sir.” Ivy apologized,trying to wipe off the stain on his shirt.

“How drunk can you be, that you can't even see clearly?” he fumed in anger, as he caught her wrist.

Ivy's gaze locked onto his and she saw his mouth drop in shock. “You.” he let go for her wrist.

“I'm so sorry, sir. Please let me make it up to you.” She offered.

“And how do you intend to do that?” he asked coldly.

That one question was all she needed to set things in motion. Despite how much Carlos tried to hide it, he was obviously smitten by her but his ego, knowing how cold he was towards her whenever they were at the office, would not allow him room to make a move on her.

“Well,” A coy smile curled on her lips. “I could buy you a drink, or….” She closed the distance between them, stunning Carlos.

“I could help you clean this up properly…” she pulled on his shirt and took her lips to his ears. “In the bathroom if you want. I am actually pretty good at a lot of things.” 

Carlos' muscles tensed up as cold chills ran down his spine. “What nonsense are you talking about?” He pulled away from her, avoiding eye contact. “I don't indulge such with my employees.”

“I can keep a secret.” She took a step towards him. “I won't tell, if you won't.” She brushed his hair back, gently caressing his face.

Ivy's stomach twisted with disgust as Carlos' hungry eyes feasted on her. Yet, she maintained her composure despite the discomfort crawling underneath her skin. 

“I need to use the restroom but you can wait for me at the VIP lounge.” Carlos said, his gaze fixed on her bosoms.

Got you!

“Sure.” Ivy purred, her voice low and endearing, ending shivers down his spine.

As she moved, Ivy made sure to brush her hand on his chest, a subtle hint on the allure that brewed beneath her refurbished facade. Carlos craned his neck to the side, observing her, unable to believe all that had just transpired between them.

Meanwhile, Ivy could feel the intensity of his gaze on her body as she moved, swaying her hips from side to side in a manner that provoked just the right emotions she hoped to set off. 

It wasn't long after their encounter that Carlos returned to Ivy, dancing to the tune of Trey Songz ‘Neighbors know my name,’ blaring through the speakers. 

Ivy pretended not to notice his presence. She danced, swaying her hips to the rhythm of the music. She ran her hands down her body, from her chest to her thighs, her movements sensual and inviting. Carlos could look away, smitten by her beauty. 

Suddenly, she turned to him, beckoning with her index finger. Carlos' feet felt heavy at first as he was too captivated by her, but slowly, he approached her. As soon as he was within reach, Ivy wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his in a sensual embrace, guiding their movement to the music's rhythm.