Chapter 2

Paris

Paris unfolded before me like a canvas of elegance and mystery. The City of Light pulsed with life, its streets thrumming with activity. I felt tiny, a solitary figure adrift in a sea of strangers.

My mission weighed heavily on my mind – find Rafael King.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. Time was running out.

Seven days had passed since my arrival, and I was no closer to uncovering King's whereabouts.

Frustration simmered within me as I sat at a quaint café, nursing a cup of coffee.

Two men in black suits caught my attention, their purposeful strides devouring the distance.

Bodyguards.

Their presence sparked a question – who needed such protection?

The wealthy, perhaps?

I scoffed inwardly. "Can't they defend themselves? Rich brats, wasting money."

My gaze lingered on the men, now seated inside the café.

Their hushed conversation drifted out, tantalizing snippets.

"...big deal going down..."

"...King's interests..."

My ears perked up.

Rafael King.

The name ignited a spark within me.

I set my coffee aside, focus sharpening.

These men might hold the key to finding King.

I committed their faces to memory, resolving to track their movements.

Perhaps they'd lead me to the elusive billionaire.

The stakes had risen.

I was ready to play.

With renewed determination, I settled into my chair, eyes locked on the café door.

The hunt had begun.

Tonight was my night. I had just received a tip that Rafael King would be making an appearance at Gate Club Paris for a business meeting. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for, and it seemed Lady Luck was smiling down on me.

But a nagging problem threatened to derail my plans. I had no idea what Rafael King looked like.

The infamous businessman was a ghost, a shadow that haunted the corridors of power. No one had seen him, no photographs existed, and his media conferences were always attended by assistants or secretaries.

How was I supposed to recognize him?

I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. This was absurd. I, a journalist tasked with uncovering secrets, was clueless about the face of the man I sought.

But I refused to give up. Today was my lucky day, and I wouldn't let this setback hold me back.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. I would stay positive, keep my eyes open, and trust my instincts.

Gate Club Paris, here I come.

I just needed to stay positive and keep my eyes open. Today was my lucky day. I wouldn't lose hope. I would try my best.

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Gate Club Paris

I settled into the plush leather stool at Gate Club Paris's bar, eyes fixed on the entrance. I awaited the arrival of a man shrouded in mystery and controversy - Rafael King.

Legends spoke of his power, his influence, and his alleged ties to the underworld.

My boss's words echoed in my mind: "Rafael King, the man with mafia connections."

I expected a entourage of burly guards, a spectacle worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.

But as the minutes ticked by, my anticipation gave way to frustration.

No sign of Rafael King.

Panic crept in, my thoughts consumed by the looming deadline.

Tomorrow, I'd face the consequences of failure.

My job hung in the balance.

I grabbed my drink and downed it in one swift motion.

"Damn Rafael King!" I cursed, fury simmering beneath the surface.

Why couldn't he grant me just 15 minutes?

One interview, that's all I asked.

A gentle voice interrupted my tirade.

"Looks like Rafael King has gotten under your skin."

I swiveled toward the speaker, my gaze meeting the piercing eyes of a stranger.

Tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed, he exuded confidence.

His chiseled physique was evident even beneath the tailored suit.

A shiver ran down my spine as our eyes locked.

"Umm... Excuse me?" I stuttered. "Are you talking to me?"

The stranger's smile widened, his lips curling upward.

My heart skipped a beat.

Who was this enigmatic figure?

And how did he know about Rafael King?

Curiosity piqued, and I leaned in, eager to unravel the mystery.

"Yes, you're getting everyone's attention by cursing that Rafael Fucking King," he said, his deep voice low and smooth as he settled beside me.

I felt a flutter in my chest, my senses heightened.

Was I drunk? His manly voice was intoxicating, calm and sexy.

Focus, Eva. You're here for Rafael King, not to drool over this stranger.

"What are you doing?" I chided myself.

"I am sorry, sir. I was just a little frustrated," I apologized.

"Does that mean Rafael is the reason for your frustration?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm here to approach him for an interview, but I don't know where he is or how he even looks." My frustration boiled over.

"I've been trying for weeks, but his secretary always says he doesn't have 15 minutes for me. I'll lose my job if I fail. This is my last chance."

The stranger's lips curled into a smile.

"You find this amusing?" I snapped.

"You're extremely amusing and brave. I like it," he said.

His laughter ignited a spark within me.

"Yeah, I need to go," I said.

"Hey, wait, may we take a drink?" he asked.

"No thanks, I've exceeded my limit."

"Remain for some more time. I need to spend time with you."

"Look, Mr. Whoever you are, I'm not interested."

"Well, I can help you with Rafael's case."

His words froze me in my tracks.

"What did you say?" I turned to him.

"I said I can help. Spend time with me, and I'll arrange a meeting."

"Are you playing with me?"

He chuckled. "I never lie."

"How can I believe you?"

"I don't lie. Just believe me, and you'll get what you want."

He leaned in, his warm breath caressing my ear.

"I won't touch you without permission, sweetie."

My heart skipped a beat.

A dilemma gripped me.

Should I trust this stranger?

My job hung in the balance.

With a deep breath, I made my decision.

"Okay, I'll take the chance."

His smile lit up the room.

And I knew my life was about to change forever.

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