CHAPTER 6: BENEATH THE FACADE

The announcement of Calanthe's partnership with Kairos sent shock waves through the party. Alex's face was a picture of dismay, his eyes darting back and forth between Calanthe and Kairos as if searching for something for answers.

Calanthe's guilt was suffocating, her conscience screaming in protest. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of deception, with no lifeline in sight.

Kairos on the other hand, seemed to be reveling in the attention. He smiled and laughed, his charm and charisma on full display as he worked the room.

But Calanthe saw beyond the facade. She saw the calculating glint in his eye, the ruthless determination that drove him to succeed at any cost.

The night wore on, Calanthe found herself increasingly isolated. Alex had retreated to a corner of the room, his face a mask of disapproval. Ryder was nowhere to be found, and Calanthe couldn't help but wonder if she had been a part of Kairos's plan all along.

She felt like a pawn in a game she didn't understand, with players who seemed to be constantly shifting the rules. And Kairos was the mastermind, pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

As the party began to wind down, Kairos appeared at Calanthe's side, his smile still plastered on his face. "Shall we make our exit?" he asked, with a low and smooth voice.

Calanthe hesitated as she looked at him with an angry face. She nodded and accepted because she had no other option. She felt like she was trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't awaken. As they made their way through the crowds, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking further into the abyss, with no escape in sight.

The Estates's gates loomed ahead, tall and imposing, with ironwork that seemed to twist and writhe like living vines. Kairos's car glided smoothly through the entrance, and Calanthe felt a sense of Claustrophobia wash over her.

The driverway wound through manicured lawns and gardens, the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires the only break in the silence. Calanthe developed thoughts in her mind consumed by the desperate need to escape.

Kairos brought the car to a stop in front of the Estates's main entrance, a grandiose affair with columns and a sweeping staircase. He turned off the engine and sat for a moment, his eyes fixed on Calanthe in the rearview mirror.

"You I'll be staying in the east wing," he said finally, his voice detached. "Dinner will be served at eight. I expect you to be there."

Calanthe accepted and she felt like a prisoner at the moment, a captive of Kairos's wealth and power. And she knew she had to find a way to escape, no matter what it took.

Kairos's door opened, and he stepped out of the car, his movements fluid and confident. Calanthe followed, her legs stiff and uncoordinated as she emerged into the cool night air.

The Estates's front door swung open, and a liveried butler stood waiting, his face expressionless. "Welcome, Miss Calanthe," he said. "I'll show you to your room."

"After what happened today, I feel upset, I feel like I'm in a trap with no escape. I feel relieved after all." Calanthe said. The butler replied. "Hmm..,Miss Everett you will get used to everything. You just need to relax."

The party had been overwhelming, the constant noise and laughter granting on her nerves. Kairos led her to a sleek black car, the engine purring softly as they slid inside. The driver, a taciturn man with a stern expression, nodded at Kairos before pulling away from the curb.

Calanthe was gazing out the window, watching the city lights blurred together in a kaleidoscope of color. She felt disconnected, like she was floating above the world, observing everything from a distance.

Kairos's voice broke the silence, "You did well tonight," Calanthe, he said. You played the part perfectly."

Calanthe turned to him, her eyes searching for any sign of sincerity. But Kairos's face was revealing nothing.

"What do you want from me, Kairos?" She asked with an emotional serious expression. Tears flowing from her eyes. I think this was too much for her.

Kairos's smile was a thin, cruel line. He said while wiping Calanthe's tears with his bare hands. "You don't need to cry, Calanthe. You already accepted the proposal. If I want anything, Calanthe I always get it. Everything is mine." his voice was low and smooth.

Calanthe felt more upset as she removed his hands from her face. The car slowed to a stop, the driver announcing their arrival at Kairos's penthouse apartment.

Calanthe knew that she was already trapped, caught in a web of deceit and manipulation. And Kairos was the spider, waiting patiently for her to make a wrong move.

They stepped into the penthouse apartment, Calanthe was struck by the opulence that surrounded her. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the furniture was sleek and modern.

Kairos led her to a sprawling living room, where a fire crackled in the hearth. He poured himself a glass of scotch, his eyes never leaving Calanthe's face.

"So, tell me, what did you think of the party tonight?" he said, his voice was low.

Calanthe was unsure of how to respond because she didn't want to reveal her true feelings, but she also didn't want to seem too compliant.

"It was...interesting," she said finally, trying to sound noncommittal.

Kairos raised an eyebrow. "Interesting?" he repeated. "I'm not sure that's the word I would have chosen."

("What did he want me to reply?") she asked herself. She was wondering if she had said something wrong. But before she could respond, Kairos's phone rang, shrill in silence.

He answered it, his voice low and curt. Calanthe couldn't help but wonder who was on the other end of the line, and what they wanted.

As Kairos listened to the caller, his expression grew increasingly dark. Calanthe could sense the tension building in his body, the anger simmering just below the surface.

Finally, he slammed down the phone, his eyes blazing with fury. "It seems we have a problem," he growled.

Calanthe wondered what had triggered Kairos's anger. And what it would mean for her.

Kairos's eyes locked onto Calanthe's. "Ryder is making moves against me," he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "And I think you're the key to stopping him." Calanthe's heart sank, trapped in deceit and power struggles.

"Wow! Again you're going to use me. I have nothing to do because I accepted the offer of the man who calls himself powerful." She said her tone dismissive.

Kairos kissed her to make her stop talking much. "Shh...! You needed to keep quiet." he said his voice low and husky. Calanthe felt a shiver run down her spine and a jolt of electricity.