Under his control

Another person sauntered into the room before Melisandre could respond to Gloria's questions. 

"No need to call me I'm already here," came a very masculine and imposing voice.

This could only be the notorious Manager Whyte.

The forty-five year old sauntered into the bedroom like he owned the place.

Doesn't anyone knock anymore?

Now that there were three bodies in the small but tidy room it now felt slightly warm.

Beads of sweat were pooling on Lisa's fair and delicate face.

Gloria removed a handkerchief from her pocket and used it to mop Lisa's forehead. 

Melisandre hastily covered her legs with the bedsheet.

Millicent's voice rang in her ears for she was often reminded by her mother that gentlemen were never to see unmarried ladies poorly attired.

Doing so was taboo and she would rather not have her mother's spirit rolling in her grave.

Robert Whyte gushed, "Lisa, today's your lucky day."

Melisandre was afraid to ask, "what happened?"

"Mr. Montaque is holding his annual VIP birthday party at the harbor, one of his regular hosts got sick and I told him you could do it."

The sound of that name startled Melisandre. 

Based on Lisa's memories Mr. Montaque was a big deal.

One of the silent investors in Champion Talent Agency (CTA) he was known for throwing the most lavish parties to entertain distinguished guests. 

Even though Lisa Belmont was working very hard to improve her status with the company, she was still considered a new face and had one of the lowest rankings in the company's hierarchy.

"Ahem…." 

Gloria cleared her throat crossly and both pairs of eyes swung in her direction. 

"Miss Belmont is in need of bed rest after her recent traumatic experience. Mr. Whyte, this was the doctor's orders and you were also in the room when he said it. How could you even think this was a good idea?" the middle aged Mexican maid inquired with arms akimbo. 

Melisandre said softly, "Manager Whyte, it's like Gloria said I still need bed rest, can I not go?"

There was still so much she needed to learn and understand.

Everything was happening too suddenly and Melisandre was already feeling overwhelmed. 

"Gloria," said Robert in an irritated voice, "Lisa has been sleeping on and off for the last three days and her bills don't pay themselves."

Then Robert turned his full attention to Lisa, "don't forget your debt to me. I keep your brain dead mother alive at the hospital because you refuse to pull the plug. It is costly and not to mention I pay that feisty maid over there a hefty salary to care for you. Make sure you have a roof over your head and meals in your stomach and this is the thanks I get."

"It's not that I'm not grateful for all you have done but I just need more time."

Gloria emphasized, "Manager Whyte, Lisa needs more time to recuperate, she nearly died and…"

Robert snapped, "What are the both of you thinking! Opportunities like this hardly come our way. Mr. Montaque is our boss and his connections are no joke. Lisa, if you plan to make it in this industry you need to just trust me." 

Warning bells rang… trust no one… 

Millicent's words rang out but Melisandre felt like she didn't have a choice.

She had to go along with what Mr. Whyte recommended right now.

Until Melisandre could find a way to get out from under his control.

Seeing the wavering look on Lisa's face gave Robert instant relief, "Like I said before, you don't know how lucky you are. Many other girls in the company would kill for this opportunity but Mr. Montaque wanted a fresh face. Why are you not moving, hurry up! Go and take a shower! Gloria while she's bathing, go and look for that sexy red dress. The one with the thigh high split that I bought and place some matching accessories along with it on the bed!"

Everyone scrambled to do as they were bid by Manager Whyte.

Embarrassed, Melisandre wrapped the sheet around her body, if Lisa had misgivings about her manager then so would she. 

Still Millicent had taught her well.

Just as she was about to push open the door to the adjoining bathroom Melisandre remembered her manners.

Melisandre turned around and said, "thank you Manager Whyte for always looking out for me."

Manager Whyte brushed her off, pleased with the change in gratitude, he responded, "all in a day's work, now run along and shower I'll be waiting downstairs."

She allowed Gloria to do her hair but it was an absolute no to wearing makeup.

Melisandre hated the greasy feeling and knew that she would have to force herself to get used to it since it was a staple in the entertainment industry but not tonight.

It was a sin what Mr. Whyte was forcing her to wear to the event that night, the dress molded to her figure like a second skin and when she moved her right thigh showed.

Let's not forget what passed for underwear these days!

In her mind she might as well be hosting the party naked because there was very little left to the imagination. 

Imagine her surprise when she saw that it was not a horse and carriage waiting to take them to the party but a square metal box.

Mr. Whyte barely listened to her exclamation, he waited until she was done and then opened the door politely for her to sit down.

Used to people admiring his car he wasn't shocked by her fascination especially since he recently upgraded his car so he didn't find her reaction odd. 

While they drove to the party Mr. Whyte reminded her that there was proper etiquette that was practiced in their company. 

Since it was Mr. Montaque's birthday, she would greet him first, then everyone else seated at the main table. 

After that she would excuse herself and follow the orders of the main hostess until the part was over and Mr. Whyte would take her home. 

Sounded fairly simple, what could possibly go wrong? 

When they arrived at the entrance a car hop retrieved Mr. Whyte's keys and he escorted Lisa on his arm inside.

The fact that she was devoid of makeup only enhanced her natural beauty. 

Paparazzi rushed in to take their pictures since they were walking behind some real celebrities.

Flashes from the camera light were truly blinding and Melisandre hated walking in heels.

Stilettos felt like any second it would get stuck somewhere and she had to keep herself from staring at her feet every second. 

After greeting most persons seated at the main table in the order Mr. Whyte wished.

Melisandre felt like she could relax since there was just one person left. 

Lisa Belmont had never laid eyes on this gentleman before and Melisandre felt puzzled.

He was drop dead gorgeous, well built with a chiseled face, prominent forehead, broad shoulders and the sexiest of smiles. 

"Hello Mr. …"

"Shadowhurst," a deep voice resonated with her soul. 

Her heart skipped a beat, no way, it was too much of a coincidence, this man looked way too familiar.

Melisandre's smile dropped as she lowered her head in panic, he had a similar last name, could it really be?