Chapter 28: Invitation Secured
At her word, Dominic lifted a brow. "Step outside?" Violet nodded, she reasoned that having privacy would be better for them.
So, after she got the takeout from Emily, she bid her goodbye and stepped out with Dominic. They stood at the side of the building. The excitement from Dominic was as strong as it had always been.
They stood facing each other. "What would you like to request, Miss Kierra?" he asked politely.
The evening breeze ruffled Violet’s hair, and she gently brushed it back, tucking some strands behind her ear.
"I want an invitation." She began, pausing briefly to let the words settle.
Dominic lifted a brow, confused. "What invitation?" The request sounded odd to him. What invitation could he possibly have to give her? he wondered.
Violet continued, "An invitation to the stakeholder event that will be held in two days." Her voice was clear and her words comprehensible, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Dominic’s eyes narrowed into a perfect slit. The event had never been announced publicly, and would comprise only companies they were working with for the development of the ultra-modern city. How was it possible that she knew about it?
He stared at her suspiciously, the wheels in his head spinning. First, she had easily convinced Emily to sell her building, the same thing he’d been trying to do for weeks without success.
Prior to meeting Emily for the first time, Dominic had conducted a proper, thorough investigation into her friends and family, and there had been no one by the name Kierra Adams. So he’d concluded she was simply a customer.
But why would a customer have knowledge of an exclusive stakeholder event?
"How did you know about the event? It was never published."
Violet didn’t even bother explaining anything to him. She simply blinked, and a screen appeared in front of her. A red dot hovered between his brows.
Does Host want to view Insight of Dominic Blackburn?
’Yes.’
Ding!
Insight Activated.
Name: Dominic Blackburn
Current Emotion: Suspicion mixed with curiosity.
Deepest Desire: To successfully secure the last outstanding properties and prove himself capable to his superiors.
Greatest Fear: Failing to close the deal and being seen as incompetent.
Weakness: He is easily swayed by anyone who appears to hold answers he doesn’t.
Fatal Flaw: His desperation to succeed makes him quick to trust without verifying.
Resistance: 1/5
Mind Push Available: 1/2
Thankfully, his resistance level was low.
Seeing that her eyes were focused on the space between them, Dominic waved his hand in front of her face just as she lifted her eyes.
"I asked you a question, how did you—"
The words died in the back of his throat when he locked eyes with Violet and the surroundings slowly faded.
"You should invite me to the stakeholder event as a way to show your gratitude." Her words came out like waves and landed on Dominic like a punch.
His pupils dilated, and he slowly nodded. But Violet wasn’t done. "You got this building because of me. I hope you never forget that, right?"
"No," Dominic stated, the words leaving his lips without any hesitation.
The moment he answered, Violet blinked and the moment snapped. "Can I get your number? I’ll send you a soft copy of the invitation right now, since I don’t have a physical card with me."
Violet’s eyes lightened and she pulled her phone out of her purse. "Of course you can have my number."
They exchanged numbers, and a few seconds later, her phone pinged. "There you go." he said, tucking his phone into his pocket.
Violet tapped on the message icon and revealed the invitation.
"Will I see you on that day?" Dominic asked, all trace of his earlier suspicion gone, replaced with unhidden admiration for the woman in front of him.
The system hadn’t told her what to do with the invitation, but she figured that since it was from the Con Playbook, it likely meant she was expected to attend.
"Probably."
**
Violet settled into her car and leaned into the seat, every muscle in her body felt weak, her stomach rumbling and twisting into itself. She needed a good bath, good food, and sufficient rest.
As the car glided through the evening traffic, her eyes settled on the back of the driver’s headrest, but she wasn’t admiring the intricate design on the leather, she was watching the blue panel in front of her.
Congratulations.
Quest Successfully Accomplished.
Reward: Earned 50 IP. System Store has been unlocked.
A padlock icon popped up in the middle of the screen and unlocked.
She wanted to touch it, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come.
Another ding resounded sharply in the car.
Congratulations.
Recommendation Fulfilled.
Reward: 1 Persuasion Card.
Item Description: A single-use item that grants the Host Level Two Mind Push capability for one use, regardless of the Host’s current System Level. Functions identically to a standard Mind Push. Consumed upon use.
Excitement bubbled within her and she felt warmth spread through her body as she read the description knowing that it meant she could penetrate leis resistance even if it was just once.
Was this how people who loved video games felt?
Getting a reward from the system made her feel like she’d achieved a milestone. She adjusted in her seat, her lips flattening.
She made to start exploring the store when her phone rang, cutting the moment short. A groan died in her throat when she saw Leo’s name flash across her screen.
She took the call immediately, and the system disappeared.
After they exchanged pleasantries, Leo asked, "How did your engagement go?" He wasn’t usually the type to call a business partner personally, but this was Kierra Adams, the woman who held the key to his inheritance.
"Very well." Violet replied. Since she wasn’t one to beat around the bush, she went straight to the point. "I don’t think you called to ask about my engagement."
Leo chuckled on the other end of the call. "We’ll be meeting tomorrow, I wanted to make sure your schedule still remains free."
"Of course, Mr. Kings. Send me the time and venue, I’ll be there."
They arrived at the hotel a few minutes later, and the driver handed the keys to the valet, who drove the car into the underground parking lot.
When Violet got to the suite, she immediately walked into her master bedroom. Thankfully, Jen was nowhere in sight. She shut the door and sat on the edge of her bed, ready to explore the system store.