Chapter 31: I did what I had to do
Violet stared at her account balance. After spending on grains and other necessary foodstuff the other day at the market, she had just ten million left. She hadn’t expected getting money to be this difficult. It was all the more reason to ensure tonight went as planned.
After thinking long into last night, she had finally been able to come up with an idea, and if everything went as planned, she should be back in less than an hour.
The car glided smoothly through the evening traffic. Violet leaned into the seat, and her eyes fluttered closed.
When she opened her eyes, she was in her storage space. The entire 30,000 cubic meter held only Dylan’s phone and some snacks she had kept there the last time.
Aside from that, it was completely empty. Violet placed both hands behind her as she began exploring the spatial inventory.
There was nothing new, but she liked the peace and quiet it offered. She imagined having enough resources to fill this level and others. How easy that would make surviving the apocalypse.
The clock ticked by the side, reminding her that the time she had was limited.
"Ma’am, we are here."
Violet stirred and slowly opened her eyes when she heard Jen’s voice. She held Jen’s eyes briefly through the rearview mirror.
She adjusted in her seat and looked out through the tinted glass. There were other luxury cars parked in the parking lot. Some people were stepping out, while others walked and chatted in hushed voices.
Leo was already waiting for her at the entrance, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit that made him look every bit the successful businessman he was.
They shook hands when they saw each other before walking into the hall.
Violet pushed down the lump that began to form in her throat when she stepped inside. The hall had high ceilings, a chandelier, and was decorated with ribbons.
Aside from the auction, this was the second time she was attending such a prestigious event that held influential members of society. She, however, kept a distant and calm expression.
People stood over high tables, discussing softly amongst themselves. Their whispers mixed with the orchestra sound playing at the side.
Immediately Violet stepped into the hall, Dominic, who had been at another end, noticed her. He raised his glass to the person he was chatting with, clinked it, then left, heading towards Violet.
He looked nothing like the man she met yesterday. The Dominic in front of her looked sharper and more controlled, with an energy that could easily command the room.
His gaze felt so intense it could cut through steel.
His eyes lingered on Violet’s face, and something she couldn’t quite name rested behind his eyes as he stretched out his hand. "Welcome, Miss Adams." His handshake was firm, and he stared at her like she was a lost treasure he had just found.
"Thank you." Violet replied, pulling her hand away from his hold. She gave him a smile she had spent hours practicing in front of the mirror. She turned to Leo. "This is Leo Kings." She introduced.
"Mr. Kings." Dominic began, extending one hand.
Violet held her breath as she watched them. She didn’t know Dominic and didn’t remember anything about him from her last life. But if he worked in this industry, then Leo was bound to know him.
"Do you know Miss Adams?" Dominic asked, and Leo nodded once. He didn’t give him any other information aside from that. "She’s helped me a lot. I’m truly grateful, especially for yesterday."
Violet shrugged her shoulders casually. One may think they’ve known for years. "It’s nothing. I did what I had to do. No need to talk about it anymore." She dismissed.
"You are too humble." He said with a smile. He was about to continue when he was beckoned over by a man.
Violet was left with Leo at the long table. She took a flute from a passing waiter and took a slow sip, looking away from Leo.
Since Dominic had left, she had no other person to speak to. She hadn’t imagined their conversation would be so short and could only hope that it was enough to win Leo’s trust completely.
Her eyes swept over the room, lingering briefly on the pile of snacks on the table at the end of the room. She wished she could get her hands on them. She bit her lower lip and sighed inwardly.
A few people shook hands with Leo since they were familiar with him. And with each second that passed, she felt his stare on the side of her face grow heavy. He had obviously noticed she hadn’t said anything to anyone after Dominic.
That was the clue she needed to act. She placed one hand on her head and stumbled backward, quickly grabbing hold of the table to steady herself.
Leo turned alert when he saw this and quickly held her. "What’s wrong? Are you okay?" He asked, holding her shoulders to keep her in place. He did this quietly without attracting the attention of others.
"I think I am—" She blinked once, and a red dot appeared on Leo’s forehead.
Time slowed, and she felt the usual heaviness behind her eyes. She didn’t wait to read his insight; she didn’t have to.
Warning: You cannot use mind push on target. His resistance is too strong. If you continue, you risk suffering from nosebleed and headache.
That was exactly why she was doing this. If she wanted to leave then she must make Leo believe she was unwell.
Pain shot through her head as she locked eyes with Leo. "You should sign the contract now, right?" She forced her words, trying to ignore the pain threatening to split her head in two.
Leo blinked, cutting the moment. He was confused. "What do you mean?"
Violet didn’t get to answer because, at that moment, blood trickle down her nose, and she let out a muffled groan. "Take me out of here, please. I can’t stay another minute."