I stepped out of my house, balancing my phone in one hand and a glittering gold clutch in the other. The stones on the clutch sparkled under the moonlight, complementing my rose gold sequin gown. The luxurious white limousine waiting at the curb completed the night perfectly.

"That's a fancy ride," I said into the phone, my voice tinged with a mixture of awe and appreciation.

Conrad's deep chuckle resonated through the earpiece, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. "I didn't realize you were so easy to impress," he teased.

I could almost picture his smirk, the one that always made my heart race a little faster. "Don't get too cocky," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "It takes more than a limo to sweep me off my feet."

I was already upset with him for ditching me for work. I would give him an earful when I see him, but right now, I wanted to enjoy the compensatory present in front of me.

"Good to know," he said, his voice lowering in that way that made every word sound like a promise. "But I'm just getting started."

I reached the limo, and the driver, dressed in a sharp black suit, opened the door with a polite nod. Sliding into the plush interior, I marveled at the opulence. Soft leather seats, a mini bar stocked with champagne, and twinkling lights on the ceiling that mimicked a starry night.

"This is impressive," I admitted, unable to keep the wonder out of my voice.

"I aim to please," Conrad replied smoothly. I rolled my eyes at his response.

Cocky bastard.

As the limo pulled away from the curb, I settled back into the seat, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. Tonight was going to be memorable, I could feel it.

The night air was cool and crisp, and as we drove through the city, the lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors. I let myself relax, enjoying the ride and the company, even if it was just his voice over the phone for now.

"I'll see you soon."

The call ended, but the excitement lingered. Maybe this wasn't so bad at all.

About an hour into the ride, I realized that we were far away from the city, the New Lestead buzz buried in the eerie dark of the night. My heart raced as I glanced around me. I could only see tall trees fanning the narrow road through the tinted glass their branches stretching out like skeletal arms, intertwining above to form a dark canopy that blocked out the moonlight. In the next twenty minutes, I don't see a single sign board or even a streetlight guiding us through the dense route.

The narrow road twisted and turned through the forest, each bend cloaked in shadow. The air was thick with silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl.

The headlights of the car sliced through the darkness, revealing glimpses of the overgrown path ahead. Tall, thick underbrush crowded the edges of the road, where twisted roots clawed at the ground like desperate fingers.

An unsettling feeling descended in my gut, my chest visibly heaving with every breath I took. I clutched my purse hard and my phone harder.

My fingers desperately slid over the screen and hovered over the call log.

Dad.

Of course, it would take mere minutes for him to send someone to fetch me once I called. My father's power was something I preferred to keep secret, relishing the anonymity and freedom from the attention and responsibilities that came with being his daughter. It had taken months to convince him to let me live independently, to create my own world away from the life I had known for twenty-six years. He only relented after my brother secured my promise to inform them the moment I wanted to return or needed help.

I leaned against the soft leather, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. The memories of my past life surged through my mind—the opulent estate, the constant security, the whispered conversations that always seemed to revolve around power and influence. And then there was my father, a man whose presence alone could command a room, and whose decisions could shape destinies.

Living away from it all had been liberating, almost like a breath of fresh air. For once, I could be myself, not the daughter of a man who wielded power like a double-edged sword. I built my own world, far from the shadows of my family's name, and I loved the anonymity, the freedom.

But now, here I was, my finger hovering over his name, feeling like a child about to call home from summer camp. A wave of frustration washed over me. Was it so wrong to want to handle things on my own? The night never scared me, but deep down I was always conscious and worried. Especially in situations like this, where I was all alone in the middle of nowhere. I was away from home but I was always an asset to my father's adversaries, and now I was at my most vulnerable without protection of any sort. At the moment, specifically on this dense road, abducting me would be as easy as beheading a chicken.

"Pull yourself together, Thea," I muttered under my breath, forcing myself to take a steadying breath. I looked around, trying to ground myself in the present. I had made a life here, made new friends and found new people. Yet, in moments like this, the pull of my past was undeniable.

"We've arrived Ma'am."

The sleek black limousine glided up the long, winding driveway, My breath caught in my throat. Sure I came from a wealthy family but this was something else.

The mansion before me was an opulent marvel, an attestation to old-money and high society. The sprawling estate was illuminated by a sea of twinkling lights, casting a golden glow over the perfectly manicured lawns and lush gardens. Tall, wrought-iron gates, adorned with intricate designs, stood wide open, guarded by stoic men in sharp suits.

The mansion itself was a grandiose structure of white stone and marble, with tall columns supporting an expansive balcony that wrapped around the second floor. Elegant fountains flanked the entrance, their crystal-clear waters dancing in the moonlight. Exotic flowers and neatly trimmed hedges lined the walkway, leading to a set of massive double doors, each carved with detailed patterns and inlaid with gold.

Luxury cars, one more impressive than the next, were parked in neat rows, their polished surfaces reflecting the brilliance of the evening. Guests in dazzling attire mingled outside, their laughter and chatter a soft hum against the backdrop of a gentle evening breeze. The sound of classical music floated through the air, adding an air of sophistication to the scene.

As the limo came to a halt, I could see the shimmer of diamonds and the flash of silk and satin dresses. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was a world of extravagance and danger, a far cry from the ordinary and something I was used to, and I was about to step right into the heart of it.

The door opened on my left before I could reach its handle, revealing a man in a tuxedo standing there, poised and polished. His gloved hand extended towards me in a gesture that felt both formal and reassuring. Without hesitation, I placed my hand in his and stepped out of the vehicle.

The night air was cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth inside the car. As I straightened up, I took a moment to smooth down the fabric of my dress, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside me. The man in the tuxedo nodded politely and stepped aside, allowing me a clear view of the grand entrance before me.

"Welcome, miss," the doorman said with a slight bow, his voice smooth and courteous. I gave him a small smile in return and made my way up the steps, the sound of my heels clicking against the marble echoing in the night.

Inside, the mansion was even more magnificent. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow over the room. The floors were polished to a mirror-like shine, reflecting the opulence that surrounded me. I caught sight of my reflection in a nearby mirror and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The dress I wore hugged my figure perfectly, the fabric shimmering under the light.

As I navigated through the crowd, I couldn't help but notice the eyes that followed me. Whispers and curious glances were exchanged, but I held my head high, channeling every ounce of confidence I could muster. Tonight was not just about blending in; it was about making a statement. The woman of the hour would be wearing something I made. My design. The thought alone made me smile.

I made my way to the ballroom, where the music played softly, creating an ambiance of sophistication and elegance. Couples twirled gracefully on the dance floor, their movements synchronized to the rhythm of the melody. I found a spot near the edge of the room, where I could observe without being too conspicuous.

It wasn't long before I spotted Conrad. He stood near a group of men, his presence commanding attention even in a room full of influential people. He looked furious, a hint of a frown playing on his lips as he conversed with those around him. From where I was standing, it looked like a heated argument. His dress shirt was soiled with mud and I spot a tiny tear on his sleeve. Evidently, he had only just returned from 'work'.

Bored, I tried my lip reading skills to make out the conversation. I squinted my eyes concentrated on his lips as they moved.

""I will eat twenty tangerines in your bed if you do that."

Huh?

I let out a defeated huff and crossed my arms. How long is he going to take to notice me?

Not that I wanted him to.

Our eyes met across the room, and for a moment, the noise and chatter seemed to fade away. There was something in his gaze, an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. He excused himself from the group and when I thought he was going to make his way towards me, he disappears into a sea of people and then out a door on the far right.

What the fuck?

END OF CHAPTER SEVEN: TERRORS AND TREASURES
1811 words

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