Chapter 82 Gained Without Effort

Chapter 82 Gained Without Effort

Victoria observed Monica's teary eyes, then glanced at Karen and Olivia, who wore expressions of concern. She let out a deep sigh.

If she wanted Monica to go ahead with them, there were some things she needed to disclose.

Taking a moment to compose herself, she began slowly, "Monica, I kept this from you because I didn't want you to get caught up in... the conflicts."

She proceeded to explain how she had become involved with Nathaniel, the actions she had taken to secure her own position, and the clandestine tasks she had undertaken.

The room fell silent, with only the sound of Monica's quickening breath.

As Victoria finished speaking, she braced herself for the worst.

She feared Monica might be frightened off, ending their long-standing friendship.

To her surprise, Monica was momentarily stunned, then her eyes sparkled as she grabbed Victoria's arm excitedly, "Oh my God! How thrilling! Victoria, so now... you're like a mob boss, huh?"

"What?" Victoria was taken aback.

Karen and Olivia shared a bewildered look.

Wasn't this reaction a bit unexpected?

"Shh, keep it down, don't go blabbing!" Victoria was shocked and irritated, swiftly covering Monica's mouth with her hand.

Monica pulled her hand away, her face flushed with excitement, "What's there to be scared of! I always knew you were something special!" 

"So cool! No wonder you've been so mysterious, with all the studio's recent resources coming in, it's because of Genesis Corporation!"

"Victoria, do you realize what you've become?"

"What?"

"The best hunters often masquerade as prey!"

Victoria gazed at Monica's gleaming eyes, at a loss for words.

Yet, amidst the absurdity of the situation, her anxious feelings began to ease.

"So, what important discussion were you having just now?" Monica leaned in with curiosity.

Victoria nodded resignedly. Since they were all in this together now, there was no need for secrets.

"I've shared the past with you; now, let's focus on what's ahead," Victoria stated firmly.

She retrieved a file from her bag and slid it to the center of the table.

"This contains information on Frank, the chairman of ApexForge Builders."

Monica leaned in eagerly to examine it, with Karen also showing interest.

"What's the deal with this guy?"

Victoria's gaze turned steely. "He's our next target. We need to uncover Frank's vulnerabilities, devise a strategy, approach him, and earn his trust!"

"I've looked into Frank's background before," Karen chimed in.

As the one who had organized all the information, she was the most knowledgeable about it.

"Don't be deceived by his appearance and status; he's actually quite sleazy!"

That night, they drank and hashed out the details into the early hours, outlining a rough plan that required careful execution.

With Monica now part of the team, Victoria found her work more manageable.

In certain situations, Olivia's innocence was a hindrance, and Karen's age played a role. Apart from specific preferences, a sophisticated woman like Monica was better suited for the task.

A few days later, as the evening sun bathed the city in a golden glow, Victoria and Monica strolled out of the studio together, the day's warmth still lingering in the air.

A sleek black Bentley glided up to them silently, the window rolling down to reveal Adrian's handsome and composed face.

Dressed in a simple white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, exposing a glimpse of his well-defined forearm and an expensive Patek Philippe watch on his wrist, his eyes peered over gold-rimmed glasses, a subtle curve to his lips that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Victoria, hop in the car," his voice clear and pleasant.

Victoria furrowed her brow, standing her ground. "What's the deal?"

"I'll take you somewhere nice," Adrian's smile widened.

"I'm not interested," Victoria rebuffed bluntly, turning to walk away.

Knowing Adrian's ways all too well, she was sure it wasn't anything good.

Anticipating her reaction, Adrian added casually, "Don't be so quick to say no... it's a big surprise, I promise you won't regret it!"

Victoria paused in her tracks.

"A big surprise?" She thought for a moment. She did have something she asked him for, so she probed, "Is this work-related?"

"Sort of."

"About the favor I asked you for?" Victoria probed. She had sought Adrian's help to connect with Gaya Music Hall.

"You'll see when we get there," Adrian reclined in his seat, exuding calmness.

Brushing off his banter, Victoria weighed her options for a moment.

She knew Adrian always had an ulterior motive. Since he didn't outright deny it, it likely pertained to that matter.

Maybe it truly was an opportunity.

"Fine, I'll go," she agreed firmly.

Just then, Monica stepped out of the elevator, greeting Victoria, "Hey, why haven't you left yet?"

Spotting the luxury car at the entrance, she looked puzzled.

Victoria pulled Monica close and gestured to Adrian in the car, "Take my friend along, okay with you?"

Adrian's gaze swept over Monica, who nodded politely, flashing a smile.

Clad in a well-fitted beige dress, she exuded a refined and graceful air, clearly a woman of class.

A flicker of imperceptible annoyance crossed Adrian's eyes, swiftly masked by a flawless smile. "Of course, delighted to have such a lovely companion."

He gallantly opened the back door of the car.

Once Victoria and Monica settled in, the car seamlessly merged into the evening traffic jam.

The atmosphere inside the car fell into a subtle silence. Monica curiously eyed Adrian's back but decided against gossiping, opting to chat with Victoria on WhatsApp instead.

[Victoria, this can't be your sugar daddy, right? He looks a bit young.] 

Monica typed, recalling Adrian's previous visit to the studio.

Victoria replied concisely: [Adrian, Nathaniel's nephew.]

Monica's eyes widened in realization, then she shot Victoria a concerned look.

[Isn't this a bit complicated? Is Nathaniel really okay with it?]

Victoria gave her a reassuring glance, signaling there was no cause for concern.

[I've got it under control.]

The car eventually pulled up in front of Gaya Music Hall.

The hall boasted elegant decor, with well-dressed and distinguished guests coming and going.

"Is this a fancy music venue? Are we here for a show?" Monica, unexpectedly along for the ride, was clueless.

"Let's head inside first," Adrian teased, leading them to an exclusive top-tier private box.

As the trio settled in, about thirty minutes later, a middle-aged man entered.

Around fifty, with a Mediterranean-style haircut and a noticeable beer belly straining against his designer suit.

Adrian spotted him and rose with a smile.

"Mr. Beckett, glad you made it, I've been waiting!"

Frank grinned and shook his hand, "Mr. Cross, sorry for the delay, traffic was a nightmare."

Adrian turned to Victoria and Monica, introducing, "This is Frank, the chairman of ApexForge Builders."

Victoria and Monica exchanged a knowing look, having meticulously studied Frank's background in the past few days.

The individual they had been strategizing to get close to had unexpectedly appeared before them.

Victoria instinctively glanced at Adrian, who met her gaze with a meaningful look.

So, this was his "surprise"?