Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Get Him before He Does
Rebecca’s POV
Natasha had been glued to her laptop all night. Even now, the early morning sun was peeking through the blinds, casting streaks of light across the room, but her focus hadn’t wavered. Meanwhile, I was just climbing out of bed, the lingering haze of a perfect night still wrapping around me.
Last night was a resounding success. The press conference had gone flawlessly, the stage was impeccable, and the partnership with Lorenzo was splashed across every major news outlet. It was all designed for one purpose: to rattle Gabriel.
I could almost picture him now—sitting alone in that cold, hollow house, watching the news that painted me as unstoppable. I couldn’t help but scoff at the thought. He deserved every ounce of despair coming his way.
Dragging myself to the power room, I was greeted by Natasha’s sharp voice.
“You need to see this,” she said, handing me a hot cup of coffee.
Curiosity piqued, I settled into the chair across from her, adjusting my silk robe as I sipped the coffee. Natasha turned her laptop screen toward me, her lips curling into a sly grin.
“What is it?” I asked, leaning forward.
She tapped a few keys. “Watch.”
The grainy video on the screen showed Gabriel sitting in the living room of what used to be our home. My chest tightened at the sight of the familiar furniture, the carpet I had chosen, and the walls painted in the colors I had picked out. It was all exactly as I left it—a frozen monument to a life I had outgrown.
Gabriel slumped in his chair, looking utterly defeated. His hair was unkempt, his tie loosened, and his once-proud demeanor reduced to ashes.
I let out a cold chuckle. “He looks like the wreck he is. Serves him right.”
Natasha didn’t respond, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Seconds later, the screen shifted, and I realized we were now looking at Gabriel’s laptop screen.
“I hacked into his system,” she said casually, as if this was an everyday occurrence.
The mirrored screen showed Gabriel typing an email. The name at the top of the message made me sit up straighter.
“Chris Bruno Mars?” I said, a sharp edge in my voice.
Natasha nodded. “He’s reaching out to make Chris his ambassador.”
Of course. Chris Bruno Mars, the iconoclast of the fashion world. The man had single-handedly redefined trends, and anything he touched turned to gold. Gabriel wasn’t stupid—Chris could be the golden ticket to salvaging his sinking ship.
But I wasn’t about to let him succeed.
Natasha clicked a button, and another email popped up. “Here’s Chris’s reply,” she said.
I read it quickly:
"Hi! Thank you for your email. I’m honored you think I’m the best fit for this role. Yes, I’d be interested in being the face of your company for one year. To discuss further, please meet me at Disco Nightlife on Wednesday, the 20th. See you there."
I leaned back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face. “So, Chris agreed to meet him?”
Natasha nodded. “Tonight at 7 PM."
“Perfect.” I rose from my chair, pacing the room as I formulated a plan. My heels clicked against the hardwood floor, each step sharp and deliberate. “I’ll go to that meeting before Gabriel does. By the time he gets there, it’ll already be too late."
Natasha smirked. “You’re ruthless. I love it.”
She turned back to her laptop, her fingers flying over the keys as she tracked Chris movements. “He has an appointment at Sterling Dollar Bank today at noon,” she said. “You could meet him there."
I shook my head. “No. Let Gabriel think he’s still in control. The real game starts tonight.”
Natasha’s smirk widened. “As you wish, boss."
The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparation. By 6 PM, I was ready. My white tailored suit hugged my curves perfectly, the sharp lines exuding power and elegance. My stylists had painted my lips a daring shade of blue, a bold choice that paired perfectly with the crisp white fabric.
As I slipped on my heels, I admired myself in the mirror. Every inch of me screamed confidence and control. Gabriel wouldn’t stand a chance.
“Let’s go,” I said to my chauffeur as I slid into the backseat of my car.
The drive to Disco Nightlife was smooth, the city lights flashing past as I rehearsed my plan. The club was already buzzing with activity when I arrived. The heavy bass of the music vibrated through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the crowd.
I adjusted the tiny earbud in my ear, connecting to Natasha. “Where is he?"
“VIP section,” she replied. “He’s alone."
The dance floor was packed, bodies swaying to the rhythm, but I moved through the chaos with ease. My heels clicked against the tiled floor as I headed toward the VIP area, my presence commanding attention even in the dimly lit room.
Reaching the VIP lounge, I pushed the door open without hesitation.
“Chris Bruno Mars,” I said smoothly, my voice carrying just enough charm to intrigue him.
He turned toward me, his sharp features lighting up with a smile. His eyes lingered on me, taking in every detail.
“Yes, that’s me,” he said, rising from his seat. “And you are?"
I extended my hand. “Rebecca. I believe we have much to discuss."
He shook my hand, his grip firm but respectful. “Please, have a seat."
I slid into the chair across from him, my every move calculated and poised.
“You’re not what I expected,” he said, his tone laced with curiosity.
I arched a brow. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
He chuckled. “A good thing. You have my attention."
“Good,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “Because I’m here to make you an offer you won’t be able to refuse."
Chris’s smile widened, and his interest clearly piqued. “I’m listening."
And just like that, the stage was set. Gabriel could arrive whenever he wanted, but by the time he did, the deal would already belong to me.