As the night unfolded, Liam orchestrated the distribution of illicit substances to a diverse group of individuals — mid-age, young adults, and teenagers alike. Boxes of drugs changed hands, and Liam, cautious and calculated, emphasized the need to expand their influence on college students.
"It's all for now," Liam declared, handing over packets to his associates.
Their leader reassured him, "Don't worry, boss. Everything will be on time."
Liam, aware of the heightened risks in their latest venture, cautioned, "But be careful. It is riskier than the previous ones."
In a ritualistic exchange, a bundle of dollars sealed their illicit deal.
Meanwhile, Francisco returned home in the late hours of the night. The mansion, usually a sanctuary of opulence and intrigue, welcomed him in its silent halls. As he entered, his discerning gaze scanned the surroundings, but there was no sign of Hazel.
Considering the late hour, Francisco assumed Hazel had retired for the night.
As Francisco made his way through the echoing corridors, a maid approached, inquiring about his dinner preferences.
"Master, what do you prefer for dinner?"
"I have done my dinner."
To his surprise, she revealed that Hazel had prepared a dessert for him.
A pang of realization hit Francisco — he had already shared dinner with Lilith. Yet, despite the hour, Hazel had taken the initiative to create something for him.
Intrigued and curious, he questioned, "Where is she?"
The maid responded, "She is in her room."
Without wasting a moment, Francisco adjusted his sleeves and dismissed the maid. His steps were purposeful as he made his way toward Hazel's room.
As he neared the slightly ajar door, he caught a glimpse of Hazel's long legs — a sight that sparked a subtle desire.
Pushing the door open gently, he entered the room, finding Hazel peacefully sprawled on the couch, lost in slumber.
A book rested on her chest, a testament to her likely intention to indulge in some late-night reading.
Hazel's room, an intimate sanctuary of books and untidiness, held the remnants of a tranquil night. Books scattered across the floor bore witness to intellectual pursuits, a reflection of Hazel's inquisitive mind.
In this quiet space, Francisco knelt beside Hazel, his gaze momentarily captured by the surrounding disorder.
Lowering his gaze, Francisco's eyes inadvertently caught a glimpse of Hazel's cleavage, visible in her crop top. A subtle intensity lingered in the air as he gently retrieved the book from her hand.
Hazel, stirred from her slumber, felt the touch and opened her eyes to find Francisco in proximity.
A shock momentarily rippled through Hazel, her gaze locking with Francisco's calm demeanor. His slight smile held a captivating allure, adding a layer of magnetism to his already enigmatic persona.
"Hey," Francisco's voice, alluring and smooth, resonated in the room. Hazel, caught off guard, quickly shifted her position, leaning against the couch as she stammered, "Mr."
"Mr. Francisco!"
With a graceful ease, Francisco stood up, and Hazel followed suit, her apology delivered in a stuttered tone.
"I... I am sorry I fell asleep."
Hazel, caught off guard by Francisco's unexpected presence, quickly collected her thoughts. The untidy room and scattered books served as silent witnesses to the unspoken tension between them.
Why did he come here?
I just fell asleep.
I know how creepy he is.
I should have to be alerted.
"I am sorry that I made my PA wait for me," Francisco's voice broke the momentary silence, and Hazel, adept at navigating conversations, smiled in response.
"No problem, Mr. Francisco. Should I get ready for your dinner?"
Francisco, however, dismissed the notion of her preparing a meal.
"Hazel, I have a lot of maids. You don't have to work hard for it."
Hazel, attempting to change the topic, suggested, "Oh, yes, then I will go and tell them."
But Francisco interjected, "It's okay, I have done my dinner."
Curiosity flickered in Hazel's eyes as she looked at him, "Oh, okay then. You should take a rest, Mr. Francisco."
As she turned to leave, Francisco admitted, "But I am hungry again. I told you to cook something for me. Didn't you do it?"
"I did," she responded to his inquiry about the meal she had prepared.
Francisco, showing a rare hint of impatience, instructed, "Then go bring it."
Hazel hesitated for a moment, glancing around the untidy room. She gathered the courage to ask, "Here?"
Francisco, narrowing his eyes, questioned her, "Why? Can't you bring it here?"
Hazel, trying to keep the situation light, replied with a smile, "No, actually, I messed up this room."
"You can rest in your room, Mr. Francisco. I can take it in there."
However, Francisco, seemingly reading between the lines, pressed further, "Why?"
"Are you planning to stay with me tonight in my room?"
Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to find the right words. She nodded slowly, her mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation.
"I thought you might want to enjoy the meal in a more comfortable setting. Your room seems like a better place."
Francisco observed her carefully, his piercing gaze searching for any signs of deception. Hazel, realizing the delicate balance she had to maintain, maintained a composed exterior while her mind raced with thoughts of entering his room and accomplishing her secret mission.
I needed to enter his room.
So, at any cost, I need to go there.
Francisco blinked his eyes and uttered with a smile, "Okay!"
"Come to my room."
"Hazel!"
As Hazel heard her name from his mouth, her heart started beating fast.
'That man really knows magical spells,' she thought, her pulse quickening. His voice was truly alluring.
Hazel quickly left to bring the pudding she made for Francisco.
"Francisco," she called as she entered his room, the air thick with anticipation.
He was nowhere in sight. Hazel surmised he might be taking a shower.
Quickly, she placed the pudding on the table, cherries glistening like rubies in the soft light. She scanned the room, acutely aware of the camera's watchful eye. Composing herself, Hazel feigned calmness, determined not to reveal her nervous excitement.