CEO’s Seduction Trap

Leila reaffirmed confidently, “Not at all.”

Shirley asked, “Why? Mason may have a bit of a bad reputation, but he’s handsome and wealthy. Why aren’t you even slightly tempted?”

Leila laughed, “Neo City is full of handsome and wealthy men. Do I have to be tempted by all of them?”

Unsatisfied, Shirley said, “But he’s within your reach.”

Leila chuckled, “Where did you get the idea that he’s within my reach? Men like him…”

Leila wanted to say that men like him may appear lazy and carefree, but they’re actually strategic and cunning, beyond the understanding of ordinary people. But to prevent Shirley from overthinking, she paused and said, “Men like him are out of reach.”

The words “out of reach” struck a nerve with Shirley.

Through the phone, Shirley nodded in agreement, “Indeed.”

The love story of Cinderella and the Prince is just a fairy tale. In reality, it’s mostly accidents. Setting aside whether the Prince’s family would oppose the marriage, whether Cinderella could even meet the Prince is a question. With different social circles, how can you expect any Prince to be genuine? They’re all just looking for entertainment.

Thinking about this, Shirley once again warned Leila, “Stay away from someone like Mason, he’s trouble.”

Leila had no intention of getting involved in the first place, and she responded with a smile, “Don’t worry, I know.”

After hanging up with Leila, Shirley sat on the edge of her bed and couldn’t sleep.

Glancing at the clock, it was 3:40 AM. Caleb should be fast asleep by now, she dialed his number…

This night was destined to be sleepless. At least for Caleb…

…

At 8:10 AM, Leila arrived at the office on time.

She dialed the internal line to ask her assistant to check the schedule of the CEO of Premier Construction.

Her assistant was the same one from yesterday, Joshua.

After yesterday’s setback, he quickly provided a clear rundown of the CEO’s schedule in less than ten minutes.

Leila patiently listened and then asked, “Most of the day is filled with meetings?”

Joshua nodded, “Yes, the only free time is tonight. The CEO of Premier Construction will be attending Miss Powers’ birthday party.”

Seeing her silent, Joshua continued, “After tonight, Mr. Moore has booked a flight to S City tomorrow morning for a week-long business trip.”

Hearing Joshua’s words, Leila furrowed her brow slightly. A week was too long, she couldn’t afford to wait.

She was also worried about other companies beating them to it. Despite Premier Construction being in a mess, there were still plenty of eyes watching. After all, the profit-making methods she could think of, others could think of too.

Leila asked Joshua, “Is there a way to get an invitation to Miss Powers’ birthday?”

Joshua looked hesitant, “I’ll try to figure something out.”

Leila, seasoned in the business world, understood the importance of both kindness and authority. “If it works out, dinner’s on me.”

Joshua was momentarily stunned, reconsidering Leila’s capabilities. She knew when to be cold face to discipline people, but also can smile to coax people. It was no wonder a woman her age could rise to her position.

Still in a daze, Joshua heard Leila continue, “Go ahead, and try to get it done before 3 PM.”

“Sure thing, Miss Patel,” Joshua replied.

Joshua’s efficiency surpassed Leila’s expectations. In just two hours, he placed the invitation to Miss Powers’ birthday on her desk.

Leila casually pulled out a box of cigarettes from her drawer and offered it to Joshua. “Thanks.”

Joshua hesitated to accept, “Miss Patel, I…”

Leila pushed the cigarette a bit forward, “Take it. This is outside of official business.”

Hearing Leila’s insistence, Joshua awkwardly smiled. “Thank you, Miss Patel.”

At 6:30 PM, after leaving the office, Leila didn’t go straight to Miss Powers’ birthday party. Instead, she made a trip to the mall to pick out an outfit suitable for the event.

At 8 PM, Leila appeared at Miss Powers’ birthday party in a champagne-colored evening gown.

Miss Powers, the darling of the Powers Family, lived up to her reputation. Although it was just a small birthday party, at least half of Neo City’s business elite were in attendance. While it seemed like they were there to celebrate Miss Powers, in reality, they were seizing the opportunity to expand their network.

Leila casually grabbed a drink from a waiter and navigated through the crowd for almost twenty minutes until she finally spotted Mr. Moore, the CEO of Premier Construction, in a corner.

Mr. Moore, in his early fifties, seemed engrossed in conversation with two other men across from him, appearing to enjoy himself.

Leila stood nearby, observing without approaching.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

When she saw the two men chatting with Mr. Moore walk away, Leila approached and introduced herself, “Mr. Moore, hello, I’m Leila, the project manager at The Ramirez Group.”

Upon hearing “The Ramirez Group,” Mr. Moore glanced at Leila. Leila knew it was a good reputation, so she continued with a smile, “I heard you have a project that you’re considering selling. I wonder if we have the opportunity to collaborate.”

Mr. Moore clinked his glass with Leila’s, his true emotions hidden, “Today is a private event. Let’s not discuss business.”

Leila didn’t want to push too hard, so she replied with a smile, “Alright, then I’ll just take this opportunity to get acquainted with you.”

Having witnessed too many people insistently pursuing their goals, Mr. Moore appreciated Leila’s tactful approach. “You’re an interesting girl.”

“Well, I’m intruding on your personal time, and you’re still polite and chatting with me. I really appreciate it.” Leila replied graciously.

“You’re quite clever,” Mr. Moore remarked.

Leila accepted the compliment graciously, “Thank you for your praise.”

As Leila and Mr. Moore conversed, the crowd suddenly became agitated.

They both turned to see Jennifer, wearing a white evening gown, shyly holding onto Mason’s arm as they entered the party.

Her grip on Mason’s arm seemed tight, as if she feared he might slip away.

Mason stood with his hands in his pocket.

Mr. Moore remarked, “Isn’t this Miss Powers, the fiancee of Mr. Ramirez?”

Leila appeared sincere, “Mr. Moore, I’m new here and not clear about it.”

While Leila said, two images flashed through her mind: Cindy’s warning during her business trip and Mason’s phone call the previous night.

In the call, the old Mr. Ramirez had demanded of Mason, “I’m asking you one thing today: Are you marrying Jennifer or not?”

Was this a compromise? Was he going to marry her?

Meanwhile, the crowd clustered around Mason and Jennifer, trying to get their attention.

“Mason, Jennifer looks stunning in this dress. Is it custom-made?”

“I saw this necklace at an auction before, worth twenty million, right? Your grandfather really spoils you, Jennifer.”

“Jennifer, what skincare routine have you been using lately? Your skin looks amazing.”

“Jennifer’s skin has always been flawless. What more could she possibly need?”

The people surrounding Jennifer chattered incessantly.

Jennifer seemed to be smiling, but all her thoughts were focused on Mason. Mason had been forced to come today by the old Mr. Ramirez, but it was better than him not showing up at all.

Jennifer noticed Mason’s patience wearing thin and forced a smile. “You guys carry on; we’ll take a break for a while.”

A few minutes later, Jennifer and Mason were in the lounge of the birthday party. Mason sat on the sofa with a solemn expression, smoking a cigarette, while Jennifer, her eyes reddened, questioned him, “What’s wrong with marrying me?”

“I don’t want to string you along, or use you.”

“What if I’m willing to be used by you?” Jennifer asked.

Mason chuckled. “Are you out of your mind?”

Jennifer couldn’t give up. “I’m not crazy. Our marriage has been arranged for a long time, and everyone knows we’re getting married. If you break it off, what about me?”

As Jennifer spoke, her eyes grew even redder, as if tears were about to fall any second.

Mason stared at her for about three or four seconds, then extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray. “Jennifer, do you really think those people outside don’t know that I don’t like you?”

Jennifer’s face flushed instantly.

Mason sneered. “You can deceive yourself, but don’t try to deceive others.”