Chapter 4 Scarlet Entrance

"Kaitlyn, this dress is basically my soulmate," Emma said, pulling the hanger from her closet with exaggerated care. "If you rip it, spill wine on it, or let some rich creep breathe too close, I'll haunt you in your dreams."

Kaitlyn laughed, tension in her shoulders easing just a little. "I promise I'll guard it with my life."

They were in Emma's tiny apartment above the community clinic where she worked night shifts as a nurse. The scent of antiseptic still clung faintly to the walls, but the space was warm-cozy and chaotic in the way only Emma could make it.

Kaitlyn sat on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the stunning red dress Emma held up. It was sleek, modest but magnetic. The kind of dress that whispered power without screaming for attention.

Emma tossed it to her. "Try it on. Let's see if it still has magic."

In the small bathroom, Kaitlyn slid into the dress, the fabric hugging her curves like it was made just for her. She stared at her reflection, barely recognizing the woman in the mirror. Not the exhausted barmaid. Not the broke wife of a failing businessman. She looked like someone who belonged in a billionaire's world.

She stepped out.

Emma's mouth dropped open. "Oh. My. God. You look like a woman who charges by the heartbeat."

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes, trying not to blush. "You're not helping my nerves."

Emma sat beside her. "So, this Jay Roberts. The real deal?"

Kaitlyn nodded. "You ever heard of him?"

"Only in headlines and hushed gossip. Owns everything from tech to hotels. Never married. Doesn't show up on social media. Some say he's into weird power games."

Kaitlyn swallowed hard. "Comforting."

Emma tilted her head. "And you really think this invite is legit?"

"I don't know. But after the threats I got over Andrew's loan, I don't see what other choice I have. This might be the only shot I get."

Emma sighed and reached for her compact makeup kit. "Then sit. I'm giving you eyes that can kill billionaires."

As she dabbed concealer under Kaitlyn's tired eyes and blended eyeshadow with the precision of a surgeon, Emma muttered, "I don't like this. The secrecy. The sudden invite. It's all too... polished."

Kaitlyn met her friend's eyes in the mirror. "I have to do something, Em. I can't just wait for the debt collectors to show up."

Emma paused. "Then you go. But you keep your phone on, location shared. And if anything feels off-even the tiniest thing-you leave."

Kaitlyn nodded.

By 8:30 PM, a sleek black car arrived in front of her building. The driver never spoke, only nodded as he opened the door. Emma watched from the porch, arms crossed tightly across her chest.

Inside the car, Kaitlyn's heart pounded in time with the gentle thrum of the engine. She stared at the Roberts Estate address printed on the invite, running her thumb across the raised lettering.

"Wear red," the last text had said.

Who *was* watching her?

When the car turned into a long, tree-lined driveway, Kaitlyn caught her breath. The Roberts Estate was more like a private palace than a home. Elegant lighting traced the edges of the towering mansion. Valets and suited staff moved like a silent army. Luxury cars dotted the circular courtyard.

She stepped out of the car, feeling every pair of eyes sweep over her. But no one stopped her.

Her heels clicked on the marble steps as she approached the grand entrance.

A well-dressed woman at the door smiled. "Invitation?"

Kaitlyn handed her the card. The woman scanned it with a tiny device, then nodded. "Welcome to the Roberts Estate, Ms. Kaitlyn."

Inside, the estate opened up like a dream. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above a ballroom filled with music, murmurs, and soft laughter. Guests in designer gowns and tailored suits sipped champagne and exchanged air kisses. A grand piano played itself in the corner.

Kaitlyn had never felt more out of place.

As she moved deeper into the party, people stepped aside, curious but silent. It wasn't until she reached the edge of the marble staircase overlooking the main hall that she saw him.

Jay Roberts.

Tall. Impossibly handsome. Surrounded by a small group of suited men, but clearly separate from all of them. His gaze swept the room-and for the briefest moment, it landed on her. Their eyes locked.

He didn't smile.

But he nodded.

And then he turned and walked away.

Kaitlyn's breath caught in her throat. What did that mean?

Before she could move, a hand tapped her lightly on the shoulder. She turned to find a towering man in a black tux, earpiece tucked behind his ear.

"The host would like a word with you," he said.

Her throat went dry. "Now?"

The man didn't blink. "Please, follow me."