The Billionaire's Great Seducer

Delilah

"Get ready. He's heading towards the café," My father's voice crackled in my ear through the headphones. I scanned the almost empty café, my heart racing.

"Keep a close eye. I will leave after the count of three. From there you charge," I whispered into the phone, my fingers clutching the cold coffee cup.

"Start moving! His steps are fast," My father's urgent voice came through again. I took a deep breath and grabbed my notebook, taking one last sip of the lukewarm coffee.

"One," My father counted down in my ear.

"Two. Get ready," He hushed out, his words pushing me into action.

"Three," I heard, and I pushed the café door open with a deliberate force, letting my notebook and bag drop to the floor as I crouched down.

"Oh my god! My foot!" I cried out, feigning pain as the young man hurried to my side. "Are you okay, Miss?" His voice was filled with genuine concern.

I signaled my father from behind with a subtle nod. He had already accomplished his mission, and now it was my turn to play my part.

"I think I sprained my ankle," I muffled out, rubbing my foot and keeping up the act to ensure our plan's success.

The young man's worried expression deepened, and he knelt down beside me. "Don't worry, I'll help you up. Let's get you somewhere to sit," he said, gently supporting me.

As he tried to lift me, I winced in pain, making sure to keep up the charade. "It really hurts. Thank you so much for helping me." My voice trembled as I leaned on his shoulder for support.

He guided me to a nearby table, and I continued to act as if my ankle were injured. Meanwhile, I kept an eye on my father, who was now discreetly exiting the café. Our mission had gone off without a hitch, and it was time for me to maintain the diversion.

"I'm so clumsy," I muttered, trying to draw the young man's attention away from the café's entrance. "I can't believe I tripped like that."

He was still looking concerned but offered a reassuring smile. "Accidents happen to everyone. Just take it easy, and we'll make sure you're okay."

I nodded appreciatively and watched as my father disappeared from view, carrying out the mission we had been meticulously planning for days.

"What would you like to drink?" the young man asked, concern still etched on his face.

I knew I needed to leave the café now that our mission was accomplished. "I'm fine. I think I can handle walking," I replied, forcing a smile and pretending to limp as I stood up.

"Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital?" he asked, rising from his seat.

I maintained the act. "I'm fine. I can manage. Thank you for your help," I assured him, my gratitude genuine for his assistance in our plan.

He nodded, but his gaze remained on my legs. "On that note, can I-" He patted his pocket, realizing something was amiss.

"Wait... I think I dropped my wallet," He said, searching around the table in mild panic.

I seized the opportunity to divert his attention further. "Oh my. How did that happen?" I pushed, trying to help him look for his wallet.

"Never mind, can I get your number at least?" he asked, attempting to salvage something from this situation.

Even after losing his wallet, he was trying to flirt with me. I scribbled a random number on a piece of paper and handed it to him. He accessed it with a hopeful smile. "I will give you a call. Your-"

But I cut him off, pulling out my phone and pretending to make a call. "Hello, sir, yes, I'm on my way. Give me a call," I said aloud, turning to leave with my feigned limp.

Once I was out of the café, safely away from the prying eyes, I let out a sigh of relief and walked normally. I couldn't help but do a little victory dance. "Yes! I did it!"

**

I stepped inside the familiar laundry shop that my father owned. "Mission accomplished, father!" I cheered as I grabbed a seat, thrilled that everything had gone according to plan. My father was busy counting money behind the counter.

I quickly scanned the surroundings before turning to my father. "Keep it down, father. What if someone barged in?" I whispered, reminding him of the need for caution.

He didn't say anything, his focus on the cash in front of him. "Here. For you," he said, pushing a small stack of bills across the counter.

My eyes traveled down to his outstretched hands, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're giving me this small amount after all the planning we did."

"Buy yourself a new pair of shoes," he suggested, nodding towards the worn-out Converse sneakers I had been wearing for weeks.

"Nothing is wrong with these shoes, Father. They were Mom's. You gifted them to her yourself. I'm helping you keep memories of her. Give me more cash, please," I insisted, pushing my palms forward.

He reluctantly dropped one more bill into my hands, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his stinginess. "Seriously, Father. I'm the one who does the hard work, but you don't give me enough. And why are you wearing that jacket? What if the owner sees it?"

A smile crept onto his face as he looked down at the jacket he was wearing. "This? I fell in love with it the moment the customer brought it in. It had been a couple of weeks already, and I'm sure he had forgotten he owns such a jacket."

I raised a skeptical eyebrow. "What about his calls? What did you tell him?"

"I told him his jacket isn't here, of course. That he didn't bring it along. As simple as that," My father explained, his expression untroubled.

I shook my head, bemused by my father's peculiar actions. "So... what have you found in his wallet, apart from the cash? And how did you know he was heading to the cafe?" we had spent some time in this covert business with my father, yet sometimes I couldn't help but question his intelligence. I often wondered how he ended up as a laundry man instead of working in a tech company.

My father leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. "In his wallet, I found a business card, a photo of a woman, and a few notes with some coded information. As for the cafe, I had been monitoring his routine for a while, and his recent activities pointed in that direction. He's not as discreet as he thinks."

I nodded, impressed by my father's sleuthing skills, even if his career path hadn't taken him down a more conventional route. It was moments like this that made me appreciate his unique approach to our line of work.

"Go make us some noodles. I'm starving," Father suggested, his mind more on a meal than the money.

I couldn't help but tease him, "Oh, Father, after swindling a poor man, you still aren't going to take your one and only daughter to a fancy restaurant? Remember, we're in this together. If we're getting dragged down, we're going down together."

My father shot me a disapproving glance. "Find us more clients, and who knows, you might get to go to a fancy restaurant," He retorted.

I sighed dramatically, pushing the bills I'd taken from the counter into my jeans pocket. "Now go. Before I faint from hunger." He dismissed.

"I can't believe I have such a stingy father."

"I heard you!" He seethed.

I smirked. "Yes, Father, I didn't say it for you not to hear," I quipped before heading off to make some noodles for our meal.

Delilah

"Good morning, Madam Edna," I greeted with a smile, settling into my usual spot at the small coffee shop she owned in Roseville.

Roseville might be a small town, but it's often considered the heart of the people and a hub for business.

Madam Edna approached me, her steps slow. "What do you want from me so early in the morning?" she hissed playfully, her tone filled with affection. I couldn't help but giggle in response.

"I'm here for your delicious coffee, as always," I replied, knowing that her brew was the best way to start the day in our beloved town.

Madam Edna chuckled, her wrinkles deepening as she smiled. "Ah, my loyal customer. You know how to make an old woman's day. Coffee, coming right up."

I watched as she bustled behind the counter, her movements slow but practiced, a testament to the years she'd spent serving the people of Roseville. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee began to fill the cozy space.

As she handed me a steaming cup, I wrapped my hands around it, savoring the warmth. "Thank you, Madam Edna. Your coffee is a treasure in this town."

She patted my hand gently. "It's always a pleasure to see your bright face, dear. Enjoy your day."

With a sense of contentment, I took a sip of the coffee, feeling grateful for the small moments that made Roseville feel like home.

After finishing my coffee, I made up my mind to visit my boss. Perhaps we could finally reach an agreement. I worked at the local Roseville bar, and we had a little issue when a client attempted to harass me by touching my behind. I might be a busybody, but I know how to protect my dignity. With no money to my name, it seemed like the right time to reach out to him.

I took a deep breath and my gaze drifed around the coffee shop. Something or, rather, someone caught my attention. I reached for my phone, a smile playing on my lips, and dialed my father's number. "Hey, Delilah, my daughter. Tell me you've got a new lead," My father's impatient voice came through the phone.

I kept my eyes on that particular spot and replied, "I guess I might be visiting that fancy restaurant very soon. Meet me at Madam Edna's coffee shop. I'll brief you on the operation." With that, I ended the call, grabbed my bag, and headed towards the his seat.

"This is going to be interesting." I muffled, putting on my cap and face mask as I walked towards the figure.

"Hello, is it okay for me to join you?" I uttered. The man was a bit taken aback from the way his brows were creased together.

"Sure." He said. I did a little clearing of my voice before sitting down together with my cup of coffee that has turned cold.

Okay, maybe it was weird for me to just ask him whether I could sit. The man will probably look at me like I'm crazy. With the face cap and face mask. But who cares.

"Dammit, Dixon! You will pay for wasting my precious time," he hissed out. By the looks of it whoever he was talking to on the phone was frustrating his life.

"Locate me within thirty minutes or forget you have ever known me," he grumbled dropping the phone on the table with a loud thud.

"Looks like the person from the other end is frustrating your life. Sorry for butting in." I apologize even though it didn't reach my heart deep down.

"No it's fine. It was my assistant. He is giving me a terrible headache. He was supposed to meet me here yet he's coming up with all sort of excuses." He answered reaching to take a sip of his coffee. That was when he realized the cup was empty.

"Damn I didn't even know I finished the coffee." I waved my hand and got the attention of the waitress.

"This is actually the best coffee you will get here. You can go for three cups in one sitting without you noticing."

There was a hint of an amused smile on his face that had me wondering what I needed to do to bring him on board. "Two cups of coffee please Leah." I said to the young girl.

"Hope the two cups are not for me alone?" He asked his eyes glancing at the phone he dropped few seconds ago.

"Of course there are. I'm not a mind reader but I could tell you really enjoyed the coffee. So think of it as a kind gesture from me."

The man suddenly folded his arms and leaned over the desk. I could swear my heart nearly dropped with the way his eyes were fixated on me as if tying to read something from my eyes. "You have a beautiful eyes."

Damn my heart nearly stopped beating. It took me a moment to blink my eyes. Could it be the man was also trying to get me on board? Did I really made a good choice by sitting in front of him?

I opened my mouth to say something but no words came out. The man's lips curved up into a smile. "I actually appreciate your help but how should I take something from you when you're hiding your face beneath the face mask. I'm sure the way your eyes are shining, you'd have a glowing features."

Okay, I was very much sure I was getting myself into trouble. Maybe he wasn't the right candidate. "Are you trying to flirt with me? A total stranger?" I finally muster up the courage to say.

His eyes didn't waver on me. My palms were sweaty and I prayed for nothing more than for my father to arrive so I could get a distraction and leave. Because the way the man was staring me down e wasn't ordinary. "Why? You don't like it?" He asked. Just then the coffee arrives and he leaned back but his arms were still wrapped around his chest.

I cleared my voice. "I guess you're new here in Roseville." I diverted the question.

"Actually yes. I don't know much about this town but I heard of their great setting for business. Which is why I'm here and then someone is there wasting the precious time I have." He hissed through gritted teeth. Even with the way my heart was still thumping, I managed to crack a smile.

"And I think that someone won't be able to arrive here within thirty minutes, the Roseville main entrance is blocked at this hour of time. Due to construction. So you will have to be patient."

"I don't have that patient in me." He mumbled which I was able to hear. I took my time to collect my thoughts before dropping the next bomb. "Why don't I accompany you to find a place? It will save you time and since I'm a permanent resident."

Please believe me. I pleaded inside.

"It's okay if you don't trust me. I actually have a cold which is why I'm hiding my face underneath the face mask. I wouldn't want people to get in contact with it." I added biting my bottom lip inside.

"Well...I won't say no to a beautiful woman showing me around the great Roseville. Anyways, I'm Liam."

"Liam Nero." He forwarded his hand on the table.

Damn.

"Lily Richard. It will be an honor for me to be your tour guide here." I shook his hand and also took off my face cap. "Welcome to Roseville, Liam."

Delilah

"This is like the Roseville Bridge. It is the path between the seaside and the town market. You could tell from the surrounding. How peaceful." I said gesturing around.

"I can see that. But aren't they enough people trading fish at the seaside?" He asked pouting at behind us where we had passed by. I had shown him most of the places in Roseville. From the grand event hall, to the seaside where traders execute their business of fish selling.

But my main motive is how to lure him completely. I had already informed my father to make the preparations for the accommodation. I needed to buy time for him to prepare everything.

"Yes. That is why Roseville town is good for business. You said it yourself. There's no lie about it."

"I can see your hard work."

"My hard work? Are you referring to the tour. You pay to get carried around Roseville but you're getting it free from me."

I could swear I saw a smirk on his face which was fast replaced back to normal. "I'm honoured to have a beautiful woman accompany me around."

I pointed my index finger at him by also squinting my eyes. "See, you're flirting with me again."

This time around, I didn't miss the visible smirk. "And you're enjoying it."

"No I'm not. Why would I?"

"Because I'm a rare specie. Women will pay any amount to be in your shoes."

I literally rolled my eyes and he saw me do that. I won't say he's that bad. He has a build body. I don't actually have an ideal type of man I want. But I wouldn't go for a man with just looks. I want the pure heart.

"Looks like someone is daydreaming." He snapped his fingers over my face getting me back to reality. I realized I was still looking at him.

I cleared my voice. "Stop thinking too highly of yourself. You don't know me. You don't know the type of a man I want."

He stopped walking and took me by surprised when he grabbed my face the action made me choke on my saliva and I immediately started coughing out. "I'm... sorry..." I choked out covering my mouth with my palms to steady the face mask.

"Your eyes are even more beautiful as I look at you up close ." my chest was back to its loud thumping. What's with the man and flirting?

He was a bit close to my body. I stepped back to give us enough distance because I was sure if he comes any more closer, I will lose my shit.

Focus on your mission Delilah

"Stop flirting with me and let's get going. I will get you a suitable accommodation. I'm very sure your assistant won't be able to locate you so fast." I walked forward and adjusted the position of my cap.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" My legs came to a halt at his unexpected question. He catches up to me.

"Why? Do you want me to be your girlfriend during your stay here?" I retorted back. For a moment, I saw a hint of confusion on his face.

"Never mind. I was just kidding. You don't have to get worked up." At some point, I felt a bit of bitterness at his reaction. Who was the one who said I have beautiful eyes and was trying to flirt with me. Now he's giving me all sort of look because I mentioned to be his girlfriend. Anyways, I said that without thinking. There was no way the man wouldn't have a girlfriend. What a lucky woman.

"I didn't. I was just taken aback." He finally broke the silence. "Coming from someone who claim I was flirting with her. You're equally doing the same thing."

I rolled my eyes for the second time if not third. "Excuse me. I don't do that. I'm very sure you're a naughty man to your girlfriend."

Okay Delilah not again.

"Well... I won't argue on that. Being naughty is one of my charm."

See Delilah he didn't deny that he doesn't have a girlfriend. As for you, no crush talk more of a boyfriend. A voice in my head rang.

"And you're proud of it?" I asked.

His eyes darted left to right before he shrugged. "I am."

As we approached the guesthouse, I gestured towards it. "Here we are. This place has everything you need and more. It's quiet, comfortable, and you'll have a pleasant stay."

He grunted in acknowledgment, seeming uninterested in the details. "Finally. Let's make it quick. I've wasted enough time already."

I nodded, maintaining my facade of being genuinely helpful. "Of course. Let's go in, and I'll make sure you get settled."

We entered the guesthouse, and I headed straight to the reception. The fake owner, my father posing as Mr. Turner, greeted us warmly. "Welcome! How can I assist you today?"

I signaled my father to maintain his composure, not wanting any disruptions to our plan. Turning to Liam, I said, "This gentleman is looking for a place to stay for about a month. Do you have a room available?"

Mr. Turner nodded and smiled. "Certainly. We have a few options. Follow me, please."

As we moved to check the available rooms, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The success of our plan relied on the next steps. I glanced at Liam wondering how smoothly I could guide him into the carefully laid trap. "Don't worry. You will thank me later for helping you with this." I said proudly.

"I definitely have to if it's up to my standards." He answered as he walked around the full furnished room.

I quietly mouthed to my father, "Where is Mr. Turner? He shouldn't come here and see us."

"Don't worry, my dear. You know I don't work without a proper plan. Mr. Turner won't be back until evening, by then we would be done with everything."

"You-"

"Is the air conditioning not working?" His voice interrupted us. Father cleared his throat before moving forward.

"It is," his voice distant as they entered the bedroom, while I walked up to the windows of the living room.

"You're really good at this, Delilah," I muttered to myself with a smile.

After a thorough inspection, they came out together "Alright, this will do. I'll take it for a month. How much will it be then?"

Father and I exchanged looks, knowing that this was the crucial moment. "Why don't we head down and discuss," Father suggested.

"I want to wire the money now. I don't like keeping debts," He insisted, fishing out his phone.

As we descended the stairs, Father, maintaining his calm demeanor, casually mentioned, "For a month, sir, it would be a reasonable $5,000."

My eyes widened at the unexpected amount. I managed to maintain a calm face, not wanting to give away any hint of surprise.

Liam glanced at my father, seemingly calculating. For a moment, the weight of the figure hung in the air, and I anxiously awaited his response.

Without much hesitation, he nodded. "Fine. $5,000 it is." He proceeded to tap away on his phone. "I will wire it through check. Is it okay?"

Father grinned probably happy he was able to execute the plan. "Sure no problem."

"Thank you, sir. We appreciate your promptness," Father acknowledged with a gracious smile as Liam wrote down the check and handed it over to him.

Father, maintaining his act, handed over the room key. "Excellent choice, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Once outside, away from prying eyes, he turned to me. "Well, you're not a bad tourist. I appreciate your help." He said his lips curving up.

I found myself pining my hair behind my hair. "I'm supposed to charge you for the tour but consider it a token of kindness from a beautiful woman."

"I see. I would want to say something but I don't want someone to complain that I'm flirting with her. Anyways, I'm grateful for your help. My assistant will have to serve his punishment."

I chuckled in return. "My pleasure Liam. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, my house is just few blocks away from here." I pointed. I didn't even know why I was telling him that.

He nodded his head. "Alright, I will take my leave then. See you around." What he did at the end literally made my heart stopped beating. He winked at me. I wasn't supposed to make anything out of it but I foolishly blushed. But upon all, mission was accomplished.

"Yes Delilah! You did it!" I exclaimed out with a little victory dance.