Unexpected Tryst: I Thought You Were A Gigolo?!

Inside the luxurious presidential suite at the Emerald Oasis Hotel in Rixwood, the atmosphere was thick with the traces of a recent, intense encounter.

Clothes were scattered haphazardly across the floor, leaving a trail that hinted at the night's passion.

Vanessa Dawson was resting against the headboard, her skin showing faint marks from the night before. She absentmindedly twirled a cigarette between her fingers, her expression both charming and relaxed.

As the bathroom door opened, she glanced up to meet the gaze of a breathtakingly handsome man. His sharp features were accentuated by a smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. He had a prominent nose, red lips, and deep, captivating eyes, with a charming mole beneath one eye that only added to his appeal.

A light mist from the shower still clung to him, and a droplet of water traced a path from his damp hair down to his collarbone, gliding along his toned abs before vanishing under the towel wrapped around his waist.

Vanessa's gaze lingered on him as she swallowed, her neck arching gracefully as she motioned for him to come closer with a single finger.

He chuckled softly and moved toward her with effortless grace.

Her delicate hand gently stroked his chin, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Such obedience, I like it."

"Don't tease me," he muttered, his voice husky with desire.

The desire he had just managed to push down flared up again with her subtle gesture.

Vanessa's soft laughter filled the air. "Are you shy? Is this your first time doing something like this?"

In the next moment, she reached for the bag resting on the bedside table, pulled out a thick wad of cash, and handed it to him with a smile. "Take it."

The man froze, his eyes widening in confusion. "What does this mean?"

"Just a little something for last night's... hard work," she replied nonchalantly.

His expression darkened immediately. "So you want to settle this with money? What do you think I am?"

"What do I think you are? Well, clearly the top pick at this club," Vanessa replied with a smile. "Did you really think we had something serious going on? It's just a fling; don't read too much into it."

His eyes reddened with sudden anger, his face darkening in a split second.

Unexpectedly, Vanessa's heart softened. She moved to touch his face, but her phone, carelessly tossed to the side, suddenly rang.

Her face tightened as she answered the call, but before she could speak, the voice on the other end snapped, "Vanessa, where have you been? I heard Connor Saunders brought a woman home. Do you not care about becoming his wife? Get home immediately, you useless girl!"

Reacting without thinking, Vanessa pulled the phone away from her ear, but the man quickly seized the chance to snatch it from her grasp.

With a mischievous smile, he brought the phone to his ear and teased, "Who exactly are you calling useless?"

The harsh words from the other end suddenly stopped, replaced by a hesitant tone. "Who are you? Why do you have Vanessa's phone? Where is she?"

Vanessa's heart raced as she lunged forward, trying to grab the phone back. But he raised his arm, and she collided with his solid chest, her leg grazing his abdomen, causing him to grunt softly.

Straining to reach the phone, she tilted her head back and, with a bit of frustration, called into the receiver, "I'll be back in a minute, Dad. There's something I need to take care of here first, so I'm going to hang up now."

Using his body as a prop, she yanked the phone from his hand and quickly ended the call.

Vanessa sighed in relief, pressing her lips together as she prepared to reprimand the unruly man. But then her gaze met his deep, unwavering eyes, which were locked onto her.

A wave of unease washed over her as she quickly turned her head away, avoiding his eyes. Without looking back, she placed another stack of money on the table, her movements quick and somewhat mechanical. "Let's not make this a bigger deal than it is. I'll pass along my assistant's contact details. If you require any assistance later on, feel free to reach out to me."

The man stepped behind her, his powerful arms reaching out to pick up the money.

It turned out he had been hesitant to let her leave because the money she had given moments ago was not sufficient.

A strange, unshakable sadness settled in Vanessa's chest. What had once been a fleeting moment of rare connection and contentment had now been stripped down to nothing more than a business exchange. How disappointing!

She couldn't help but laugh at herself. Spending money on a handsome man-what more did she really expect?

Regaining her composure, Vanessa picked up her clothes from the floor and got dressed. As she was about to walk out the door, she heard his hoarse voice. "The role of Connor's future wife isn't suitable for you. I can offer you something much better."

Vanessa froze for a moment, stopping in her tracks, before she turned around to face him, letting out a laugh laced with scorn. "What exactly could you offer me?" The softest bed in this club? Some sweet words to whisper while lying next to me? Those things may work as pillow talk, but they're just words-nothing more. Don't think they mean anything."

She stepped closer, her heels barely touching the floor as she stood on tiptoe to plant a mocking kiss at the corner of his mouth.

She chuckled, "You don't get it. The role of Connor's future wife belongs exclusively to me."

Without a second glance, she walked out of the room, leaving him behind.

Years ago, Vanessa's maternal family, the Stewart family, had been tragically torn apart, leaving nothing but empty memories. Her mother, Janet Dawson, had died under mysterious and suspicious circumstances when Vanessa was still just a little girl.

For years, Vanessa had relentlessly searched for answers and finally uncovered evidence that the Saunders family might be linked to the tragedy.

To uncover the full story and expose the truth, she knew she had to take a dangerous step and infiltrate the Saunders family.

As Vanessa walked away, the man tossed the money aside with a look of disdain, letting it scatter across the floor.

His expression darkened as he made a call. "I need to know what's happening between the Saunders family and Vanessa Dawson."

Vanessa arrived at the sprawling Dawsons' house an hour later and parked her car at the grand entrance.

The moment she entered the living room, her ears caught Connor passionately voicing his thoughts. "Mr. Dawson, I can't stand Vanessa. She's far too headstrong and lacks the grace I desire. My heart belongs to Dayna, and I intend to end my engagement to Vanessa."

Standing before Phil Dawson, his eyes sharp and unwavering, Connor held Dayna Dawson's hand firmly.

Phil, freshly returned with his suitcase still at his feet, cast a disapproving glance at both Connor and his younger daughter, Dayna.

He'd heard whispers about Connor seeing someone new and started worrying that the engagement between Vanessa and Connor might fall apart.

In a panic, he called Vanessa and hurried back, only to discover that Connor's new love was none other than his other daughter.

Unbelievable!

The atmosphere in the room thickened, leaving everyone in complete silence.

"Well..." Vanessa strolled in at a leisurely pace, shooting a glance at her father-the same man who had lambasted her over the phone, calling her a useless girl. With a smirk, she said, "Who would've guessed that my sister would be the one Connor brought home? Since we're both Dawsons, does it really matter which of us marries into the Saunders family? What's your take on this, Dad?"

Phil found himself at a loss for words.

Turning to her half sister, Vanessa flashed a subtle smile. "And you, Dayna? What's your take?"

"I... I..." Dayna stammered, trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Vanessa. I never meant to fall for Connor. It's all on me. Please..."

"That's enough!" Connor interjected, tugging Dayna protectively behind him. "Vanessa, if you've got a problem, take it up with me-leave Dayna out of this. I know we've known each other for years, and I get how you feel, but I'm telling you now, let it go. If you refuse to end the engagement peacefully, then I'll have no choice but to..."

"Fine. I agree."

Connor froze in disbelief for a second.

Did Vanessa just agree?

Before he could even complete his threat, she consented. Wasn't she supposed to be head over heels for him?

Beside him, Dayna's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile.

"It's always nice when true love wins, isn't it? Here's an idea-if your dad's on board, the Dawson family would consent to you marrying Dayna. How does that sound?" Vanessa chuckled softly, her demeanor cool and unbothered, showing no hint of shame about the broken engagement.

"Deal!" Connor exclaimed, brimming with confidence. He was sure his father's favoritism would smooth everything over. Turning quickly, he addressed Phil. "Mr. Dawson..."

Before he could say another word, a commanding voice boomed from the doorway. "You foolish disgrace!"

Colten Saunders stormed in, his face dark with anger, gripping his cane tightly as if it were the only thing keeping his fury in check.

Connor barely had time to react before Colten swung the cane, hitting him square on the knees.

He collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud, staring up at his father in shock as pain contorted his face.

"Dad..."

"Stop calling me Dad, you pathetic fool!" Colten's voice was full of fury, his entire body trembling with anger. He signaled to the bodyguards standing behind him, and they moved quickly, grabbing Connor and forcing him down onto the floor.

Connor fought with everything he had, but their hold was too strong, and he couldn't escape.

Dayna was stunned, her face drained of color by the unexpected turn of events. She glanced around the room, only to notice that everyone else remained strangely calm, as though none of this had taken them by surprise.

Vanessa pretended to smile, her expression hiding the satisfaction she felt. Everything was unfolding exactly as she had anticipated.

The engagement between her and Connor would never be called off. Vanessa's mother's will had made it clear-the Stewart family fortune would only be disclosed once Vanessa was married.

Colten and Phil both planned to manipulate her for the inheritance, but little did they know, Vanessa had already seen right through their games.

They had walked straight into a trap they set themselves. What fools!

As for Connor, he was free to be with anyone he pleased. Vanessa had never been bothered by it.

With that thought in mind, Vanessa gave a soft smile. "Mr. Saunders, it's really no big deal. Don't let it get to you."

"Exactly, Colten. They were just messing with us," Phil said calmly. "Is that so, Dayna?"

Dayna didn't know how to respond.

Seeing her father's icy grin, she knew better than to argue. She quickly nodded, swallowing her words.

Colten flashed a seemingly kind smile, his voice smooth. "Vanessa, Connor wasn't himself today. Apologies for the drama. Once he is in his right mind, I'll make sure he comes to apologize."

Once Colten and the others had left, only Phil, Vanessa, and Dayna were left in the room, the air thick with tension.

Before Dayna could utter a word, Phil slapped her across the face.

In an instant, half of Dayna's face flushed a deep red.

"Dad..." Dayna couldn't believe it. Wasn't her father the one who had always despised Vanessa? How could he hit her, all for Vanessa's sake?

Phil, clearly frustrated, snapped, "You nearly messed it all up, you idiot. Go to your room and think about what you've done!"

Without another word, he turned and stormed out, not sparing a single glance at his daughters.

Dayna bit her lip hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. She couldn't understand why her usually loving father was so furious now.

Vanessa, watching Dayna's pitiful expression, couldn't hide her amusement. Her eyes gleamed with mockery. "I once thought you were clever, but now I see you're really just... average."

"You!" Dayna snapped, about to fire back, but was cut off instantly.

Vanessa sneered. "You honestly think the Saunders family would allow an illegitimate daughter to marry into their family? And you think Dad's love for you will be enough to ruin his plans just because of your feelings? You're delusional."

With that, she spun on her heel and walked out of the living room.

As soon as she left, Dayna grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it to the floor, her eyes burning with hatred.

She swore to herself that she would show Vanessa she wasn't the only one who could marry into the Saunders family.

Three days later, Connor and Vanessa crossed paths at an auction.

He wore a sharp three-piece suit, his handsome features still noticeable despite his limp and the dark expression that shadowed his face.

Vanessa couldn't help but laugh. "Connor, it's been three days. How's your condition? Any better?"

His face turned red with anger, but he responded stiffly, "It's much better."

Vanessa's lips curled into a small smile. "I'm glad to hear that. Your previous outburst was truly terrifying."

"You!" Connor couldn't contain his fury any longer. "Vanessa, I don't know what tricks you played to manipulate my father, but no matter what, even if we marry, I will never love you. You can't force love-so just give up!"

His father even warned him that if he called off the engagement, he would lose his position as heir.

Vanessa's brows furrowed slightly as she sighed. "Do you honestly think I have feelings for you? You're far too full of yourself, and that's something you need to work on. Once we're married, you can still be with Dayna or even find someone else, but just make sure you don't father any illegitimate children. If that happens, keep them hidden. I won't interfere, but your father certainly won't let it slide."

"Vanessa, I know you are playing hard to get. Come on, your tricks won't fool me!" Connor sneered, not believing a word she said. She was desperate to marry him-how could she possibly be so generous?

She must be scheming to get his attention.

Vanessa was at a loss for words.

She suddenly realized there was no point in talking to someone so consumed by their own ego.

"Say whatever you like," she said with a faint smile, choosing not to argue with him any longer.

With that, she turned to walk away.

As Vanessa turned, Connor's eyes caught sight of a mark just behind her ear, and his face shifted in shock. "Wait!" He lunged forward, grabbing her arm. "What's that behind your ear? Tell me!"

Vanessa touched the spot behind her ear, her eyes briefly darting with unease before she looked up. "It's just a hickey; let go of me."

A hickey?

"You promiscuous woman!" he barked.

She was supposed to be marrying him, yet here she was, involved with someone else. How dare she!

In that moment, Connor's rage boiled over. "Come with me. I'm going to make sure everyone sees what you really are!"

With a sudden jerk, he tried to pull Vanessa along.

Surprised by the force, Vanessa lost her balance and almost fell.

Before she could react, a strong hand shot out, securing her waist. At the same time, Connor's grip on her was forcefully removed, and a powerful leg struck him in the chest, sending him crashing backward.

"How dare you touch her!" The voice was rich and commanding, full of authority.

Vanessa's eyes snapped upward, and her expression instantly turned cold.

The face before her was stunningly handsome, marked by a mole beneath his eye that added to his allure.

It was the same man with whom she had once shared a passionate night.