In the Venzor Bar.
Deanna Miller stumbled out of the bar in a black, sheath skirt.
Her delicate skin looked flushed because of the alcohol. Her dainty features somehow looked more attractive.
She tucked a loose strand of fringes behind her ear. The simple movement seemed to fascinate everyone. Even the security guard couldn't take his eyes off her.
She opened the back door of a black car and got inside.
An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as she sat on a man's lap, thinking it was the car seat. The man arched his brows and said, "How brazen of you!"
Deanna yelped in shock and turned back to look at him.
A handsome face came to view.
The man was in his mid-twenties. His thick eyebrows were neatly trimmed, and his face bore an unfathomable expression. No one could tell what he was thinking.
Deanna's jaw dropped open in shock.
"Dario?"
"Wow! You still know who I am,"
the man teased.
Deanna giggled.
"Of course. How can I forget a handsome man like you?" she replied, still sitting on the man's lap.
Dario Archer, her future cousin-in-law, was the noblest man in the city Weappolis.
How could she not know him?
Moreover, they had dinner together three hours ago.
Dario's eyes darkened.
"Then why are you still sitting on my lap?"
Deanna wasn't afraid of him. She leaned against him and drew circles on his chiseled chest. "Are you afraid my cousin will find out?"
Dario grabbed her wandering hand and looked into her eyes with a blank expression.
"Why should I be afraid?" he said in a deep, resonant voice.
Deanna nestled her face against his chest.
"So... You want it?"
Deanna's voice was thick with lust. It would tempt any male who heard it.
Dario looked at her, intrigued.
He pursed his lips without uttering a word.
Deanna smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.
The warmth of her body seeped into him, making his blood heat up. Even the temperature in the car seemed to be raised.
Just then, the phone rang.
Deanna looked at the name on the screen.
It was Jeannie Miller, her cousin.
Dario answered the phone.
"Dario, are you still in Venzor Bar?" the woman asked. "Are you drunk? Please go home soon."
Deanna smiled wickedly and spoke over the phone. "Gosh, you're annoying, Jeannie. Please don't disturb us."
A moment later, Jeannie shrilled, "Dario, who is with you? Deanna, is that you?"
At that moment, Deanna pressed her lips against Dario's.
She deliberately gasped and moaned loudly.
The phone dropped with a thump.
The next moment, Deanna felt Dario gripping her waist.
His lips curved into a smile.
He pulled her closer and looked into her eyes.
"You should know a man will never refuse a woman who throws herself at him."
Deanna opened her mouth, and the faint smell of alcohol filled his nostrils.
"Women won't let go of an excellent man like you either..."
The car began to jerk wildly and finally quieted down.
Deanna endured the discomfort and put on her skirt.
Dario had already gotten dressed and was leaning back on the seat with his legs crossed. He lit up a cigarette and blew out a ring of smoke. The smell of sex dissipated in an instant.
He narrowed his eyes and looked at her indifferently as if nothing had happened.
Deanna hated the smell of cigarettes. She frowned and waved her hand to ward off the smoke. "Not bad. I'll give you seventy points out of a hundred."
She giggled and opened the door.
Dario frowned; his eyes darkened.
How dare she rate him? Seventy points?
He raised his eyes and looked at the rearview mirror.
His lips curled with disdain when he saw Deanna stagger forward.
She was a great actress.
Deanna didn't give him a chance to observe her more. She hailed a taxi and left.
Twenty minutes later, she returned to her family's villa.
Deanna's jaw tightened as she looked at the familiar building.
This villa originally belonged to her. But when she was in university, her uncle, Vernon Miller, made it his.
Moreover, her parents had died in a strange car accident. Then, another piece of news shattered her to pieces. The Miller Group run by her parents owed millions of dollars and therefore declared bankruptcy.
Vernon dealt with the mess to save the family business.
By the time Deanna returned, her parents were buried, and Vernon became officially in charge of the company.
Several close confidants who worked for her father also disappeared for no reason without leaving a trace.
It all seemed suspicious.
Her lips curled into a sneer as she remembered Jeannie's arrogance.
If Deanna found they were involved in her parents' death, she would punish them and make them regret it until their last breath.
Today's occurrence wasn't a coincidence. It was all a part of Deanna's plan.
She knew Dario spent time at the Venzor Bar every week, so she went there and seduced him.
Her body was nothing compared to the revenge she had planned.
Winning over Dario was a crucial task. Once she successfully accomplished that, she could easily deal with Jeannie's family.
She smiled at the thought and pushed the door open.
Jeannie was sitting on the sofa in the living room. She sprang to her feet when Deanna walked in.
"Bitch, you were the one who talked over the phone, weren't you?" she asked venomously.
Deanna removed her high-heels and said in a voice dripping with disdain, "Yes, but so what?"
"You bitch! How dare you steal my man?"
Jeannie was seething with rage. She raised her hand to slap Deanna.
Deanna grabbed Jeannie's hand before the latter's hand landed on her face.
Deanna's eyes were clear, gaze firm. There were no signs of her being drunk.
She shook off Jeannie's hand and stepped closer to her. "I stole your man? But you know what? I don't have to. Look at yourself. You're so unattractive. You wouldn't have satisfied him."
She chuckled and went upstairs.
Jeannie's anger reached its pinnacle. She gritted her teeth and ran after her.
"Bitch, stop!"
However, the door slammed shut in her face.
Jeannie went berserk. She kicked the door over and over again.
A sweet song and the sound of running water came from inside.
Deanna was taking a shower in the room.
She looked at the blood on her white panties and frowned.
Deanna had always planned and dreamed about how her first time would be romantic and special but didn't expect to lose her virginity in the car.
Dario was rough. He didn't know how to be tender to women.
However, her heart swelled with a sense of accomplishment. Dario never paid attention to women, but Deanna had succeeded in having sex with him tonight.
Deanna sneered as she recalled Dario's expressionless face while he smoked.
He was really good at pretending to be chaste.
She saw the undisguised lust in his eyes.
Deanna came to her senses as she thought of his deep-set eyes. She tossed her underwear into the trash can.
It had been three months since her return, but Vernon didn't allow her to work in the Miller Group.
It seemed obvious he was afraid she would end up finding the truth.
Considering Vernon had barred her from working in the company, Deanna decided to work in Dario's company. She had to get acquainted with the people in the business circle to find the truth about her parents' death.
The next day.
By the time Deanna woke up, Jeannie had already gone to the company.
She quickly came downstairs and saw her aunt, Lisa Miller, but didn't bother talking to her.
Since Vernon wasn't at home, the two didn't have to pretend anymore.
Deanna had a simple breakfast and went to Dario's company.
She knocked on the door of the CEO's office. However, to her utter dismay, Jeannie opened it.
The smile on Jeannie's face vanished when she saw Deanna.
"What are you doing here?" Jeannie asked coldly.
Deanna smirked at Jeanne and squeezed herself inside through the gap.
"I came here for Dario. Obviously."
Dario was sitting at his desk, skimming through the documents. His brows shot up when he heard Deanna's voice.
Jeannie strutted to the desk and blocked Dario's view.
She was furious but tried her best to come across as gentle and considerate. "Dario is busy now. If you have anything to say, you can convey it to me."
Deanna shrugged and smiled at her. "You are not the CEO's wife. There is no point in telling you."
Jeannie gritted her teeth and tried to hold back her impulse to slap Deanna. "What are you saying? I'm engaged to Dario. We're going to get married soon."
"But you aren't married to him now. Am I right?"
Deanna smiled, walked past Jeannie, and stood in front of Dario.
"What's up?" Dario dropped the file in his hand and looked up at her.
He looked cold and distant as if nothing had happened between them the night before.
He seemed as if they were casual acquaintances who had nothing special to do with each other.
Deanna wasn't surprised. It was typical of a man to react that way.
Deanna's eyes gleamed with mockery. However, she quickly changed her expression and flashed a sweet smile.
"Dario, it has been three months since I came back. I can't stay at home all day. It's boring. I want to work in your company. Can you hire me?" she asked, leaning toward him.
She bent over and showed a bit of cleavage.
She looked attractive.
Jeannie was about to explode with rage. She would never believe the two had slept with each other.
After all, she had been with Dario for more than a year. She had tried seducing him, but he never made a move on her. She couldn't believe Deanna had managed to seduce Dario.
Seeing Dario's coldness toward Deanna, she felt relieved.
But even so, she still wouldn't allow Deanna to work in Dario's company.
"Deanna, you just graduated," she said, pretending to be concerned. "This is a precious time in your life. Explore the world and have fun. Why are you in such a hurry to work? Your uncle doesn't want you to work in the Miller Group because he cares about you. He couldn't bear to see you exert yourself."
Deanna chuckled when she heard that. "Wow! Really? I thought he was afraid I might find out something."
Jeannie's smile froze.
"What the hell are you saying? What are we afraid of?"
"Who knows?" Deanna commented and then looked at Dario again.
"Can you do this as a favor for the help I offered you last night?"
Her face beamed with mischief.
How cheeky she was!
After all, she was the one who had taken the initiative to seduce him last night.
Dario's gaze fell on Deanna's neck for a second before he returned to his work.
"Our company doesn't entertain lazy people."
Jeannie's eyes lit up with joy. She assumed nothing had happened between them last night, and Deanna had just made up a lie.
"I knew it. You can't join Dario's company and just laze around."
Deanna ignored Jeannie. She leaned against the desk and batted her eyelashes. "I promise I won't slack off. How about me being your secretary?"
Jeannie couldn't take it anymore. "Deanna Miller."
"What?" Deanna cast a provocative look at her. "Are you afraid I will steal him from you?"
"Of course not. I trust Dario."
Jeannie grabbed his arm and leaned closer to him to show off their relationship.
However, Dario frowned and pushed Jeannie away.
Her action made him change his mind.
"My company will be holding a job recruitment drive in three days. You can sign up for it if you want," he said nonchalantly.
"Really? Thanks."
Dario's face softened when he saw her smiling face.
He had to admit she did have a contagious smile.
Dario got up, opened the door, and walked out.
"I'm leaving for a meeting."
"Dario." Jeannie chased after him.
Deanna's face broke into a triumphant smile. Entering the business circle was the first step to carrying out her plan.
She had sworn in front of her parents' tombs that she would find the cause of their death and why the Miller Group went bankrupt regardless of whatever effort it would take.
After thinking for a while, she straightened her silky locks, walked out, and got into the elevator.
Meanwhile, Dario was looking at his phone in the conference room.
He looked at Deanna's video on the screen.
Her high heels clattered on the floor as she strode confidently.
A smile emerged on Dario's face when he saw her smooth hair billow with the wind.
The next second, he remembered how alluring she looked last night.
He assumed she was experienced in hooking up with men.
His face darkened at the thought. He threw the phone away in anger.
"Let's start the meeting."
Deanna came downstairs.
Just as she waved a hand to hail a taxi, a red car stopped in front of her.
Jeannie got out of the car; her face had turned red with rage.
Dario wasn't around, so she didn't have to pretend anymore.
"Bitch, I prohibit you from working in Dario's company."
Deanna curled her lips in disdain. "Who the hell do you think you are? You have no right to tell me what to do."
"Bitch, stop dreaming. Dario will never fall in love with you," Jeannie cursed.
Deanna crossed her arms over her chest and smirked at her. "Do you really think he likes you? Didn't you see the way he pushed you? The dislike was obvious. If I were you, I'd never show up before him."
"Shut up!"
Jeannie couldn't stand it anymore. She wanted to slap Deanna right across the face.
However, Deanna quickly dodged, grabbed Jeannie's hand, and slapped her.
The impact of the slap sent Jeannie in a circle before she fell to the ground. Her tight skirt ripped apart.
"Don't come before me and embarrass yourself."
Deanna threw a disgusted look at her and left.
Jeannie fumed with rage. She took out her phone and called her mother.
"Mom, Deanna slapped me. God, I hate that bitch so much! Don't let her get into the house..."
Deanna didn't plan on returning home. She took a taxi to the Pioneer Detective agency and entered through the back door.
"Deanna."
A man in glasses walked out.
He was in his mid-twenties and looked pretty handsome. He looked like a gentleman.
His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Deanna.
Deanna slumped on the sofa and let out a weary sigh. "Garrett, how is the investigation about my parents going on? Did you find any clues?"
Garrett Powell frowned and handed a pile of documents to her.
"The accident occurred on a mountain road in the suburb of Weappolis. There were no cameras there, so we couldn't see what had happened. There are no eyewitnesses either. However, I have found some clues regarding the Miller Group."
Garrett handed over another stack of documents. "The company went bankrupt because its confidential information was leaked. A small company called Posh Inc. has bought the information."
Deanna sprang to her feet.
"Who is in charge of Posh Inc.?"
Garrett glanced at her. "It's a man called Denzel Mitchell. I guess he's a mere puppet."
Deanna clutched the documents closer to her chest as her face turned taut with rage.
Then, she looked up at him.
"Garrett, please help me find out more about Denzel."
Garrett handed her a cup of coffee and sat on the sofa before her. "We have known each other for so long. I will help you find out the truth. Don't worry about it."
Deanna took the coffee gratefully. "Thank you."
Garrett smiled at her.
After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "I'm going to a party tonight. Can you accompany me?"
He cleared his throat and added, "Several people in the business circle will attend the party. If we're lucky, we might find the information we need."
Deanna's face lit up.
"Okay. Anyway, I don't have anything else to do."
After all, she wouldn't miss an opportunity to find out the cause of the death of her parents.
At seven in the evening, Deanna arrived at Islesbury Hotel with Garrett. It was one of the most famous hotels in Weappolis.
The moment Deanna stepped in, she saw an acquaintance.
Dario stood among a group of business elites with a glass of wine in his hand.
He was almost 6.5 feet tall, which made him stand out among the crowd.
Just then, Dario turned around. He clenched his jaw when she saw Deanna holding Garrett's arm with a bright smile.
Dario was more convinced that she was an old hand at hooking up with men now.
She had just flirted with him a couple of hours ago but was with another man now.
The smile on Deanna's face froze. She didn't expect to meet Dario here.
Coincidentally, Garrett met an acquaintance and went to greet him.
Deanna quickly excused herself and walked toward Dario, flashing her signature smile.
"Dario!" she called sweetly.
Dario arched his brows but didn't utter a word.
He looked at her coldly as if he didn't know her.
Deanna held his arm. "You didn't bring my cousin over, did you?"
"No."
Dario placed his glass on the table but didn't push Deanna away.
The people around them were taken aback for a moment.
They couldn't believe their eyes. Dario seldom showed interest in women. Everyone was surprised to see him allow another woman to hold his arm.
Besides, she seemed to be his cousin-in-law.
Deanna wasn't worried about the crowd. She smiled confidently at them.
"Why don't we sit there?"
Dario's brows furrowed, but he didn't stop her.
"You've found a new boyfriend so soon?" He scoffed as he sat on the leather sofa. "It looks like Jeannie is right. You are indeed wild and promiscuous."
Deanna smoothed her long hair and cocked her head with a smile. "Well, how do you know he is my new boyfriend? Are you jealous?"
"Jealous?" Dario sneered. "You think you're worth it?"
Deanna leaned forward, and the small movement accentuated her cleavage.
"What do you expect me to say to that?" she asked, staring into his eyes. "Didn't you have a good time yesterday?"
Dario's face darkened. "Stop! Don't mention what happened yesterday again."
"Fine. Let's just talk about what happened today." She giggled. "I'll do as you say if you allow me to work in Yonder Company. I'll give you anything."
She leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "Including my body."
It seemed like a tempting offer. Any man would find it hard to refuse it.
Besides, Deanna was a sexy woman with a curvaceous figure.
"I'm never interested in the women I once slept with," Dario snapped coldly.
"Oh, come on. Don't make hasty decisions. How would you know if you don't give it a try?"
Deanna stretched out her leg and gently rubbed her foot against his leg.
Dario quickly grabbed her foot and cast a warning look at her.
"Don't test my patience."
Deanna withdrew her foot and propped her chin on her palm. "Dario, do you want to try again?"
Just then, an angry voice interrupted them.
"Didn't you say you had an important meeting tonight? Why... Why are you with her?"
Deanna raised her head and saw Jeannie standing beside Vernon, wearing heavy makeup.
"Uncle, you're back!" Deanna stood up, grinning, feigning happiness.
Vernon greeted back and said, "Everything went well in Luinburg, so I came back earlier. Deanna, did you come with Dario?"
"I came here with a friend and happened to meet Dario. My friend is almost done talking with his acquaintance. You guys carry on. I'll go and see him."
Deanna stood up gracefully and went to the bathroom.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled coldly.
Vernon was finally back.
She had a hunch that the truth about her parents would finally come to light.
Deanna fixed her makeup and opened the door to walk out. Just then, a tall figure pulled her to a private room nearby.