“I want money and all your power, all your glory

Hallelujah, I wanna take you for all that you got
Hallelujah, I'm gonna take them for all that they got”

— Money Power Glory, Lana Del Rey

CHAPTER TWO

I entered my apartment, exhausted from the night I had. It certainly didn't go as I expected.

My apartment was of a generous size, but it was perfect for me. It was spacious and minimalistic. I only had what's essential; nothing more, nothing less. It was just a temporary house for me afterall. I kept moving from time to time and had lived in various different houses. Houses, not homes. I could never call any of these apartments my home. But I had gotten used to not having one and it didn't bother me anymore.

I changed into some pyjamas, then picked up my phone and dialled a familiar number. My door bell rung just moments later. Standing outside was the only person I trusted, the only family and friend I had.

"I didn't expect you to be back so early. How did the first step of Mission Evan Carter go?" Ella asked as she invited herself inside the house. I closed the door behind me before taking a seat on the couch across her.

Ella was renting the apartment across mine so we were currently neighbors. We had both been working together since the very beginning, but I had known her even longer. We had basically grown up in the same house. She was a computer genius and a skilled hacker. She created fake identities for me after every con, was a master in online scams and knew how to use any sensitive information I gathered from my targets to our advantage, without leaving behind any traces. Without her, I would've never been able to do any of this.

"His hands were on my waist and mine on his shoulders. That's how we met." I replied bitterly, cringing at the memory.

"WHAT?" Ella practically yelled. "So soon? What the hell happened?"

I chuckled in amusement. "It's not like that."

I explained everything to her— from purposely crashing into Evan to momentarily losing my ability to think and then finally throwing my drink on his face in anger.

She listened to me quietly, her eyes widening with every word I said. I then leaned back on the couch, waiting for her to process all the information I had dumped on her.

"That...is not how we planned it. You never mess up. What happened?"

"I don't know. He was...ridiculously gorgeous." I forced out. "And mean. Definitely mean. He had some nerves, speaking to me like that, with so much arrogance. I wasn't thinking straight. I just lost it for a moment."

"And a lot happened in that moment." Ella pointed out. "He seems like a self-absorbed douche bag, so a perfect choice, but he hates you now. I doubt a sob story or some charms will work on him now now."

I showed my agreement with a nod of my head. Sob stories were my favorite because men love helping damsels in distress, but I doubt it would melt Evan. And it definitely would not fool him so easily. As for charms, I had felt the tension between us, but our moment was too fleeting to tell if it was attraction or just pure despise. I wasn't sure if that would be enough either because it was certain that he was used to being seduced by attractive, perhaps bolder women than me who were more willing than I was. More compliant. Which is why I needed to stand out to him to get his attention.

If I wanted him, I'd have to beat fire with fire. That is what made this one unique. Fun.

"I think we should forget about him and target someone else, someone easier. He would've been too risky anyways." Ella got up and walked over to the kitchen area. I followed her absent-mindedly, lost in my thoughts.

"Do you want pasta?" she asked, snapping my from my thoughts.

"How are things with Ben?"

She gave me an odd look. "They're alright. But I think we should look for someone else..."

"No, that's not what I meant." I rolled my eyes at her. "Do you think he will be willing to help me find a job at Carter Cooperation? Give me his recommendation for it?"

Her eyes widened. "Why?"

I raised an eyebrow, giving her an obvious look.

"I repeat, why?" she deadpanned. "I know you don't like to fail, but this Evan Carter thing can get too complicated, Flora!"

"Never took you for a quitter." I smirked, knowing fully well which buttons I needed to push. Her eyes narrowed at me.

"C'mon! Aren't you tired of easy? Don't you think we need to up our game? We're risking so much for this, it should atleast be worth it."

"Even if I agree, Ben isn't just going to hand you a job! It's been what, a month since we started dating? I doubt this will work."

"But my grandma is sick and I'm broke and the banks won't give me any loan! I'm desperate, Ella. I'm talented too. Very talented. Think you can show him my work, convince him everything I just said is true?"

She gave me a blank look. "You're a bitch."

I smiled. "We both are."

She sighed, running her hand through her hair. Then suddenly, a laugh escaped her lips. "You're really hell bent over this, aren't you? You're not changing your mind."

I smiled. She was absolutely right. Nothing could change my mind now.

There was something challenging about Evan Carter. Something provoking, maddening even. I didn't want to give up so easily...

"So you'll do it? You'll talk to Ben?"

"I'll try. Even if it works, how will you reach Evan? You guys didn't exactly start off on the right foot.." she trailed off.

"Which is why this is going to be even more fun." I grinned cheerfully.

+++

"Let's go over this one last time. First of all, your name is?" Ella questioned.

"Scarlett Stone." I replied with sigh, already feeling bored. "We've already gone through this twice, El. Cut it out now."

"Let's make it thrice." she scolded.

Ella had always been a perfectionist. I knew she trusted me, but a job like this tends to make people anxious at times. I didn't blame her. Being too carefree is never an option when you're a thief.

Scarlett Stone was my new name today onwards until the day our job was successful. I had never used my real identity with any of my targets.

Speaking of targets, it had been a week since I crashed into Evan in that hotel lobby. A week full of Ella convincing Ben that I badly needed a job and would be perfect for one at Carter Cooperation.

He had agreed to help me get an interview for one in the communications and public relations department after learning I had a degree in hospitality management.

It wasn't not a lie, I really did have one. Sometimes we centred our lies around the truth to make them more believable. I had other dreams once. It wasn't like I was born with a passion to steal. It just happened and now I had gotten too used to this life to give it up.

"—so you've understood everything?" Ella snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Yes." I nodded. "I understood just fine the first two times." I didn't add.

It was an entry-level job which had left me feeling sour at first, but I decided to take what I could get. It was the most that Ben could do. I was determined to use it completely to my benefit. In a company like that, a lot was possible. There were surely a lot of men, a lot of sensitive information and a lot of money I could get my hands on.. Evan was definitely the bigger goal, but if I couldn't reach that, I wouldn't go empty-handed either.

The taxi stopped and I glanced at the building in front of me. Ella wished me a quick good luck before I exited the vehicle.

Once I was inside, I was led to Mr Parker's office, the PR manager. I took the time to observe my surroundings while waiting to be allowed in. The office had a peaceful atmosphere even with all the hustle bustle. I could never imagine myself doing a nine to five job, spending my entire life sitting in a cabinet. But if it was only for a few weeks, this didn't seem like the worst place to work in. I felt I could manage to survive here for some time.

I went inside Mr Parker's office after having to wait for about ten minutes. He was an attractive man, probably in his late twenties. He shook hands with me, offering me a polite smile.

"Good morning, sir. I'm Scarlett Stone."

"Yes, please have a seat, Ms Stone."

He asked me some basic questions that Ben had prepared me with, mostly on the lines of ‘why this company? why PR? how would you handle a situation where..?’ Other questions were related to my degree which I was more-or-less able to answer as I had prepared thoroughly during the week.

"Ms Stone, we like working with a diversity of people. Besides, you have some good recommendations." he nodded, checking to see my reaction. I kept my expression neutral. I knew if it wasn't for Ben, I probably wouldn't be sitting here. Ella had a good choice in men. Unlike me, I scoffed inwardly.

"This may be an entry-level job, but it requires work. You can learn a lot here. PR is important for a company like ours. If you're fine with the terms of your job, we would love to have you on board."

A job. A corporate job. I almost laughed. It was something I never thought I would do. This job could be a huge stepping stone to my real goal. This could be my biggest con.

Yes, the salary was generous, especially for an entry-level job. But it wasn't what I want.

I didn't con out of necessity.

I loved stealing.

I loved playing with money the way it played with people.

I loved being the puppeteer of the puppeteers themselves.

This job was going to be my best decision ever.

"Where should I sign, Mr Parker?" I smiled.

"You can call me Lucas." he nodded, pointing the place for my sign.

‘Scarlett Stone,’ I did the signature on the contract, sealing the deal.

+++

I pressed the button on the coffee dispenser, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hitting my nostrils. I took a small sip, sighing in pleasure.

It was only my fourth day here, but it had been a lot to take in. I was trying to get familiar with this place, understand how things worked here, memorize the important names, the areas I should and shouldn't be seen wandering—everything.

It was late and most people from my department have already left. I stayed back to get a cup of coffee before leaving. The coffee dispenser had become my favorite place here in a very short amount of time. I could already tell it was going to be my hardest goodbye when I was done here. I took a sip and moaned lowly in pleasure.

I hadn't seen Evan yet. I was trying to be patient, but it was getting slightly frustrating now. Maybe I would mistaken his office room for someplace else tomorrow and sneak in. Or I would make friends with his secretary and fake a run in with him again. Or I could—

My breath hitched as I turned around, my eyes widening. I almost dropped my cup of hot coffee. Almost.

Two dark, unreadable eyes stared at me intensely and I almost crumbled under his sharp gaze. He looked perfectly composed while I struggled to remain calm, staring at him in surprise.

How long had he been standing there?

"What are you doing here?" he asked in his deep, husky voice. I almost shivered at the sound. There was something warm and inviting about his presence. It made my skin crawl.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" I pressed my index finger to my chin, squinting my eyes. I observed him carefully, as if having a hard time recalling who he was. It visibly pissed him off. We both knew I recognised him the minute I turned around.

"Oh wait, how can I forget? The guy who can easily own bars." I mocked, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I'm not going to ask you again. What are you doing in this office? Do you work here?"

"I can ask you the same thing." I tested him, even though I knew the answer, just wanting to see how he reacted.

An amused smile formed on his lips. "How long have you been working here?"

I frowned. I expected him to get annoyed by my question, but his smile caught me off guard. "Four days."

His smile widened. "And who hired you?"

"Mr Parker." I said. "Why do you ask?"

"So I take it you're in the public relations department." he stated, sounding amused. "Funny how you don't recognise the CEO of the very company you work in."

My eyes widened, not because of his declaration, but the dare sparkling in his eyes. His gaze was challenging, almost like he was laughing at me. It was as if the tables had turned and he was no longer my target, I was his.

"If Mr Parker hired you, he must've seen something in you. He is a trusted employee."

I nodded my head simply, my expression neutral, but in my head I was smirking arrogantly. Maybe it wouldn't be that difficult to charm my way into Evan Carter's life.

"But I guess sometimes trusted people can make mistakes too."

My confidence faltered. I offered him a strained smile. "They surely can."

"You know, I'm sorry I didn't recognise you at first. You look different without wine dripping down your face."

He looked at me blankly, his eyes penetrating through mine. I held his stare, refusing to back down. A minute passed, although it seems much longer, but I refused to budge. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

He bit his lip, shaking his head before breaking into laughter. A deep, warm sound with a devilish glint to it. I blinked in confusion. Was he laughing at me?

My temper blazed. "What are you laughing at?"

He shook his head, a smile dancing on his lips. "Do you always drink coffee at this time?" he asked out of nowhere, ignoring my question altogether. I frowned. What was he playing at?

"Not always." I mumbled. "I was just tired so I thought I'd have cup before leaving."

"My driver will drop you home." he asked, no told me, without a second thought. "You shouldn't be traveling alone if you're so tired and sleepy."

"Oh, I'm wide awake now." I muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing. It's fine. I'll manage on my own." I dismissed. His offer was perfect for my plan to start making progress, but I didn't want him to see exactly how keen I was. I just wanted him to try a little harder.

He sighed, probably not in the mood to argue. "Just take my car. I don't need it right now." his voice rung with finality, leaving no room for argument.

"What about you? You're not leaving yet?" I asked, my eagerness getting the best of me, although I keep my tone nonchalant. I needed time with him. I needed to get closer to him, to get closer to his money.

"You don't need to worry about that."

"I wasn't worrying." I hid my disappointment well. "Do you always lend your chauffeurs to your employees?" I asked pointedly.

"My employees don't usually need coffee on their fourth day of work to stay alert."

Jackass.

"What's your name?"

I looked up at him. "I—uh, I'm Scarlett Stone."

Shit. What was that? I needed to get my act together before I properly fucked up.

"Get home safe, Ms Stone." his lips curled up.

I frowned. I didn't like him already.

+++++

I love posting lyrics in the chapters. Do you enjoy reading them?

Q - What's your favorite song at the moment?