"I'll play your stupid game, where the most cunning and cruel wins," LIANA said with a smile, while secretly frowning.
An hour later, LIANA arrived at LEONARD's house and was received by the doorman. As they entered, LIANA whispered to Lucas:
"Wouldn't you like to do the interviews for me?"
Lucas responded with a sly but annoyed smile:
"No. It's better if you, as the boss, do them."
"As you wish," she replied coldly. "Let's just go," she said, as a house worker led them to LEONARD.
He greeted LIANA with a smile and said:
"How do you like the necklace? Do you love it, or would you prefer something more expensive? Though, that necklace doesn't compare to your beauty... I imagine your price is high," he said flirtatiously.
LIANA replied with the same flirtatious smile:
"You're right. That necklace is worth nothing compared to me. Lucas."
"Yes, Miss," Lucas responded, pulling out the necklace.
"I find it quite cheap. Also, your gatherings are lovely, but not for me. I don't want to see you again. After all, you have one of my flowers. You and I met, I liked you, you gave me power, and I accepted. That was all," she said as Lucas placed the necklace in the room, now tense and uncomfortable.
LEONARD smiled and replied:
"Alright. I gave my darling a luxurious necklace and she loved it, but I know you two are not the same. I also heard you're teaching things to my little kitty. You know... she'd make a great wife, and you, a great mistress. But I won't force you. I didn't before, and I won't now."
LIANA answered with her flirtatious smile:
"Looks like you understood. Now, take your necklace. As for the invitation... I'll keep it. You never know what the river might bring."
LEONARD answered with an innocent but insolent smile:
"Then I'll send a more expensive necklace."
"I don't want it," said LIANA.
LEONARD stood from his chair with a sadistic smile, revealing his large figure, and grabbed LIANA's wrist, saying:
"Let's have coffee."
LIANA responded with an innocent smile:
"Let go of me, or I won't answer for the actions of the man behind me."
LEONARD replied:
"Your secretary? Please, it's just coffee."
"Fine," LIANA said, leaving Lucas behind and going with LEONARD.
After a few minutes walking, LEONARD took LIANA to a room. Curious, LIANA thought:
What is this place? This man is cunning and plans very well... he's not just anyone.
But she was interrupted by LEONARD, who asked her to come in. As he insisted, LIANA followed. Inside, the place was livable and radiant; there were countless paintings, and LIANA was mesmerized by every one of them.
"Who painted these?" she asked.
LEONARD replied with a smile:
"I did. Do you love them?"
LIANA turned her face and said:
"Well, everyone has something good, and you're no exception."
LEONARD moved slightly closer to her face and asked:
"And you?"
"I don't know," LIANA replied.
Trying to avoid him, she saw two paintings that deeply caught her attention. Her face changed immediately from avoidance to irritation and confusion.
"That painting of the bare back woman looks like me, but that's not the one that bothers me. Give me that other painting. How dare you have it like a trophy? Tell me, was it made from someone else's work and your mind, or was it in person?"
LEONARD replied:
"What do you think?"
LIANA immediately understood and said:
"Sell me the painting. Two million, if you want."
LEONARD replied:
"Sorry, not for sale."
"As you wish. But I'll get that painting. And the other one, the one with the half-naked woman from the back, whose posture is clearly mine, I want it too. But why didn't you paint it from imagination?"
LEONARD replied:
"Your body is tempting. And if I painted it from imagination, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of knowing it... carnally."
LIANA just answered with an innocent smile:
"What a shame. You won't get to see it. And about AURORA, make up your mind. You can even marry her, but be faithful. I know she's your perfect wife, but…"
LEONARD replied:
"Miss, you're smart and charming, but you never talk about your humble standards."
LIANA replied:
"If you're willing to be my desire, then you must be mine. Your eyes must belong to me and not look at anyone else, even if I have to tear them out. Your lips must be pure and untouched, because no one else should have stained them. I don't like sharing what's mine," she said with a sadistic and possessive smile. "Besides, he won't mind what I do to him, because he's mine. He belongs to me. He is my object, my possession. In exchange, I'll give him everything of me, and in his hands, I'll place the choice of my death."
LEONARD replied with a sadistic smile:
"Such high standards… but worth the risk."
LIANA replied with a serious expression and an empty gaze:
"You don't fit them."
She turned and walked back, where she found Lucas. With a cold stare, she said:
"Let's go. We don't need to stay here."
Lucas nodded:
"Yes, Miss. As you wish."
And as they rode in the car, she thought:
What does he think? That he can fly free and do whatever he wants? Fool, she said while smiling. If he dares to rebel, I'll punish him and show him there's no safe place... except me.
And Lucas, thinking, said:
"She's furious, that's obvious… but why? What could've happened? Also, her possessiveness is chilling… but I'm not complaining, bec—"
He was interrupted by LIANA, who calmly said:
"Wondering why I'm angry?"
And Lucas replied:
"Yeah… but you're not angry, you seem calm."
LIANA replied with a smile:
"I learned that wisdom never competes with ignorance, because in the end, wisdom always wins. I learned that very young."
And Lucas answered:
"Good arguments… from someone who wants to win at all costs."
LIANA replied with a sly smile:
"You're right. But what bothers me is that man had two paintings. One… I'd rather not mention, because it infuriates me the most. The second is of a woman from behind. But anyone who knew me would know it's me, half-naked. He didn't paint my body, just my back, but it's bare. Though that doesn't bother me. But I have an incorruptible image for those who know me… including you."
Lucas responded:
"That's funny… Sorry, but when you said I was included, I found it hilarious."
LIANA responded without emotion:
"As you wish."
And Lucas replied:
"Okay… but first, may I suggest you adjust your schedule? Many people are waiting."
LIANA responded with her empty gaze:
"Okay."
Lucas drove to the company. After half an hour, they arrived. Many people were waiting. Lucas and LIANA headed to the interview room. The first to enter was a young woman. Seeing LIANA's blank stare, her expressionless face, and the aura of power she exuded, the girl became nervous. But LIANA, smiling, thought:
She's beautiful. Perfect to work with me… but let's see her experience and education.
She asked:
"Nice to meet you, what's your name?"
The girl, stammering, said:
"Nice to meet you… I'm Viki Castro, 23 years old, and I have a degree in commerce and marketing. I have no experience, but I want to work."
LIANA, with a cunning smile, replied:
"Words of mediocrity trying to convince me. But don't you know that experience is required for this job?"
She replied with her head down:
"This is my sixth application. Everyone asks for experience… but how can I gain any if no one gives me a chance?"
LIANA responded:
"Don't stammer. I need someone firm to work with me, not someone who lets fear lead."
Viki said, surprised:
"What…?"
And Lucas replied:
"Tomorrow, eight sharp. Be punctual. Our boss loves perfection… and your image should be as flawless as your beautiful face."
LIANA just smiled.
And so it went. She accepted some. Rejected others.
While interviewing, a handsome, tall man with noticeable age entered. Before he could speak, LIANA said:
"Most of our new workers are young and talented. Don't you feel out of place?"
He replied:
"I have experience. And although now people judge me by my age… I don't mind."
LIANA said:
"How confident."
And Lucas interrupted:
"What she means is: tomorrow, be on time. You start."
The man replied:
"Thank you. I'll be here tomorrow."
Lastly, a young man came in. He introduced himself before LIANA could even speak or smile:
"Nice to meet you. My name is Tom. I'm 17, and I excel in systems engineering."
LIANA replied:
"Interesting… but very young."
Tom replied:
"Please, I need this job."
LIANA stood from her chair, sat on the desk, and stared at him, making the room fall silent and tense. Lucas interrupted, saying:
"Relax… she's just examining you. But still, she can't hire you due to policy. Minors aren't allowed to work."
Tom answered:
"But it's necessary. And I turn 18 in two months."
LIANA replied:
"You don't turn 18 in two months. I know. But if you bring a signed permit tomorrow from a legal guardian, fine… though I doubt it. Your beauty is average and you don't meet my standards. But… in efficiency and intelligence, yes."