Chapter 20
Vivian squinted at the car, trying to make out the model. “Hold up… Is that a Ferrari? Who the hell shows up in a car this flashy?”
Before Luciana could respond, the bright red Ferrari rolled to a smooth stop right in front of them. A moment later, the driver’s side door opened, and out stepped a woman in a red dress.
The woman wore dark sunglasses. She had bold red lipstick and long, flowing hair that cascaded down like silk. She was fiery, striking, and so stunning it was impossible to look away.
She gave the two women a once–over, then pulled off her sunglasses and flashed them a sultry smile. “Hey, cuties. You two from the design department? Either of you know how to sketch?”
Vivian stared at the woman’s face for a good few seconds. And then, it hit her like lightning out of a clear sky. She slapped a hand over her mouth and gasped out loud. “Alicia Langston?”
Alicia Langston–the famous celebrity. She was 31 but looked barely 20. She had been in the entertainment industry for over a decade and had a trophy shelf stacked with international awards. In Jaxwell, there wasn’t a soul who didn’t know her name.
And more importantly, she was the second daughter of the Langston family–the richest in the city. Also known as Thiago’s sister.
Luciana recognized her too. She remembered Alicia posting a photo for Thiago’s 20th birthday. It was the first time she had ever shared a photo of her brother publicly, and their uncanny resemblance had sparked a viral frenzy online.
Alicia playfully bit down on one arm of her sunglasses and raised a perfectly shaped brow. “So, you know me, huh? What about Thiago? Do you know him too?”
Both Luciana and Vivian nodded. “Yeah. We know him. Are you looking for him?”
Alicia waved her hand dismissively. “Please, I see him all the time. I’m sick of him. I’m actually looking for a student who can draw. You girls from the design department? I need some help with something. I pay well.”
Vivian immediately pushed Luciana forward. “Luci can! She’s amazing–top of our class every year.”
Alicia beamed and turned her full attention to Luciana. “And what’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Luciana,” she mumbled.
Alicia tilted her head, smiling. “Luciana, huh? I like that. Sounds earthy, wholesome. Better than something basic like ‘Leah.‘ Has a nice texture to it. Tasty and soft.”
Luciana didn’t know what to say to that.
Alicia pulled out her phone. “Alright, Luciana. Add me on WhatsApp. Come home with me now. I’ll pay you two thousand dollars an hour. Deal?
Luciana blinked, stunned. “Two… Two thousand dollars an hour?”
“Not enough? I can go higher if needed.”
Vivian quickly stepped in “Ms. Langston, can I ask–what exactly would Luciana be doing?”
“It’s my dog’s birthday today. I want a cute little portrait. Just a pencil sketch.”
Luciana choked. “Wait… Like… an actual dog?”
“Yup. It’s a big fluffyhusky. What, you think I meant a fake dog?” Alicia giggled. “Relax, I’m not a psycho. I’m just desperate. My original artist got food poisoning and bailed. So now, I’m stuck scouting on campus.”
Luciana and Vivian exchanged glances. Vivian leaned in and whispered, “Go for it, Luciana, You said you needed a job, right? And it’s not like Alicia needs to kidnap art students off the street.”
Luciano hesitated. Something about it felt… weird. But she couldn’t put her finger on what. Still, two thousand dollars an hour was an offer that was hard to say no to. After a brief moment, she pulled out her phone.
“Okay, Ms. Langston. I don’t have class this afternoon anyway. I’ll come with you.”
“Perlert! And please, just call me Alicia. No need to be formal.”
Lisans climbed into the passenger seat of the Ferrari. As she buckled her seatbelt, Alicia sneakily snapped a photo of her side profile. She immediately sent it to Thiago,
“Snatched a little cutie and am bringing her home now.”
Three seconds later, Thiago replied “*”
