"Every person has a weakness," Isadora mused, running her fingers along the rim of her glass. "Your job is to find it and exploit it before they realize what you're doing."
I sat across from her in the dimly lit lounge, listening intently. We weren't alone—around us, men in tailored suits and women in designer dresses whispered over glasses of champagne, sealing deals with charming smiles and well-placed touches.
"Tonight, you're going to prove you've learned something," she continued, eyes gleaming with amusement. "See that man at the bar? Conrad Hayes. Real estate mogul. Arrogant. Predictable. And very, very married."
I followed her gaze. He was mid-forties, confident, with a Rolex flashing on his wrist. He held his drink lazily, his eyes skimming over every woman who passed.
"Your task is simple," Isadora said, leaning back. "Make him trust you in ten minutes."
I arched a brow. "And if I fail?"
"Then you weren't ready."
I smirked. "Lucky for me, I don't fail."
I adjusted the strap of my dress, took a slow breath, and walked toward the bar. Every step was calculated—the sway of my hips, the way I tucked my hair behind my ear, the slight hesitation before I slid onto the stool next to him.
Conrad glanced at me, his interest immediate.
"You look like a woman with expensive taste," he said smoothly. "Let me guess—fashion? Art?"
I let out a soft, practiced laugh, swirling my drink. "Investment banking, actually. But I do love a good Monet."
A lie. But a believable one.
His interest deepened.
Within minutes, I had him talking about his latest real estate project, his "difficult" marriage, his hidden frustrations. I mirrored his body language, nodded at the right moments, let my fingers graze his arm just once.
When I excused myself, his hand covered mine. "Wait. Can I see you again?"
I smiled, innocent but teasing. "Perhaps." And then I walked away.
As soon as I reached Isadora's table, she clapped her hands together, delighted. "Darling, you were magnificent."
I sat down, exhaling slowly. I had done it. Not because I wanted Conrad, but because I had learned exactly what made him tick.
I was no longer the woman who trusted blindly.
I was the woman who made others trust me.