Mr. and Mrs. Henderson trailed behind Delilah as she led them down the lush, sunlit corridors of a grand villa which was nestled in the heart of the city. The couple had eyes that sparkled with the potential of new beginnings.
Delilah, ever the consummate professional, was in her element, every step confident, every gesture purposeful as she showed them around.
"Now, as you can see, the living room boasts high ceilings and these expansive windows that let in a tremendous amount of natural light," Delilah said, her voice smooth and inviting. "Perfect for both family gatherings and entertaining guests."
Mrs. Henderson, a petite woman with meticulously styled hair, ran her fingers over the marble fireplace. "It's stunning, really," she murmured, her eyes wide with appreciation.
Mr. Henderson nodded in agreement but seemed more reserved, his arms crossed as he took in the surroundings. Delilah noticed his hesitation and steered the conversation to more practical matters.
"And if you follow me to the kitchen," she continued, "you'll see it comes equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, perfect for both casual meals and gourmet cooking."
As they moved into the kitchen, Delilah's phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen: Mark. Shit! she thought but maintained her composed exterior.
"Why don't you take a moment to explore the kitchen on your own?" Delilah suggested with a warm smile. "I'll be right back."
The Hendersons nodded, and Delilah stepped outside to take the call. She held the phone to her ear, her expression turning serious.
"Mark, I'm in the middle of work," she said, her tone firm but not unfriendly.
"Sorry. It's just that you haven't sent me the picture I requested yet. I need it to find him," Mark's voice crackled with impatience.
"I forgot to get it this morning, but I'll send it to you later this evening," she replied, glancing back to ensure the couple was still engrossed in their tour. "In the meantime I need you to go to Club S&G tonight…"
"What for? Don't tell me you want me to stake out Hunter myself," Mark cut in.
"No. It's not that. I need to find out what happened on Friday. I need details on what I did there and who I met there…"
"What do you mean?" Mark asked in confusion, "And don't brush me off like you've been doing since Saturday. What's going on, D?"
"I will give you the details later. I need to get back to my clients. Can you go to the club?" She pleaded.
"Alright, but you owe me one," Mark sighed.
"I'll owe you a dozen if you get me what I need," Delilah countered, then hung up, slipping her phone back into her purse.
Re-entering the kitchen, she found the Hendersons discussing the spacious countertops. She approached them with a smile that radiated confidence and charm.
"So, what do you think?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.
Mrs. Henderson exchanged a glance with her husband before turning back to Delilah. "We love it. We'll take the house."
Delilah's smile widened, genuine and triumphant. "I'm thrilled to hear that. Let's head back to my office to finalize the paperwork."
As she drove back to her office, her thoughts drifted to the news about Hunter's engagement to Chloe and she pursed her lips.
She needed to move really fast if she was ever going to succeed in snatching Hunter from Chloe. She couldn't afford to wait and make her first appearance in his life by being introduced as his half sister-in-law.
She needed their meeting during the engagement party to seem like a coincidence. That was the only way all of this would work.
So, far the only person that claimed he knew what Hunter looked like was Blake. Was it really possible that he had seen Hunter? She mused.
Perhaps he could help her identify him, she thought, making up her mind to reach some agreement with him when she gets home. If he was going to stay in her house and eat her food, then he should as well be useful to her.
Away from there, in Hunter's office, as the afternoon turned into evening, Fred walked into his office with a young man in tow.
"Who is this?" Hunter asked, looking from Fred to the young man and then back again.
"I am Hunter Quinn," he said pleasantly, and Fred kicked his shin, making him groan.
"This is Alex. He's a professional actor who specializes in impersonations. He's going to stand in for you as you requested," Fred explained, and Hunter took a second look Alex.
He was of similar build and height to Hunter, with an air of confidence about him. Hunter scrutinized Alex, noting his demeanor and presence. "Think you can handle this?"
Alex nodded. "I've done similar jobs before. Just give me the details, and I'll make sure no one suspects a thing."
Hunter smiled, satisfied. "Good. Fred will brief you on everything. Remember, you're me, that means you can not act as you please. Most importantly, as regards Delilah, you are not allowed to touch her…"
"What about a handshake?" Alex asked, and Hunter nodded.
"That's the maximum contact you're allowed. Do not exceed that regardless of whatever she does," he instructed.
"What about a hand kiss?" He asked, and Hunter's eyes narrowed into slits as he cocked his head to the side.
"Do you have a death wish?"
Alex shook his head, and Hunter turned to Fred, "Teach him everything he needs to know about me. And get him clothes that are suited to his role. I will let him know when to make his first appearance Hunter said, and Fred nodded politely.
"We will get on it at once," he said, and led Alex out of the office.
Hunter watched them leave, satisfied with the progress. The pieces were falling into place, and he felt a surge of anticipation.
The only thing that bothered him right now, was this engagement that his grandmother had thrown in. He wasn't sure yet if it was going to affect things positively or negatively.
Hunter couldn't help but think about Delilah. He wondered what she was thinking and planning now that she was determined to have him.
He smiled when he remembered how she had said she was even more interested in him now. Well, he wished her good luck with winning his heart. He really hoped she would triumph over Chloe, whoever that was.