"Yeah, what?" Phoebe asked, getting straight to the point when Riana called her.
"I just wanted to check in. the marketing team from the perfume brand just reached out," Riana's voice sounded ecstatic over the line. "They are thrilled. The campaign has only been live for a few hours, and the engagement is already off the charts. Their social media following is surging, and the feedback has been incredible."
Leaning back against the car seat, Phoebe watched the busy Sydney streets blur past. "Oh, really? I'm glad to hear that. Even though I was in a bit of a mood during the shoot because of … well, him," she admitted candidly, recalling the annoying questions about Nick before the session began.
"I understand. I'll send the rest of the details over in a formal report later."
"Alright," Phoebe replied shortly before ending the call.
The interior of the car felt quiet after the hang-up. Julian had insisted on dropping her off, as the Café was on his way to a meeting with a high-profile client. Besides, he genuinely enjoyed every moment he spent with her.
"Their advertising budget must be massive," Julian remarked, nodding toward a large digital billboard on the corner displaying Phoebe's campaign video. "Your face is everywhere."
Glancing at her own reflection on the screen, Phoebe offered a faint smirk. "I didn't expect it to be this extensive either. But I appreciate the efficiency. At least they know how to make the most of a top-tier brand ambassador like me," she said, before breaking into a light laugh at her own confident joke.
Julian smiled and nodded, he knew she wasn't exaggerating. Eventually, the car pulled up in front of an upscale café. "Is Celia here yet?" he asked, checking his watch. "If not, let me wait with you for a bit."
"No need," Phoebe shook her head, adjusting her bag. "Celia's already inside. You should head to your meeting, don't keep your client waiting just to playing chauffeur for me."
"Fair enough. Let me know when you're done, okay?"
"I will. Thanks for the ride, Julian," Phoebe replied with a small, appreciative nod.
With practiced grace, Phoebe stepped out of the car. She made her way toward the Café, ready to find Celia and set the next part of her plan in motion.
*****
"Phoebe! I've seen your ads all over the place on my way here! You're amazing, and you look breathtaking! God, my best friend is a total superstar!" a high-pitched, excited squeal erupted from Celia the moment they met.
A faint smirk played on Phoebe's lips as she arched an eyebrow. "Hey, have you forgotten who your best friend is?" she asked with mock seriousness. This world was far from new to her, but seeing Celia this hyped was always entertaining.
Laughter filled the air as they settled into their seats. "I know, I know," Celia continued, still grinning. "I'm sure you're tired of me fawning over your work, but this time … it's just different!"
The excitement was palpable, especially as Celia pulled out her phone to show a video she'd captured of the digital billboards downtown.
"Many brands look good because you're the face of them, but … don't you feel like this one stands out?" Celia leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a curious whisper. "Are they some massive brand? They seem so professional, and their ads are literally everywhere. Yet, honestly, I've never even heard of this perfume, and I've never seen you wear it before?"
Phoebe didn't answer immediately. She took a slow, deliberate sip of her hot cappuccino, letting the warmth settle. "To be honest, I don't know much about them either. From what they told me … they aren't a big brand. In fact, their offer was only slightly above my usual rate. That's why I'm just as surprised as you are to see the ads everywhere. But if they have the budget for this kind of promotion despite paying me a modest fee, I don't mind. I enjoyed the collaboration, and it means they know how to play the momentum. They should be making a fortune from this."
The conversation drifted into smaller topics until it was suddenly interrupted. A waiter approached their table, carrying a luxurious box that immediately caught their attention. Confusion flickered in Phoebe's eyes.
"Who is this from? I didn't order any gifts. Why am I receiving this?"
"My apologies Miss. I'm not sure. I was simply instructed to deliver this to you," the waiter replied politely.
"Are you sure you have the right person? The right table?" Phoebe pressed, her tone sharpening as she looked for any sign of a mistake.
"Table 71, for Miss Phoebe Fortunata. No mistake, Miss." With a quick nod, the waiter turned on his heel and disappeared, leaving them staring at the mysterious gift.
"Who is it from?" Celia whispered, her eyes wide. "What's inside? Open it!"
Suspicion weighed heavy in Phoebe's chest. She had a gut feeling this came from the same people who had been haunting her thoughts. She nudged the box toward Celia. "You do it. Go ahead and open it."
With trembling hands, Celia lifted the lid of the black velvet box. A soft gasp escaped her lips. "Oh my God! Phoebe!"
Resting on a bed of midnight-blue silk was an exquisite Diamond brooch, a custom-designed piece encrusted with rare diamonds. Tucked beside it was a card made of heavy, cream-colored linen. No name, no initials. Just a short, powerful message in bold, elegant handwriting:
'Congratulations on the launch. The city looks far more elegant with your face adorning its corners. Wear this, so the world knows you are the only one who belongs at the top.'
A stunned silence followed. Celia looked like she was about to faint. "Hey! This is a custom piece! There's no name … but this person sounds incredibly … devoted and obscenely wealthy!"
Phoebe remained silent, her gaze locked on the shimmering diamonds. The absence of a signature made it even more mysterious, unsettling her composure. Her mind raced, trying to guess the figure behind such opulence. The phrase about her face 'adorning the city's corners' only deepened her conviction that someone powerful was watching her every move from the shadows.
Fingers tapped the marble tabletop in a steady, rhythmic cadence. Phoebe's mind drifted to the series of lavish gifts that had appeared without a clear sender.
"He always provides such luxury, delivered with a touch of mystery and elegance. He is clearly no ordinary man," she thought gravely. "But does he have the courage to actually face me?"
Narrowed eyes scanned the perimeter of the upscale Café. Although she had no information on his identity yet, she was certain that he or his people, were close by, watching her.
A triumphant smile played on her lips. She knew exactly how to lure a predator out of the shadows. Suddenly, she stood up.
"Hey! Where are you going?" Celia asked, startled by her friend's abrupt movement.
"Wait here, I'm heading to the counter," Phoebe replied shortly.
Every click of her heels radiated absolute confidence as she walked with her chin tilted up. She didn't look around conspicuously, yet her senses were sharp. She reached the barista station, where the rich aroma of expensive coffee lingered in the air.
"Yes, Miss? Is there anything I can help you with?" the server behind the machine asked politely.
"May I borrow a pen and a slip of paper?" Phoebe asked directly.
Swift, elegant strokes filled the small notepad as she wrote with a steady hand:
"I do not know your whereabouts or your identity. But if you have a specific intent regarding me, then meet me within the next 48 hours. I am open to a meeting. However, if you miss that window, you will lose the chance to find me in any 'coincidence' ever again."
The paper was folded neatly before being handed back to the server. "Please give this to the waiter who delivered the gift box to table 71 earlier," she instructed firmly.
The server looked momentarily confused. "May I ask what the waiter looked like, Miss?"
A faint, enigmatic smile was her only answer. "I didn't catch the details. But I believe if you ask who attended to table 71, they will acknowledge it."
"Understood, Miss. I will pass it along immediately."
"Thank you."
Turning on her heel, Phoebe walked back to her table with a much calmer heart. She understood the type of man she was dealing with, Men of great power usually possessed even greater pride.
"He is undoubtedly someone who hates being underestimated," she thought as she sat back down next to Celia. "And I am certain this bait will make him emerge or at the very least, force him to reveal his true identity."
"What exactly did you do? Did you meet the person who gave you that gift?" Celia asked, her voice laced with frantic curiosity.
"No, I didn't meet him," Phoebe replied calmly. Her short answer only seemed to deepen Celia's confusion.
"Then what was that all about?" Celia pressed, leaning in closer. "But, you know … I have this feeling that the person who sent you this today is the same one who's been sending you all those other gifts lately, the ones you told me about."
A clear, confident smile spread across Phoebe's lips. "I'm certain it's the same person. And I'm just as certain that he will finally show himself to me."
Celia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you … are you sure about that?"