Had considered the idea of harming Amy. How she had managed to orchestrate an evening with Callum Black remained a mystery to me, leaving me shaken by the mere thought of it. I hurried home after sending her a vague text in response, feeling the strong urge to back out. I wanted to fabricate an excuse, but that would likely raise more questions. Thus, I found myself on my bed, pondering what attire would be suitable for the occasion.

My mind was swirling with the prospect of the impending night out, scheduled to commence soon. The plan was to meet Amy outside my complex at 9:30, while the clock currently displayed 8. Admittedly, I wasn't one to indulge in excessive dressing up, yet an unusual inclination pushed me to do so this evening. Could it be the presence of a particular billionaire that motivated this change? If that was the case, I resolved not to make a special effort solely for that reason.

And so, I found myself learning the art of applying eyeliner and mastering the technique of effortlessly wearing red lipstick. It wasn't about proving a point, no. As I painstakingly curled my hair, which cascaded down to my mid-back, I selected an all-black club dress, rediscovering it buried within my closet. While the red lips posed a challenge, I anticipated growing self-conscious as the night wore on and the lipstick might come off. Thus, I persisted for the time being.

In my bathroom, while completing my preparations, a message arrived on my phone from the dining room. Rushing to read it, I found Amy's text:

"Damn," I muttered, returning to the bathroom to add the finishing touches. I fluffed my hair and tidied any excess eyeliner smudges from beneath my eyes. The red lip, bound to fade, was given a final touch-up before I grabbed my black heels.

Clutch in hand by the door, I double-checked for my keys and hastened to the ground level to meet Amy. My heart raced as I hurried down the front steps, a mix of nerves about who would be in the car and who I'd encounter. Would Callum accompany Leo? Would pretense be necessary from the moment I entered the vehicle?

"Get in, babes!" called my exuberant best friend from the sleek black SUV that had just arrived. I smiled at her infectious enthusiasm and slid into the back seat.

Noting the absence of anyone else in the back, I deduced it was just Leo driving. Instantly, my heart rate slowed and some of my anxiety abated.

"Hello, Gianna... good to see you again," Leo's voice came from the front seat.

I met his gaze in the rearview mirror and offered a faint smile.

"Leo mentioned his friend will join us there, so you won't be the third wheel all night," my best friend relayed from the front seat, winking at me.

"Nice," I responded with a restrained smile.

"Girl, you're stunning tonight! That red lip... men won't be able to resist!" she exclaimed before turning her attention back to the front.

Leo's eyes met mine again in the rearview mirror, a smirk playing on his lips. I narrowed my eyes and looked away, catching glimpses of random pop songs as we journeyed to the club. Before I knew it, we were pulling up at the entrance.

"If you ladies want to head inside, I'll park the car and join you at the table," Leo offered, turning toward us.

Amy smiled at him and leaned over, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks," she purred with a sultry tone, giving him a wink. I observed his cheeks flush slightly, and he cleared his throat before turning away.

As I watched the two of them, a hope stirred within me that this was all genuine and not some twisted means of surveillance. Leo better not be playing along solely for Callum's sake, as that would be grounds for me to put an end to this peculiar game.