1

All my thoughts led me here, to the private restrooms of the largest reception hall in town.

Tonight is the annual gala to celebrate the new millennium and, to my greatest satisfaction, this year's theme is the masquerade ball. What better way to maintain the mystery of a false identity?

Another advantage of this ceremony: the biggest billionaires of the elitist scene are present. But who says gatherings of the most influential, also says personal invitation... So how did I get into it?

Nothing could be simpler: don't think of guests, but of service personnel.

I applied to be a waitress a month ago, my application was accepted. It must be said that having a governess for a mother has more advantages than you might think. We also have our network of contacts, what do you think?

I am therefore officially one of the countless employees of this ceremony who has just disappeared subtly without anyone noticing. The manager barely knows our names.

My eyes stop one last time on the mirror.

Did I tell you that my second passion was styling? It's amazing what you can do with a second-hand dress, lace and a few beads.

So I introduce myself again: Sofia, a wealthy heiress who recently immigrated from England to complete her studies in one of the best fashion schools.

Styling being my favorite field, it will make it more believable, and I know the map of London as well as an Audrey Hepburn film.

As for the first name, it will be easier for me to keep the same. After all, no one knows little Sofia, the governess's daughter. Besides, there will come a time when I will have to announce my true identity, the very moment when my rich companion will offer to save me à la Pretty Woman, so best to minimize the lies.

My outfit is ready, I just have to tie the mask under the wavy locks of my bun. I put my hand on the handle and the music hums through the door.

The ball is just waiting for its Cinderella.

The lodge overlooks a vestibule adorned with mouldings. I climb the stairs before revealing myself to the entire room.

A few questioning looks turn to me but everyone just seems to be enjoying the evening. It's far from being the dazzling entrance to a fairy tale, I warned you: no window dressing.

I take this opportunity to scan the room quickly, trying to spot familiar faces. It's more complicated than I thought with the masks.

A waiter passes by me and I snatch a glass of champagne from him. The alcohol bubbles tickle my throat giving me the courage to keep going.

My ideal man is a billionaire, in the 19/35 bracket - I'm 25 - and single. A wife is so disturbing, I will be entitled to a few presents but I deserve better than being a simple mistress who has no say.

I told you, I'm looking for a real relationship.

Billionaire is a landing. The best thing is that he is, but the main thing is to choose the general manager. A simple employee has no guarantee of keeping his money and his prestige.

Well anyway, have you ever seen a billionaire employee?

- Is it you who released all the evils of humanity?

I turn to the deep voice behind me.

A tall man in a blue mask and matching suit stands tall. From his tone I estimate that he is in his thirties. From the color of his hair and his clothing style, I guess it's Derek Liverson, recently CEO of the Jehnsen company.

He is in the diamond business and therefore very rich. It is said that he is looking for a young wife to ensure his offspring. It's disgusting said like that but he remains one of the most attractive men despite his age.

- I beg your pardon ? I replied, letting him approach.

- If Pandora were to exist, you would be a carbon copy of it.

Witty flattery, I must admit...

- Think again, it exists and it's not me.

- Tell me, who are you referring to? he asks, curious.

- It is given many names: euros, dollars or even dinars among our neighbours.

He laughs while carrying on the conversation:

- What was in the box again? Old age, illness, war, famine, misery... Hmm, I think I also remember madness, vice, deceit, passion. And then, pride? You are right, I think you have unmasked it.

- You forgot hope, I corrected raising my glass.

He follows me and we toast.

In the distance, I recognize the outfit specially made in honor of Pedro Martinez. He is the leader of the largest haute couture factory in the country, from which the favorite handbags of thousands of women come out. He is younger, but unfortunately gay. Anyway, these are just rumors but I'm afraid they are true.

The shadow of a thin figure suddenly interrupts our conversation and Derek flees to the other end of the room.

By identifying the person in question, I can't blame him.

It is none other than Tiffany, a plague of first who devotes her life to destroying that of others. It is, therefore, the favorite of the magazine People who does not stop putting it on the front page in exchange for some juicy gossip.

She looks down at me, analyzing my outfit.

There's no point in being haughty if you're unsure of yourself. If you want to be a professional bitch, you have to make other people believe that you are legitimate to treat them like shit. And Tiffany does this wonderfully.

- It's an original dress, she breathes like the most beautiful compliment coming from her mouth.

- I have a private designer who makes some of my clothes.

- The color is perfect for your shade, I would like to have the same designer.

- THANKS.

She looks at me for another second before realizing that I won't give her a reference.

For her part, she looked for a perfect replica of the Patricia Norris black sequin dress, otherwise known as one of the sublime pieces of Elvira Hancock's wardrobe in Scarface. Between us, this choice does not really surprise me.

- I have a gift for seeing under masks and I can affirm with an almost certain conviction that I have never seen you, she finally says, scanning me.

- To be honest, this is the first reception I've been to. My mother and I come straight from England.

- That explains everything. Your name is... ?

- Not very famous, he won't tell you anything. Unlike you obviously, I see you on the cover of almost all the People monthly magazines. I am delighted to meet you, in the same way as the president no doubt last week.

Don't underestimate the power of flattery, it gets you out of a lot of embarrassing situations...

- Dear one, being the nation's first lady in wealth is worth far more than when it comes to politics. The power is not where many think...

It is surely time to entrust you with something. I can paint him a rather pejorative portrait, but it turns out that a part of me can only admire him.

Tiffany is the wife of the richest man in the country, literally. A dean of oil who is no less than twice his age. Money has no expiration date for sure...

She may not have a husband at her best, but her life seems perfect in many other ways.

- I don't doubt it, you are a reference in this world, I replied raising my glass again.

- More than you think dear...

I feign ignorance in all its glory.

- What do you mean ?

- I have something even bigger than my money, something that is priceless. Information. I can know everything that's going on before it even happens.

- That's funny. What if we spiced up this evening a little, you and me? Announce something that's about to happen tonight and we'll watch it unfold together.

We exchange a knowing look before she answers.

- Well, honey. I was not born yesterday. First you'll have to tell me who you are if you want me to trust you.

Confidence is a very strong word coming from her mouth but she got me. Remember this: don't try to sympathize with a snake when playing in its yard.

- Actually... My mother wants to stay away from the media. She doesn't even know that I accepted the invitation for this evening.

- Your secret is well kept with me. If you got an invitation then your family is either well off or famous. If we eliminate the second possibility then you are...

This time, no chance of escaping it. I need a last name... fast.

- Hardmann. I am Sofia Hardman.

I seem to remember it being a yoghurt company in England. It doesn't look like much, but it can make millions. And at least no one will recognize.

- It does not mean anything to me, she breathes.

What was I telling you.

- I have the clear conviction that we will get along well both, she smiles. I'm going to entrust you with my finest information, we'll see if you're worthy of it.

- I'm listening to you.

- A new entrepreneur is emerging, his company has already reached 100 million in turnover. If you want my opinion, he will soon become the youngest billionaire in the country.

- How is it possible ?!

- They say he's a commercial genius who owns a hotel chain, I don't know more about that, she continues.

- She emerged suddenly?

- Like the tip of an iceberg!

- I don't remember hearing about it in the media...

- The CEO is hiding from the cameras, no one knows his true identity. He hasn't given any interviews, no receptions and doesn't even advertise. Everything seems to work on reputation, the only information he leaves us are the addresses of his hotels.

This piques my curiosity but all this is far from enough. She does not tell me everything, I will put my hand to cut.

- You don't know more than the others after all? I still don't see the information you promised me.

- You're smart, kid. My confidence is as follows: he would have taken advantage of the masks to make a small entrance this evening.

- Does anyone know? I whispered in the same tone as the conversation.

- There are two of us now.

A millionaire at the perfect age for me, would that be a dream? If he's new here, it lessens my fear of being found out.

But I mustn't rush: the faster the rise, the faster the fall is likely to be too. If this young entrepreneur does not find a way to manage his money and the competition, he will fall back into oblivion as suddenly as he came out of it.

- Your secret is mine.

- Between us, if I weren't chained to oil, you know what I would have done, she says with a wink. What are you going to do with this information?

She gives me a mischievous smile that I decide to return. I'm starting to like her too, but she won't break my guard that easily.

Another guest grabs Tiffany's attention and I grab a glass of champagne and walk away.

I don't know where this mysterious contractor is, but I'll take a look and see if I can spot him.

Earlier in the evening, Léo Jovani had posted a photo of his mask on the networks. It is none other than the heir to the DPM industry.

Heir yes, he is unfortunately only 19 years old and his father will only bequeath this property to him in a few years. Patience is the mother of all virtue, isn't it?

I walk towards his white suit, surprisingly well matched to the colors of his mask.

- You look like you need a drink.

- You can't imagine how much, he replies, laughing. I'm not used to this kind of parties.

- I'm going to tell you something: it's my first time too.

Here we go again for little Sofia, who came straight from an English-speaking country. I pretend to be surprised at the announcement of his name and, after talking for a while, a certain complicity is established.

About ten minutes later, I'm starting to get bored. He's cute but not really my style. What wouldn't we do for a few billion?

- Oh my God ! I exclaimed.

Who is this stupid person who just spilled his cocktail on my dress?!

- Thousand excuses ! I hadn't seen you, hastens to say an elderly stranger.

- It doesn't matter.

Stupid old man!

- Excuse me for a minute, I'm going to clean myself up.

- Of course, Leo answers. I don't really know where the toilets are...

- I'll manage, don't worry.

It is absolutely necessary that I recover this bloody dress to sell it and refund its starting price.

I'm walking straight to the bathroom analyzing the stain when someone pops up in front of me. I jostle him in my tracks then exclaim without taking my eyes off the task:

- Excuse me, I'm in a hurry.

I move away but the unknown follows, it's starting to get on my nerves.

- Can't you see that I have-

Looking up, I see a tall man with an incredible build in his all-black three-piece suit.

We can hardly distinguish the features of his face as his mask covers him. I barely see the outline of her lips and her eyes, revealing two mesmerizing turquoise irises.