Jessica walked into the Grand Hall of Dragon Bay Villa. Her jaw hit the floor.
The ceiling was three stories high, adorned with gold leaf. A live string quartet was playing soft classical music in the corner. A long table was filled with lobsters, caviar, and vintage wines.
Standing at the top of the grand staircase was Alex. He held a crystal glass of red wine. He looked down at her like an Emperor looking at a peasant.
"Alex!" Jessica cried out, putting on her most emotional face. She ran toward the stairs, tears welling up in her eyes (a trick she had mastered years ago). "Oh, Alex! I missed you so much! I was so wrong!"
She reached out to run up the stairs and hug him.
"Stop," Alex said calmly.
Two large security guards in black suits stepped in front of her, crossing their arms. They were like brick walls.
Jessica froze. "Alex? Baby? It's me. Tell them to move."
Alex slowly walked down the stairs. Each step echoed in the silent hall. He stopped five steps above her, looking down.
"You said you realized you made a mistake," Alex said, his voice smooth. "What mistake was that, Jessica?"
"Leaving you!" Jessica sobbed. "I was blinded by David! He manipulated me! I never loved him, Alex. I always loved you. I only dated him because... because I wanted to help you pay your debts! I sacrificed myself for you!"
It was a lie so shameless that even the butler, Sebastian, scoffed audibly.
Alex smiled. It was a dazzling smile, boosted by his +50 Charm. Jessica felt her knees go weak. He believes me! she thought. I've got him!
"You sacrificed yourself?" Alex chuckled. "That is very noble."
He snapped his fingers.
"Sebastian, bring the gift."
Sebastian walked forward holding a silver tray. On it sat a small velvet box. The kind used for engagement rings.
Jessica's heart exploded. A ring? Already? He wants to propose?!
She knew it! He was still obsessed with her! She was going to be the Mistress of Dragon Bay! She would never have to work again!
"Oh, Alex..." Jessica wiped her fake tears, reaching for the box. "You didn't have to..."
"Open it," Alex said.
Jessica opened the box with trembling hands.
Inside, there was no diamond ring.
There was a crumpled receipt. And a single, dirty $1 bill.
Jessica blinked. "What... what is this?"
"The receipt," Alex said coldness replacing the warmth in his eyes, "is for the anniversary dinner you made me pay for three years ago. The one where you ordered three desserts and then complained I was cheap."
"And the dollar?" Jessica asked, her voice shaking.
"That's your value," Alex said. "Actually, I'm overpaying. You aren't even worth that."
The silence in the hall was deafening. The string quartet stopped playing.
Jessica's face turned red, then white, then purple. "You... you invited me here to humiliate me?"
"No," Alex took a sip of wine. "I invited you here to give you a job."
"A... job?"
"We are short on staff for the toilets," Alex gestured to the back. "Since you are so good at dealing with trash like David, I figured you'd be perfect for scrubbing my floors. The pay is $10 an hour. Take it or leave it."
"You b*stard!" Jessica screamed. The facade dropped. Her face twisted into ugliness. "I left David for you! I walked out on him! I have nowhere to go! You owe me!"
"I owe you?" Alex laughed. "I owe you nothing but a nightmare."
He looked at the guards.
"She's annoying me. Throw her out."
"Yes, Master."
The two guards grabbed Jessica by her arms.
"No! Let me go! Alex! Please! I'll do anything! I'll be your maid! I'll do anything you want!" Jessica screamed, kicking and thrashing.
"Save it for the streets," Alex said, turning his back on her.
The guards dragged her to the massive front doors and tossed her out.
THUD.
She landed on the hard pavement in her expensive red dress. It started to rain.
Behind her, the massive iron gates of Dragon Bay Villa slammed shut. CLANG.
She was locked out. David hated her. Alex despised her. She had nothing.
[DING!]
[Hidden Mission Complete: The Gold Digger's End.] [Target Jessica: Destroyed.] [Rewards: +50 Charm. +1 Mystery Box.]
Alex stood in the warm, golden light of his hall. He felt a weight lift off his chest. The past was dead.
"Sebastian," Alex said.
"Sir?"
"Open the Mystery Box."