The atmosphere in the house changed after that conversation.
Vanessa was no longer as warm as she had been during the first few days.
She still smiled.
She still spoke politely.
But something about her tone had become colder.
Two days later, she called Stephanie and Maya into the living room.
The girls sat down across from her, both a little nervous.
Vanessa folded her hands calmly.
"I've been thinking about what you said."
Stephanie and Maya exchanged a quick glance.
Vanessa continued.
"I understand that this is new to you. I also understand that you might feel uncomfortable."
Her voice sounded patient… but there was a quiet firmness behind it.
"But you must also understand something," she added.
"I brought you here. I gave you a place to stay. I've taken care of everything since you arrived."
Neither of the girls spoke.
Vanessa leaned back in her chair.
"I didn't do all of that because I enjoy charity."
The words hung in the air.
Maya shifted slightly in her seat.
"We're grateful," she said quickly.
Vanessa gave a small nod.
"I know you are."
She paused before continuing.
"So I've decided something."
Stephanie felt a small knot form in her stomach.
"I will give you an easier start," Vanessa said.
"What do you mean?" Maya asked.
Vanessa smiled slightly.
"Tonight, you will simply meet someone."
"Just a conversation," she added.
"No pressure."
Stephanie frowned.
"That's all?"
"Yes," Vanessa replied smoothly.
"A young man will be joining you for dinner."
She looked directly at Stephanie.
"He specifically asked for someone like you."
Stephanie felt uncomfortable immediately.
"What do you mean… someone like me?"
Vanessa shrugged lightly.
"Young. Beautiful. Calm."
Then she turned to Maya.
"And another guest will keep you company as well."
Maya hesitated.
"So… we're just talking?"
Vanessa nodded.
"Exactly."
"Just keep them company."
Stephanie still looked unsure.
But Maya leaned closer to her and whispered quietly.
"Steph… maybe it's not a big deal."
Stephanie looked at her.
"We don't know these people."
"I know," Maya replied softly.
"But she said it's just dinner and conversation."
Stephanie sighed.
Everything inside her felt uncertain.
But they were in a country they didn't know.
They had nowhere else to go.
And Vanessa had already made it clear that she expected something in return.
Later that evening, Vanessa's driver took them to a luxurious hotel restaurant in the city.
Everything inside looked expensive.
Crystal lights.
Soft music.
People dressed in elegant clothing.
Stephanie felt completely out of place.
Across the room sat the young man Vanessa had mentioned.
He looked no older than twenty-three.
Well dressed.
Confident.
And clearly very wealthy.
His eyes immediately settled on Stephanie when she walked in.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Ah," he said as they approached.
"So you must be the new one."
Stephanie sat down across from him, trying to stay calm.
"My name is Stephanie."
The young man leaned back comfortably in his chair.
"I'm Adrian."
The waiter poured drinks while they talked.
At first, the conversation felt normal.
Adrian asked questions about where she was from.
What she liked.
What she wanted in life.
But after a while, his tone slowly changed.
He leaned closer across the table.
"So…" he said casually.
"Should we go somewhere more private?"
Stephanie blinked.
"What do you mean?"
Adrian chuckled softly.
"You know what I mean."
Stephanie shook her head immediately.
"No."
Adrian looked surprised.
"No?"
"I was told this was just dinner," Stephanie said firmly.
"Just conversation."
Adrian stared at her for a moment.
Then he laughed.
A short, amused laugh.
"You're serious?"
Stephanie didn't smile.
"I'm not here for anything else."
Adrian leaned back in his chair again, studying her carefully.
For the first time since they met…
He looked genuinely intrigued.
"Well," he said slowly.
"This is interesting."