Chapter 4

"You're the same woman as before..." Beckett said in a cold tone before glancing at the girl. "I told you to go home, didn't I?" he added, but Vivianne didn't immediately respond.

Beckett was almost taken aback by the appearance of the woman in front of him. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she couldn't walk properly.

But that wasn't what he noticed. Her gaze shifted to the small wounds on the girl's arms. Vivianne had fair skin, so even a slight grip would surely leave prominent red marks.

And Beckett was certain on his hunch, too. He knew that someone had tightly gripped Vivianne's arm, given the terror he could see in her eyes.

'Fuck that guard. I told him to ensure the woman's safety,' Beckett thought as he clenched his fists, annoyed.

But his annoyance was quickly replaced by surprise when Vivianne suddenly answered him. "Well, I don't want to go home yet! I just wanted to have a drink, is that not allowed?" she said, rolling her eyes.

Beckett was astounded by Vivianne's sudden change of attitude. No one had ever treated him this way, and he had mixed emotions about it. He was irritated and yet amused.

He was irritated because Vivianne didn't follow his instructions, and yet he was amused because she treated him like an ordinary person. For the first time, someone didn't treat him as someone to be worshiped.

It was just a while ago that she asked for his help, and now she was angry. Beckett furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Why does it seem like you're madder than I am—"

Beckett didn't finish his sentence as Vivianne suddenly pushed him against his car. She placed both hands on Beckett's head, her gaze sharp.

"I don't have time for this, just so you know," Vivianne said, biting her lip, appearing annoyed and nervous. "Help me. I beg you."

In an instant, Vivianne's expression changed. Her stubborn attitude earlier suddenly turned into a pitiful one. Vivianne's eyes sparkled with awe, causing Beckett to hold his breath for a moment.

"And why would I help you?"

Beckett raised an eyebrow, his gaze moving from Vivianne's slightly reddened lips to her smooth neck. His gaze lingered there, making him swallow.

Fortunately, he was wearing a face mask, so Vivianne couldn't see the slight movement of his lips.

Vivianne didn't answer. Instead, she bit her lip briefly and avoided his gaze. After a moment, she finally responded.

"Because I need help," Vivianne answered, her voice trembling.

"Is that even a valid reason?" Beckett chuckled, his eyes filled with a mix of desire and admiration for the first time. "Just because you need help doesn't mean I should help you."

Given how drunk Vivianne was, Beckett could easily overpower her in an instant. However, he was enjoying the scene. It was his first time seeing someone take on a masculine side, especially toward him.

Vivianne clicked her tongue, slightly annoyed and dizzy at the same time. She was sure the men earlier had put something in her drink, which made her feel different. She knew she wouldn't be able to fight them off properly, so she decided to run.

Apart from feeling dizzy, she also felt hot. She knew what was happening to her. She was a virgin, and she wouldn't let those crackheads take her body, which she reserved for her future husband.

But she felt different with Beckett. Vivianne couldn't understand herself, but there was a strange warmth that the man's gaze brought to her.

Suddenly, Vivianne found Beckett strangely handsome, and he looked even more appealing up close. She wanted to see more... She wanted to see his face fully, so Vivianne reached out and touched Beckett's face mask with her hand.

"What are you doing?" Beckett asked, puzzled, before grabbing her wrist.

But Vivianne didn't respond. Suddenly, she seemed hypnotized by something. Her eyes became even more intense, and her lips parted.

Beckett's gaze fixated on her, but he quickly snapped out of it. In one swift move, they switched positions. Vivianne was now the one pinned against the car, while Beckett stood in front of her.

Vivianne winced as her back forcefully hit the car.

"I'll repeat this since it looks like you didn't understand what I said earlier." Beckett leaned closer to Vivianne's ear. "Just because you need my help doesn't mean I need to help you."

"Is that so?" Vivianne clicked her tongue. She was calm earlier, but when she saw men approaching them, she suddenly became alert. "Well, then. I guess I need to force the help out of you."

Vivianne's move was even faster than Beckett's. In an instant, she grabbed the key from Beckett's hand and quickly opened the car door. Before Beckett even realized it, Vivianne was already in the driver's seat, waiting for him.

"Fuck?" Beckett grunted, confused and amused at the same time.

"Hop in before they come!" Vivianne shouted, glancing back at the men who were chasing them, which brought him back to reality. "Hurry! If they catch us, we'll be in trouble!" she added, causing Beckett to chuckle slightly.

Beckett didn't go to the passenger seat. Instead, he opened the car door on the driver's side and pushed Vivianne away.

"Wow, such a gentleman, huh?!" Vivianne exclaimed before she hit her head on the window. She was slightly dazed by the impact.

"Thank you," Beckett sarcastically replied and started the engine.

Vivianne winced and didn't respond. After all, she was the one who asked for help, so for now, she would try to behave.

Beckett drove the car and left the place, but he didn't use the main exit that ordinary customers use. There was another exit for VIPs like him, and Vivianne took advantage of that knowledge. If she left through that exit, she was sure that the men wouldn't be able to follow them.

And that's exactly what happened. Vivianne was able to escape safely, but for Beckett, it was uncertain as he needed to settle things with the woman first.

When Beckett saw a less crowded area, he stopped the car there. He removed his face mask and cap, knowing that the car's windows were tinted. No one could take a picture of him.

"Why did you stop?" Vivianne asked, furrowing her brows.

Beckett ignored her question and took out his wallet, pulling out some money. "How much?" he asked.

"Huh?" Vivianne tilted her head, confused.

"How much do I need to give you in exchange for keeping this a secret?" Beckett clarified his earlier question. "Name your price."

"Hmmm... One hundred trillion pesos," Vivianne proudly replied.

"What the fuck?" Beckett raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Questa donna astuta." [This cunning woman.]

"You keep asking about the price and then insult me in another language." Vivianne crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Speak in English. You’re in America, after all. Or you’re cursing me… Aren’t you?”

Beckett snapped his neck as he was losing patience. He looked at Vivianne closely before responding, "Don't fool me, woman."

Those words were short, but enough for Vivianne's fear to creep onto her body.

Despite being a Filipino-Italian who had spent most of his childhood in Milan, Beckett understood different languages like Tagalog ang English. It was the language his mother always used with him, and he was grateful for it. It helped him adjust quickly to the places where he went.

"Hey, do you think you can fool everyone with your celebrity status?" Vivianne asked, trying to regain her composure, which brought Beckett back to reality.

"Not because of me being an actor, but because of this." Beckett raised the money in his hand. "If you can't save yourself from stupidity, it's better not to involve anyone in it."

Beckett's voice was incredibly cold, not just cold, but harsh, causing Vivianne to blink twice in disbelief.

"I-I mean—"

Vivianne didn't finish her sentence as Beckett suddenly approached her. There was an intimidating aura emanating from him. "Lady, just in case you're not aware, you're wasting my damn time. This is a warning. Don't tell anyone that you saw me today."

"I won't tell anyone—"

"Everyone says the same thing. I've heard that countless times," Beckett interjected sarcastically.

'Ah... Shit.'

Vivianne was starting to get annoyed. She didn't immediately respond to Beckett because she was afraid of forgetting that she was talking to a famous and arrogant man. The alcohol running through her body didn't help either, making her suddenly brave.

She was in the midst of contemplation when suddenly the car door next to her opened, indicating that it was unlocked.

"Leave. Now," Beckett ordered. "If you don't want to accept the money, just get out of my sight," he added, his words were rude and merciless.

That was the last straw for Vivianne. She had run out of patience.

As her job was related to the showbiz industry, Vivianne always tried to think carefully and maintain her patience before speaking. That way, she could avoid trouble.

But it was different with Beckett. She felt that she wouldn't be able to silence herself unless she could get revenge.

And it seemed that harsh words wouldn't be enough for him.

"Fine," Vivianne said before raising both hands. "But let me give you a memory to remember, Beckett Clainfer."

Beckett raised an eyebrow in response, confused by Vivianne's words. But before he knew it, a strong punch landed on his face. With such force, Beckett's other cheek hit the window.

Vivianne tried to take advantage of Beckett's surprise to escape, but she was taken aback when the man suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"Don't let me see you again. I'll make your life miserable if you do," Beckett said firmly as if restraining his anger. "Lo ricordi, signora." [Remember that, lady.]

After that, Beckett released Vivianne, who quickly got out of the car, and ran away.

Vivianne knew she wouldn't be able to catch up with Beckett since he valued his reputation. After all, he was not just an actor and a model. He was one of the most famous ones internationally.

Vivianne's heart pounded rapidly with fear and excitement, knowing that she had just punched the Nation's Perfect Guy in the face.

If she were in a clear state of mind, she would have realized that it was the dumbest thing she had ever done in her life, and not getting drunk because of Tristan.