CAUGHT IN HIS WEB

CHAPTER 5

Nia ended the call with Jack, a soft smile playing on her lips. He had agreed to cover her counter, allowing her to return Lena Duvernoy’s lost handbag.

Jack had been her closest friend since they met six months ago. He always ensured she was comfortable and at ease and had been covering for her during her school hours for the past three months. He didn't mind helping her, having graduated high school two years ago.

Letting her long black hair cascade over her shoulders, Nia checked her reflection in the mirror one last time.

Satisfied with how she looked, she grabbed the handbag and carefully placed it inside a bigger bag for safety reasons. The bag was too flashy and people could easily recognise it as the missing handbag of Lena Duvernoy.

She flagged down a cab, and gave the driver the address for Duvernoy’s Avenue.

The ride was quiet, but her thoughts weren’t. Memories of last night’s frantic search on Google replayed in her mind. She had spent hours going over every detail about Logan Duvernoy—the rude, sharp-tongued guy she had encountered at the sidewalk—and his equally entitled friends. They were known as the SOB at their elite school: Sons of Billionaires.

At just 19, Logan and his friends carried power beyond their years, power that terrified Nia. A single phone call from him could ruin her family. How could she remain bold and confident if she met him here? Could she maintain her composure, knowing how easily he could crush her?

The cab came to a stop at the entrance to Duvernoy’s Avenue. After paying the driver, Nia stepped out and stared at her surroundings in awe.

Tall, green-leaved trees lined the immaculate street, their branches forming a canopy over the clean pavement. Vibrant flowers peeked out from beneath the trees, adding splashes of color to the serene environment.

As she walked down the avenue, the imposing black gates of the Duvernoy residence came into view. The high fence stretched endlessly in both directions, confirming what she’d read online—this was the only house on the street. In fact, they owned the street.

The mansion itself was barely visible behind the fence, but the glimpses she caught revealed towering walls and large windows framed with gold.

Three tall security guards in black tuxedos stood at the gate. The one with a dark complexion and a buzz cut stepped forward, his demeanor professional but friendly.

“You must be Nia,” he said, a smile lighting up his handsome face.

“Yes,” she replied, her voice steady though her heart raced.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Franklin, the chief of security here,” he introduced, extending his hand.

Nia hesitated. The name tugged at her memory before the realization hit—Franklin was the person Logan had threatened to call during their confrontation.

Faking a smile, she shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you too.”

“Come on in. Everyone’s been waiting for you,” Franklin said, leading her inside.

Nia followed him into the compound and stopped in her tracks. The grandeur before her left her breathless.

A sprawling mansion with towering gold-rimmed glass windows stood in the distance. Closer by was a two-story duplex, likely for staff. Between them stretched manicured green lawns, a pristine driveway, and a central fountain that gleamed like gold. Two rectangular swimming pools flanked the driveway, their surfaces shimmering under the sunlight.

Even the security personnels seemed to belong in a movie, dressed sharply and positioned strategically around the estate. Nearby, five massive dogs roamed in a large, barred enclosure.

Nia had never seen anything more stunning and impressive than the mansion in front of her and its dreamy environment in her life. She heard Franklin chuckle beside her as he stared at her, with her mouth hung open in awe.

“First time seeing something like this?” He asked, with a smile still playing on his lips.

Nia nodded, her voice barely a whisper.

“Here is unbelievable, I haven't seen anything this beautiful in my life. I thought places like this existed only in movies,”

Franklin smirked.

“It's the Duvernoy's residence we're talking about dear.”

Yea, home to one of the richest men in America. She shouldn't have expected anything less.

The walk to the mansion felt endless, with every step revealing more of its breathtaking beauty.

“That duplex is for the security team and staff, right?” Nia asked, trying to distract herself from her nerves.

“Correct,” Franklin replied, his tone light.

As they approached the fountain, the grand double doors of the mansion opened. Lena Duvernoy, the true definition of elegance and beauty emerged. Beside her stood Dianne, her striking daughter, who radiated beauty accompanied by two women in tailored tuxedos.

“Here she is, ma’am,” Franklin announced.

Lena’s smile was warm and welcoming, her green eyes sparkling as she greeted Nia.

“Welcome, dear,” Lena said, her voice soft and inviting. “I’m Lena Duvernoy, and this is my daughter, Dianne. You must be Nia.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Nia replied, her voice trembling slightly.

“I’m so pleased to meet you. Come, have a seat,” Lena said, gesturing to a luxurious sitting area adorned with expensive sofas and vases overflowing with fresh flowers.

Nia sat across from Dianne, who offered her a kind smile.

“I can’t believe this is real,” Dianne said. “When I heard about the handbag, I thought it was too good to be true. But now that you’re here...”

Nia returned the smile, unsure of how to respond. Reaching into her bag, she picked out the handbag and handed it carefully to Lena.

Lena gasped, her eyes wide with delight.

“Oh my goodness, it’s really here!”

Dianne and the other women beamed as Lena clutched the bag like it was the rarest treasure.

Nia had read about the handbag online, how it came about, and how it had gotten stolen.

She knew it meant a lot to Lena.

The opening of the gate and the sound of an engine drew their attention. Nia turned to see an expensive yellow car—one she’d only seen in movies—glide through the gates and park beside the fountain which was close to the sit out where they sat.

Dianne grinned.

“The devil’s here.”

Nia’s heart plummeted as Logan stepped out of the car. Obviously the shadows of the sidewalk last night had concealed his beauty.

He happened to be unbelievably more stunning than the mansion and the environment put together. With golden curls, smoldering hazel eyes, and a body that could make sin feel innocent, Logan was pure temptation.

When his gaze landed on her, her pulse quickened. A smug smile spread across his lips, and Nia’s chest tightened.

What am I supposed to do now?