THE ALGORITHM

8.

"This bedroom is gorgeous." Victoria cheesed while clutching her Hermès bag in her hand. She stood by the threshold with a proper stance. Victoria wore a long-sleeved shirt with pants that fit her appropriately. The pumps on her feet gave her some height. Her long hair was pressed firmly against her shoulders.

Victoria was right. The bedroom was gorgeous. A king-sized bed was adorned with fine linens and plush pillows. Soft lighting and tasteful decor created a serene ambiance, inviting restful nights for the couple, they hoped.

"So..." Victoria began as she stepped toward the lamp. With two taps, she allowed the light to shine with a low dim, illuminating the room. "We freshen up and head out for dinner. Does that sound like a plan to you?"

"Yeah." Bilal placed his duffel bag on the bed and focused on his fiancée. "Dinner sounds good." He went into the bathroom to urinate. Bilal also took a moment to gather his thoughts to prepare for the challenging evening ahead.

Meanwhile, Victoria continued to survey the room thoroughly. She aimed to conduct a thorough inspection to ensure it met her established standards. Victoria wasn't new to luxuries and privilege. She grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents were industry titans, both having successful careers that echoed the echelons of wealth. Her father, Alexander Fontaine, was an influential capitalist who invested in promising startups, contributing to his wealth and the growth and success of innovative ventures. Her mom, Michelle Fontaine, a former model, brought a glamorous touch to the family's dynamic, having graced runways and fashion spreads in her earlier years.

Victoria's upbringing was a seamless blend of high-society events, business engagements, and exposure to the fashion world. Lavish family vacations became a norm for her and her older sister, Eva. They vacationed in exotic destinations and stayed in the most luxurious accommodations. Her parents enrolled them in exclusive educational institutions to ensure Victoria and Eva received the finest education, tailored to match the family's elevated social standing.

Growing up, Victoria watched her father work, and over the years, she adopted Alexander's keen business skills. Her unique perspective, shaped by her mother's artistic sensibilities, proved to be a valuable asset. Victoria's early exposure to high-stakes business dealings and the finer intricacies of the fashion industry fostered a strategic mindset and an understanding of the power of perception.

Victoria reached over the bed to check the handwritten note. In the process, she inadvertently tipped over Bilal's duffel bag. A few miscellaneous items fell out. Victoria crouched down and quickly gathered the scattered belongings. Unexpectedly, she stumbled across a manila folder.

Her fingers traced the edge of the folder as she contemplated opening it. She knew that Bilal wasn't a fan of nosiness, but she went ahead and took a peek.

Inside, she found a meticulous compilation of information. The inked paper contained details about Penelope Bailey, someone she knew nothing about. The documents unfolded a vivid narrative of Penelope's life, tracing her daily connections, activities, and seemingly mundane aspects. Victoria's eyes darted from left to right as she absorbed the unexpected information.

Victoria didn't find the file unsettling. She knew what kind of life Bilal lived. He was born into a family with a long history of involvement in organized crime. Bilal grew up witnessing his father and grandfather employ similar tactics – meticulously researching their targets before taking action. They sought specific details to lure in their prey.

Bilal reappeared in the room with slightly damped hands. He ran the paper towel across his hands before disposing of it. He looked over and was met with the sight of Victoria holding his file. She didn't see him since her eyes were glued to the printed words. Bilal's expression remained inscrutable, a blend of surprise and curiosity. Suddenly, the room became a little tense.