"Yes Miss.." James answered. "I’ve been standing here for two hours now, and still no sign of her anywhere.." He said, looking around the street. He gazed warily at the assortment of seedy people scattered around, this place was giving him the creeps.

"Did you check upstairs?" Bette asked. "Maybe she’s inside her apartment.." She was tempted to run a hand through her recently styled hair, feeling edgy and nervous all of a sudden. She had sent James, her personal assistant, to Tina’s place to pick up the blonde and serve as her ride to the party. She didn’t want Tina riding a taxi or a bus to the venue, fearing that she may be harassed by some guys on the way.

"Yes, I just asked the landlord and both father and daughter have not come back home since this morning.." James answered, sending his young boss’ heart plummeting down to her stomach.

"Fuck." Bette cursed, closing her eyes in frustration and pinching the bridge of her nose. "Ok James, go back to the estate." She sighed, plopping down on her couch, losing the energy to remain standing.

"Right away Miss Bette." James ended the call and entered the passenger’s side of the car, telling the driver to head back home.

Bette clicked her phone shut and threw it beside her on the couch. Where could you be Kennard? She massaged her throbbing temples. The young heiress let out a huge breath and leaned back, feeling scared and disappointed at the prospect of Tina ditching the party.

———————————

6:45 PM

"I’m sorry if we took you by surprise a few hours ago." Shane said sincerely, finally apologizing for ambushing and kidnapping Tina during dismissal time. They would have asked her to come along nicely, but they were too afraid that she’d say no and run off. The hostaged blonde was looking out the window as they drove through the crowded streets of Los Angeles. They were now en route to the Peabody mansion, this time riding Shane’s Rolls Royce limo.

"It’s okay.. I guess.." Tina shrugged. "Did.. umm.. did Porter put you guys up to this?" She asked slowly, turning to look at the two members of F4. This group of four notorious heiresses were known to act as a unit, so she wouldn’t be surprised if Bette had something to do with the actions of her friends.