Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 434

Stella nudged him. "Then shouldn't you be out there working on it? We only have three days here, and it's already day two."

"Right, right. You make a fair point. I'll get to it."

Star was absolutely right. He shouldn't be wasting this golden opportunity. He needed to mingle and dig up information about his father's past.

He excused himself from her table, ready to tackle his mission.

Just as Drake left, the man returned with a plate piled high with breakfast.

"Remind me of your name again? I was so blitzed last night, my memory is completely wiped."

"It's Star Todd."

It was actually better that he didn't remember; that way, he wouldn't realize she had been pumping him for information.

"Right, Star Todd. I'm Joel Keller. It's a pleasure to officially meet you."

They chatted pleasantly as they ate, the atmosphere light and friendly.

But Joel wasn't exactly a gentleman. As they finished their meal, he brazenly suggested they head back to her room to hang out.

Ironically, this played right into Stella's hands. If he hadn't suggested it, she would have had to invent an excuse to get him alone anyway.

Inwardly, she sighed. The kind of men who frequented these places were all the same.

Except for her, of course.

Joel followed Stella into her suite, and the moment the door clicked shut, his true colors showed.

"So, Ms. Todd... how about we get to know each other a little more intimately?" He reached out, his hands moving toward her.

"Of course. How could I ever say no to you?"

With a sweet smile, Stella lightly patted his shoulder. Instantly, his arm froze in mid-air.

Joel stared at the gently swaying pendant. As it moved, his focus began to blur, and his mind grew heavy. "I... I accept," he mumbled blankly.

The pendant continued its rhythmic swing in front of him as Stella's voice dropped to a soothing cadence. "Now, just relax. Follow my voice. I'm going to take you somewhere wonderful, okay?"

"Okay." His consciousness was no longer his own.

She had hypnotized him with ridiculous ease.

Stella smirked inwardly. What a weak-minded creep.

Only those with incredibly fragile willpower could be hypnotized this quickly.

Joel might have looked composed and experienced on the outside, but inside, his mind was weak and undisciplined. He broke entirely too fast.

Once she had full control of his consciousness, she began the interrogation.

"Tell me everything you know about what happened to the old man named Todd at the Port City casino three years ago. Leave nothing out."