Tangled secrets

The lunar Gala was held at the Star Grand Hotel, a place reserved for the elite, we are billionaires politicians and Shadow rulers of the world met under the illusion of civility.

Velena stepped out of the sleek black car, Her posture poised but alert. The Grand entrance was a spectacle-chandeliers casting Golden light, the sound of expensive laughter mingling with the soft Hum of a live orchestra. But Beneath The glamour, she could sense it-this was the battlefield in disguise.

Ceil walked beside her,exulding effortless authority. Dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, his presence was enough to command attention the moment the entered. Velena, In an elegant yet understated dress, blended in- neither to loud nor to invisible.

"Remember," Ceil murmured, his voice barely above a Whisper, observe everything. Everything here has an agenda."

Velena smirked slightly. "Including you?"

Ceil's lips curved, but his eyes remained unreadable. "Especially me".

She didn't miss the way some guests subtly turned to glance their way. Some with interest. Some with wariness. And some...with something darker in their eyes.

She exhaled slowly. The game had begun.

A DANCE OF POWER...

A waiter passes by, offering glasses of champagne. Velena took one, more of appearence than taste.

A man in his late 50s, Salt- and- Pepper hair slicked back, approached with an easy smile. "Ceil. Still making waves, I see."

Ceil extended a hand smoothly . " Philip Laurent. I didn't expect to see you here tonight."

Philip's gaze assessed her, as if measuring her worth. Velena met his stare with cool indifference.

Philip chuckled. "She has a sharp presence. Be careful, Ceil. Someone like her might and up knowing too much."

Ceil took a shape of his drink, unbothered. "That's the point, isn't it?"

Philip laughed but didn't respond. He gave Velena one last look before moving on.

Velena leaned towards Ceil, lowering her voice. "Friend or enemy?"

"Neither," Ceil said. "Yet."

That was the problem with this world. Allegiances were temporary and trust was an illusion

A FAMILIAR FACE...

Velena was scanning the crowd when she felt it-the sensation of being watched.

She turned slightly, her gaze landing on a figure near the bar.

A man, tall, piercing gray eyes.victor.

Her breath hitched for just a second before she controlled it. What the hell was he doing here?

She had handled him. Ceil's test had been about ensuring he was no longer a threat. But now here he was sleeping are doing looking completely unbothered.

Ceil hadn't noticed him yet. Or maybe he had and was waiting for Velena to react.

She placed the glass beside Victor and spoke without looking at him.

"I thought we had an understanding."

Victor smirked setting is doing down we did but things change."

Velena exhaled quietly. "You showing up here wasn't part of the plan."

"No, but neither was you walking into Blackthorn's world", victor murmured. "And yet, here we are."

Velena finally turned to face him. "Are you working against him?"

Victor chuckeld. "Not exactly, but let's just say...I'm here for my own reason. Amd you, Velena, should be very careful tonight."

She studied him. His tone wasn't threatening, but it wasn't friendly either.

Before she could push furthur, a smooth voice interrupted.

"Something I should know about?"

Velena turned to fimd Ceil standing there, his expresaion unreadeable but sharp.

Victor smirked. "Just catching up with an old acquaintance."

Ceil's eyes flickered between them before he smiled- a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Well, enjoy your evening. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other."

Victor raised his glass slightly. "No doubt."

As Ceil led Velena away from the bar, his voice was calm but laced with an edge.

"I assume you have an explanation?"

Velena kept her steps measured. "Nothing I can't handle."

Ceil's gaze darkened. "Be sure about that. Because tonight, every move matters."

Velena didn't need that warning. She already knew.

The game has only just begun, and the pieces were moving.