Elise exited the black market, a small smile playing on her lips. She had secured the supplies for Hell's Kitchen from a trusted and discreet source. The cost had been significant, but the quality was unmatched. As she made her way through the dimly lit streets, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Someone had been tailing her all day, but she had skillfully pretended not to notice.
The shadows shifted, and a figure stepped into her path. Liam. She recognized him instantly, his face partially hidden under a hood. He looked determined, a hint of desperation in his eyes.
"Elise Dubois," Liam said, his voice steady. "I need to talk to you."
Elise arched an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Liam Ashford, isn't it? What a coincidence running into you here." She studied him carefully, sensing an opportunity. "Alright, let's talk. What's on your mind?"
Liam glanced around nervously before stepping closer. "Not here. Let's find somewhere more private."
Elise nodded, leading him to a secluded alleyway. The walls were high, blocking out the sounds of the bustling market. She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "Alright, Liam. What's so urgent that you'd follow me all day?"
Liam took a deep breath. "I know what Hell's Kitchen is really up to. I want to help you take down Victor Delacroix and the rest of his "friends," he said.
Elise's eyes widened slightly, though she quickly masked her surprise. "Oh? And why would you want to do that?"
"I have my reasons," Liam said cryptically. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in seeing them brought to justice. I can provide you with information, resources, whatever you need. We both know they're dangerous. It's only a matter of time before they slip up."
"But darling," Elise replied. "I'm dangerous too. Very dangerous."
Liam instinctively took a step backwards. "I know." he replied. "But not to anyone I care about."
Elise pretended to consider his words, tilting her head thoughtfully. His words meant there was someone he cared about. She decided to probe a little further. "And what exactly are you hoping to get out of this alliance, Liam? What's your endgame?"
Liam's eyes flickered with intensity. "I want to see them fall. And I want to protect someone I care about. Someone who's in danger because of them."
Elise's eyes narrowed. "And how do I know you're not just trying to manipulate me? Victor and Lucien aren't exactly the trusting type."
Liam smiled, a hint of triumph in his eyes. "Because I know things about your past. Things only someone close to you would know. For example, I know about the job in Riverwatch, where you had to impersonate a noblewoman to infiltrate that ball. And how you blew up Victor's cover on purpose by flirting with the governor and pretending to be targeted by The Butcher and selling him out. I know you did it to make a double score; the contract, plus Victor's cut, and Victor's bounty. And I know he doesn't know you did that and he believes he blew his own cover to this day." he concluded.
Elise's facade faltered for a moment. "How do you know about that?"
"I have my ways," Liam said, pressing his advantage. "Face it, Elise. They'll never truly trust you. You're an outsider to them, a potential liability. But we can take them out together and I'll make sure you're set for life afterwards."
Elise's mind raced. Liam's knowledge was unsettling, but it also presented an opportunity. She offered him a calculated smile. "Alright, Liam. You've got my attention. But understand this—I'm not easily fooled. If you're playing games, you'll regret it."
Liam nodded earnestly. "I understand. This is no game to me."
"Good," Elise said, pushing off the wall. "We'll work together, but on my terms. I'll contact you when I need information. Until then, keep your eyes and ears open. And remember, trust is earned."
Liam agreed, and they parted ways, each lost in their own thoughts. Elise couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This new development could work in her favor, giving her an edge in the precarious balance of power at Hell's Kitchen.
As she walked back to the restaurant, her mind whirred with plans and contingencies. She needed to tread carefully. Victor and Lucien were formidable opponents, and any misstep could be deadly. But with Liam's help, she might just gain the upper hand. Or so she let him think.
Back at Hell's Kitchen, Elise slipped into her role seamlessly, her demeanor betraying nothing of her inner turmoil. Victor and Lucien were in the kitchen, discussing the next shipment of ingredients. As Elise entered, Victor glanced up, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Everything go smoothly?" he asked.
Elise nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Perfectly. Supplies are secured, no issues."
Lucien watched her closely, his expression unreadable. "Good. We can't afford any problems right now."
Elise's smile widened. "Don't worry. Everything is under control."
After the night's service concluded and the others had left, Elise gathered Victor and Lucien in the staff room. She recounted her meeting with Liam, sparing no detail.
Victor's eyes darkened. "He knows too much. This is dangerous."
Lucien nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "We need to deal with him, and fast."
Elise leaned back, her eyes glinting with a mix of satisfaction and determination. "I pretended to go along with his plan, but I'm with you. We'll use his information to our advantage, then take him down when the time is right."
Victor looked at her, a mix of skepticism and appreciation in his eyes. "You've done well, Elise. I...I didn't expect rhat. Honestly, I thought you'd sell us out if that happened."
"Maybe I would, under different circumstances." Elise replied. "But after joining you, and everything that's happened...I meant it when I said I was tired of our old life, Victor. I just want to be accepted, and live a peaceful life - as much as I can, anyway. So I chose you."
Victor nodded at her, with hints of a genuined smile. "I'm actually glad. So, we have to deal with Ashford. I'm pretty sure he's behind the copycat too." he said.
Lucien's frown deepened. "If he knows that much, he could be a real threat."
Victor nodded. "We'll handle it. We can't just make a noble disappear. But for now, let's keep up appearances. And Elise, good work. You've earned my trust, at least." he said, side eyeing Lucien. Lucien sighed and nodded begrudgingly.
Elise smiled, genuinely this time. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
As they left the staff room, Elise felt a sense of satisfaction. She had solidified her place within Hell's Kitchen, and now, with Liam's unwitting help, she would ensure their enemies never saw them coming.