The lights of Paris sparkled beneath Jhon as he descended the stairs of his private jet. The Fortune System had secured him VIP status at the auction, but he knew the real challenge was yet to come. His mission was simple—take down Anna Rossi, the financial lynchpin of Kastov's empire. But in a world as dark and twisted as this one, nothing was ever truly simple.
Paris at night was a city of secrets, its beauty masking the deadly undercurrents that flowed through it. The air was crisp, and the streets hummed with life. For most people, the city was a beacon of art, romance, and history. For Jhon, tonight, it was a battlefield.
As he stepped into the sleek black limousine waiting for him, the system chimed with its usual precision.
Fortune System: [Task Update: Attend Anna Rossi's Auction.]
Jhon leaned back in the plush leather seat, the city's lights flashing past as the car drove through the winding streets of Paris. He couldn't shake the tension that had built up since his meeting with Alice. She hadn't just brought back painful memories—she had re-entered his life with all the weight of her connection to Kastov.
The question that haunted him was simple: Was Alice an asset or a liability?
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The Velvet Mask
The auction was being held in one of Paris's most exclusive venues—an old chateau on the outskirts of the city. Its grandeur was undeniable, the massive stone building bathed in the soft glow of hundreds of lights. Guests in designer gowns and sharp tuxedos filtered into the grand hall, their whispered conversations a mixture of business, art, and influence.
Jhon adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored suit, stepping out of the limo and into the cool evening air. He was just another wealthy guest here, another player in the twisted game of high society. But his goals were far from the polished veneer of the auction.
As he entered the hall, his eyes swept over the crowd, instinctively scanning for threats. The Fortune System's [Perception Boost] kicked in, heightening his awareness of the people around him—their movements, their body language, the hidden motives behind their elegant smiles.
Then, he saw her.
Anna Rossi stood near the front of the auction hall, her sleek black dress hugging her frame, her presence commanding yet understated. She was talking to a group of men, each of them clearly enamored by her beauty and power. But behind her smile, Jhon saw something darker—calculating eyes, a mind always working.
Fortune System: [Target Identified: Anna Rossi. Condition: Unknown. Threat Level: High.]
Jhon took a deep breath. This wasn't just about attending the auction anymore. He had to find a way to engage with her, to earn her trust, all while keeping his true intentions hidden.
He moved through the crowd with practiced ease, his movements deliberate but natural. He had learned long ago that blending in was half the battle. No one would suspect the billionaire who was here to outbid everyone on priceless artifacts and rare collectibles.
The auction began, and item after item was sold for astronomical prices. Jhon placed bids here and there, playing the part of the wealthy investor. But his eyes never left Anna.
It wasn't until the auction was nearly over that an item caught his attention.
Auctioneer: "Ladies and gentlemen, our final piece for the evening—an exquisite necklace crafted in the late 18th century, encrusted with diamonds and sapphires."
The crowd's attention sharpened, and Jhon noticed something in Anna's gaze. She was focused on the necklace, but it wasn't just a casual interest. There was something more—something important.
Without hesitation, Jhon raised his hand.
Jhon: "One million."
The room fell silent for a moment before the auctioneer smiled.
Auctioneer: "One million, ladies and gentlemen! Do we have a higher bid?"
Jhon knew the move was risky, but the system had been clear. He needed to engage with Anna, and what better way to catch her attention than by outbidding her on something she clearly valued?
Anna Rossi: "One and a half million."
Her voice was smooth, confident. The room's attention shifted to her, but Jhon didn't flinch.
Jhon: "Two million."
A murmur spread through the crowd. Jhon could feel the eyes of the other guests on him, but he stayed focused. He didn't need this necklace. What he needed was Anna's reaction.
Anna Rossi: "Three million."
Jhon smiled inwardly. She wasn't backing down. But then again, neither was he.
Jhon: "Four million."
The auctioneer's voice wavered slightly, caught off guard by the escalating bids.
Auctioneer: "Four million, going once... going twice..."
Jhon could feel the tension in the air, but then Anna did something unexpected. She smiled—a small, almost imperceptible smile—and raised her hand.
Anna Rossi: "Five million."
The room fell silent. The other guests were watching with fascination now, the game of wealth and power playing out before them. But Jhon didn't need to bid any higher. He had already gotten what he came for.
Jhon: "The lady wins."
The auctioneer, relieved to see the bidding war end, brought down the hammer.
Auctioneer: "Sold, to Ms. Rossi for five million!"
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
A Game of Power
The auction ended, and the guests began to filter out of the hall. Jhon waited patiently by the entrance, knowing Anna would eventually cross his path. And when she did, he stepped forward with a casual smile.
Jhon: "Congratulations on the win. Quite the piece."
Anna turned to him, her eyes sharp, but her smile remained polite.
Anna Rossi: "I've always had a taste for the finer things. And you? Were you just here for the show, or were you actually interested in buying?"
Jhon shrugged, playing the part of the amused billionaire.
Jhon: "A bit of both. But I suppose I was more interested in who I was bidding against."
Anna's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile never faltered.
Anna Rossi: "Interesting. I don't usually attract attention from strangers."
Jhon chuckled softly.
Jhon: "I wouldn't say I'm just a stranger. I'm Jhon Gray, and let's just say I've been keeping an eye on you, Ms. Rossi."
Her expression shifted, and Jhon could see the gears turning in her mind. She was no fool, and she knew when someone had ulterior motives. But that was exactly what he wanted.
Anna Rossi: "And why would someone like you be keeping an eye on me?"
Jhon stepped closer, lowering his voice.
Jhon: "Because I think we have something in common. Power. Wealth. And enemies who want to take it all away from us."
For a moment, Anna studied him, her gaze piercing. Then, she smiled again, this time with genuine interest.
Anna Rossi: "Perhaps we should discuss this further, Mr. Gray."
She gestured toward the door, and Jhon followed her out of the hall. The night was just beginning, and the real game was about to unfold.