Oliver arrived at his friend's palatial estate, navigating his van through the gates of a grand property. The mansion loomed ahead, a stately building with sprawling lawns and towering columns, the kind of place that reflected wealth and success, a stark contrast to his own situation. Inside, Oliver's former colleague and old friend, Dean Keller, welcomed him with a reserved smile.
They hadn't spoken in a while, and Dean eyed Oliver with a hint of curiosity and maybe skepticism as they settled into his richly furnished study. Dean, once an agent himself, had left the agency early to take over his family's business empire, and over the years, he'd built it into a powerhouse of wealth and influence. He listened as Oliver made his request, leaning back in his leather chair, arms crossed, assessing his friend's face.
"Five hundred thousand," Dean repeated, arching an eyebrow. "That's not pocket change, Oliver. What's a jobless man doing asking for a half-million loan?"
Oliver kept his expression steady, knowing any weakness would only invite more questions. "It's for an investment," he replied, keeping the explanation brief.
Dean scoffed lightly, giving a half-smile as he shook his head. "Investment, huh? You're telling me you don't have a steady job, no assets to back this up, and yet, you're confidently asking for this amount?" He leaned forward, scrutinizing Oliver's expression. "You sure you're not caught up in some scam? Or worse, a setup?"
The weight of his friend's suspicion pressed down on him, but Oliver remained composed. "It's my business to handle," he replied. "All I need is your trust."
Dean regarded him thoughtfully, doubt still evident in his expression. He was clearly reluctant, torn between his long-standing friendship and his instincts. After several long moments of silence, he let out a slow sigh, his resolve softening. "Fine, Oliver. I'll lend you the money—but don't make me regret this."
Relief washed over Oliver, though he kept his gratitude simple. "You won't."
They shook hands, a firm grip sealing the loan, and Oliver exited the mansion with a renewed sense of determination. He walked back to his van, where Maya, Nico, and Ethan waited inside, already discussing plans as he climbed in. He glanced at Maya.
"Do you have the list compiled?" he asked her.
Maya nodded, holding up her tablet with a smirk. "Every item's down to the last detail. We're all set to pick up supplies."
Oliver started the engine, their next task clear. They'd come too far to turn back now, and with every tool gathered and every detail falling into place, the team's heist plan was taking shape.
---
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the windows of Sophia Reid's modest apartment as she woke, excitement thrumming through her veins. Today was the day she would start her new job at one of the most respected marketing firms in the city. With every intention to make a powerful first impression, Sophia took extra care in her outfit—a tailored blouse that hugged her curves elegantly, accentuating her slender waist, and a high-waisted pencil skirt that showcased her figure with a refined confidence. She slipped on a pair of sleek heels and gave herself a final once-over in the mirror, her reflection exuding both professionalism and poise.
With every detail in place, from her polished appearance to her subtle yet confident smile, she was ready. After saying a quick goodbye to Oliver, who offered her a warm nod of encouragement, she stepped out of the apartment, heading for the elevator.
The city was already alive with energy, and as she stepped outside and hailed a cab, she couldn't help but take in her surroundings. The skyscrapers loomed high above, glass reflecting the morning sunlight in sharp rays, and the hum of traffic and chatter filled the air. It was a bustling metropolis of ambition and dreams, a place where people came to rise above, and as the cab navigated through the busy streets, Sophia took in the pulse of it all—the wide avenues lined with cafes, the neatly dressed professionals on every corner, the occasional street performer filling the air with music.
Sophia felt a thrill in her chest as the cab pulled up outside her new workplace. The building rose before her, sleek and modern, its glass facade glinting in the sunlight. She paid the driver and stepped out, gazing up at the high-rise with a sense of awe and anticipation. The marketing firm was known for its competitive environment and prestigious reputation, and she was determined to carve her place here.
Just as she took a step toward the entrance, a voice beside her broke the moment.
"Quite the impressive place, isn't it?"
Sophia turned, surprised to see Theo Jensen, her charming colleague, standing there with his hands in his pockets, looking just as dapper as ever. His easy smile lit up his face as he took in her appearance, a glint of admiration in his eyes.
"Looking sharp, Miss Reid," he complimented, a hint of playfulness in his tone as his gaze took in her outfit.
Sophia felt a warm smile spread across her face, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she replied, "Thank you, Theo. You're not so bad yourself."
Theo chuckled, stepping toward the door and pulling it open for her with a gentlemanly flourish. "After you."
She walked into the building, feeling a renewed sense of confidence, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she took in the vast, open lobby. The elegant decor, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows gave the space a modern, almost futuristic feel. For Sophia, this was more than a job; it was a step toward a future she had envisioned for herself, a career that she intended to conquer with ambition and grit.
As she and Theo made their way to the reception, she cast him a sideways glance, silently grateful for his presence. Today marked the beginning of something new, something exciting.