Ivy Calder entered the luxury hotel's private lounge on the top level as night fell. The view of the city through the glass walls was stunning, but Ivy saw it as only a backdrop to a grander game. She understood why she was here tonight. This meeting was not about comfort but about power and behind-the-scenes transactions. Nikolai Drakos sat at a table, red wine in hand. His face was frigid with a narrow, calculating smile. Behind the expression, Ivy saw the intensity of a guy used to having his way.
"Good to see you, Ivy," he murmured in an almost kind tone, but Ivy knew better. Every word contained pent-up anxiety.
Nikolai never invited without a reason. Ivy sat silently across from him, her gorgeous black dress exuding authority and control. They were both aware that tonight's conversations will determine the next step in the fight for the crucial government contract.
"I don't have much time," Ivy began the talk, her tone firm. "Tell me what you want."
Nikolai smiled widely, as if relishing his job. He set down his wine glass and stared at Ivy with such passion that the air felt even heavier. "I want to make sure you are on my side. You understand how essential this pact is to me. And I don't mind how much I have to pay."
Nikolai quickly removed a black leather briefcase from beneath the table and placed it in front of Ivy. It opened to show stacks of cash in astonishing numbers.
"Consider this proof of my seriousness," he stated plainly. "You can get more if you make sure I win."
Ivy looked at the money with a blank expression. This was not the first time she had been offered a bribe, and she understood the importance of her position in the midst of this economic conflict. Nikolai was unaware that Ivy's game extended much beyond money. She is playing for power, and true power never comes from a simple transaction like this. Nonetheless, Ivy understood she needed to play it wisely.
"You know, Nikolai, I can influence certain politicians and persuade them to support you. But you're also aware that this is no guarantee. There are numerous factors at play."
Nikolai narrowed his eyes, his expression indicating that he disliked this tug-of-war. "I do not care how many factors there are, Ivy. I only worry about the final result. I need guarantees, not possibilities."
Ivy gazed at him intently, seeming to think. "I will do my best, Nikolai. But, as you know, there are other parties involved. If something goes wrong, it will not be my fault."
The negotiations became increasingly intense. Nikolai pressed Ivy, hoping that the money he promised would secure her triumph.
Ivy, on the other hand, appeared to be softening, giving Nikolai optimism that he would regain control. Ivy was already planning a far more diabolical strategy in the back of her mind. She would absolutely accept Nikolai's money. She would use her influence to play both sides, giving the impression that she was genuinely working for Nikolai's win.
But Ivy knew Tiber would triumph. Her strategy is simple yet brilliant: make everything appear to be going according to Nikolai's plan, while behind the scenes, Ivy will be pulling the threads that will bring all parties to Tiber's victory. Finally, if Nikolai loses, Ivy will blame it on forces beyond his control, such as politics or public pressure. Not her fault. Nikolai would not be able to blame her.
As the negotiations concluded, Ivy closed the suitcase and smiled weakly. "Alright, Nikolai. I will move as you wish. You will hear from the authorities within the next several days."
Nikolai nodded with satisfaction, but his eyes still held a tinge of doubt. "You're smarter than everyone else, Ivy. That is why I have always trusted you."
Ivy smiled slightly, but she realized Nikolai was merely a piece in this larger game. Nikolai didn't realize they were being monitored. Tiberius Marlowe remained calmly in one of the darkened corners, watching the entire conference intently. He knew Ivy would meet Nikolai, and he absolutely trusted her. Tiber grinned slightly as they interacted.
This strategy was going just as she had hoped. Ivy had played the role wonderfully, and Nikolai, despite his intelligence, had been engrossed in her game. As Ivy left the room, holding the suitcase containing the money, she looked into the darkness where Tiber stood. Their gazes locked for a time, and in that pause, an understanding emerged between them.
They both understood that they were the finest players in the game. And Nikolai? He didn't realize the game was practically over, and he lost before it ever started.
***
Cassandra stood at her huge bedroom window, gazing out at the flashing lights far below, as the night wore on and the sky became pitch black. Her mind wandered, running through every question and doubt she found increasingly difficult to ignore. Images of Tiber, betrayal, and her feelings of being trapped between her husband's devious games and her ignorance of Ivy swirled in her mind.
Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence. An unexpected number showed on the screen.
"Mrs. Marlowe," the man's voice on the other end said flatly and unemotionally. "I have something you need."
"Who is this?" Cassandra inquired, her heart sinking. The voice was familiar yet full of power, as if it knew too much about her.
"That is not important," the man said. "What you need to know is that this thing will answer all your doubts about your husband."
Cassandra felt her body freezing. "What do you mean?" The speaker on the other end simply chuckled, a smile she could feel without looking.
"See for yourself," he continued. "This will open your eyes... to the dirty game he's playing. You may not want to know, but trust me: the truth will be more valuable than your blindness."
Before Cassandra could react, the connection was severed. A few seconds later, she received a notification on her phone. It was a video that had recently been sent from that weird number.
Cassy experienced an indescribable feeling. She couldn't decide whether to open the video or not because she was confused and curious about it. She had been angry and resentful of Tiber for never appreciating her as a wife. However, this could be a trap. She had no idea whose villain was attempting to ruin the Marlowe family.
"Ah, fuck it. I will watch this video no matter what."
***