Every corner of the grand hall sparkling under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Conversations flow away and flowed like waves in the sea from the well-dressed guests, but under the glamour lay the bitter tension of hidden agendas. Scarlett moved through the crowd with confidence, her heart pounding as she scanned the room. Every encounter was a chess move, every smile masking a deeper intention.
Nathan stayed close to Scarlett, his eyes darting to every dark corner.
"Stay sharp, Grayson won't let his guard down easily." he whispered, his voice barely audible over the string quartet's performance.
Scarlett nodded; the small USB drive tucked securely in her purse feeling heavier with each passing second. Across the room, Alex leaned casually against the bar, his expression unreadable as he engaged in light banter with Grayson. It was an act, Scarlett knew, but Alex's loyalty was as risky as a anything else.
......…
