Velmont City, the capital of the United States of Artheon, was a dazzling metropolis famously known as the "Golden City." At its heart lay the world-renowned Crestlane District, a nexus where luxury intertwined with the relentless hustle of urban life. Display windows of top-tier brands gleamed under the golden hues of the setting sun, while streams of pedestrians hurried along, their brisk steps almost in sync with the allure of unattainable wealth.
Normally, vehicles were prohibited from entering this bustling avenue to preserve its unique charm and safety.But today, that tradition was broken. A fleet of sleek black cars quietly rolled in, their low engines purring distinctly amidst the clamor. The convoy glided steadily until it halted before The Aurelian Hotel. This five-star establishment was renowned for its unparalleled luxury and absolute privacy, a gathering place for the elite and influential.
Passersby paused, captivated by this unusual sight. Whispers spread as people speculated about the identities of these mysterious guests. Some took out their phones, eager to capture this rare moment.
The car door opened gracefully, and Samuel Orme stepped out. Clad in a meticulously tailored suit, his upright posture exuded exceptional poise. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings with a calm and steady gaze, a habitual slight furrow between his brows revealing nothing of his thoughts.
His bodyguards swiftly positioned themselves around him, forming a secure perimeter with practiced precision. Their expressions were stern, eyes alert as they surveyed the area. To Samuel, this was routine; he adjusted his cufflinks nonchalantly and proceeded toward the hotel's entrance.
Just then, a small, colorful ball rolled out from the crowd, gently bumping against his polished shoe. Samuel glanced down to see a poorly dressed boy hurriedly approaching, head lowered as he retrieved the ball.
"I'm sorry! So sorry!" the boy stammered repeatedly, his voice filled with nervousness and unease. Clutching the ball tightly, he kept his gaze on the ground, not daring to meet Samuel's eyes.
The bodyguards moved in immediately, attempting to stop the boy, but Samuel raised a hand. "It's all right; he's just a kid," he said calmly.
They halted as the boy breathed a sigh of relief and quickly vanished into the crowd. Samuel watched him go, a hint of contemplation flickering in his eyes. He felt something extra in his jacket pocket. Subtly reaching in, he found a small USB drive. His gaze hardened ever so slightly, but his expression remained impassive.
Across the street, in a café by the window, Ellara Voss sipped her coffee, her gaze fixed on the scene. A subtle smile played on her lips, a glint of intrigue in her eyes.
"Everything okay?" Savannah Carter approached, placing a plate of delicate pastries before her, concern tinging her voice.
"Relax, darling, I'm just here for the coffee," Ellara replied smoothly, looking up with a lighthearted smile.
Savannah cast a glance at the convoy outside, frowning slightly. "Are they your targets?"
"No," Ellara said casually, though a sly sharpness flickered in her eyes, reminiscent of a cunning fox.
"Good. Don't bring trouble into my place," Savannah sighed with relief, rolling her eyes.
Ellara chuckled softly, taking a refined bite of her pastry. "You know I always keep a low profile." She then put on her headphones, leaning back as if she were lost in the music.
Inside the hotel, Samuel entered the grand lobby where a poised blonde woman awaited him. "Good afternoon, sir. Everything has been prepared for you. Your suite is the presidential penthouse on the top floor. Please, follow me," she said courteously.
He nodded without a word, following her into the private elevator. The silence inside was almost palpable, broken only by the soft hum of the elevator's ascent.
Turning slightly toward him, the woman reported professionally, "Your meeting itinerary has been sent to your suite. Should you need anything, please contact me or the concierge at any time."
"Thank you." Samuel replied calmly, his gaze fixed ahead, his expression unreadable.
The elevator ascended smoothly, finally arriving at the top floor. As the doors opened, he stepped into a corridor illuminated by soft lighting and adorned with exquisite art pieces on either side. At the end, the suite's door sensed his approach and opened automatically.
He entered the suite, greeted by a vast space where a massive floor-to-ceiling window offered a panoramic view of Velmor City. The city's dazzling lights stretched out before him, the skyline painted in hues of gold by the setting sun. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a mesmerizing glow. Designer furniture was tastefully arranged on the polished marble floor, the entire space exuding understated luxury.
On the sofa sat a young man, his features strikingly perfect. Tousled black hair framed his face, giving him a slightly casual air. His white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a glimpse of his defined collarbone. He was engrossed in a hefty book, seemingly oblivious to Samuel's arrival.
"Kieran?" Samuel said with a hint of surprise, a faint smile crossing his face. "I didn't expect you to come in person."
Kieran Vale closed his book and looked up, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. "I happened to be free."
Samuel approached and took a seat opposite him. "The professor holds you in high regard. He hopes you understand his intentions."
"I understand his thoughts, but that doesn't mean I agree," Kieran replied evenly, a hint of distance in his eyes. "I've fulfilled my obligation by meeting you. If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
Samuel paused, letting out a soft sigh. "Perhaps we can find time to talk more."
"Another time," Kieran said, standing up and giving a slight nod before leaving the suite.
The door closed softly behind him, leaving the room enveloped in quiet. Samuel's gaze grew solemn as he retrieved the USB drive and a note bearing a name from his pocket.
Inspecting the drive, he noticed a tiny embedded listening device. His expression hardened, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"So, someone's quite interested in my movements," he muttered to himself, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Well, thanks for the intel. I'll handle this person personally."
Night had fallen, and the city's lights shimmered brilliantly.
Ellara stepped out of the café, slipping on stylish sunglasses and tucking her hands into the pockets of her trench coat. She blended seamlessly into the crowd, her stride confident and light. Her keen eyes scanned her surroundings with practiced ease.
Not far away, the same boy sat at a street corner, pretending to play with his ball.
As Ellara passed, their eyes met briefly. The boy quickly averted his gaze, making a subtle, almost imperceptible hand gesture.
"Nicely done," Ellara said as she paused beside him, bending down as if to adjust her shoe while discreetly handing him an unmarked credit card. "Take care of yourself, and leave no traces."
He nodded, murmuring, "Thank you." With that, he swiftly disappeared into an alleyway.
Ellara straightened up, her gaze drifting toward The Aurelian Hotel towering in the distance.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Answering it, she spoke in a light tone, "My dear little angel, what can I do for you?"
A brief directive came through the line. She listened silently before a slight smile curved her lips. "Understood. Looks like my vacation's going to be extended."
Ending the call, she adjusted her sunglasses, a determined gleam in her eyes. Then, she vanished into the city's nightscape as if she had never been there.