In Lily's living room, Ethan Blake stood with a captivating and unnerving presence. His sharp blue eyes lingered on the papers strewn on the table as he scanned the room. It was obvious that Lily played a significant role in exposing the web of deceit that Cassandra and Victor Kane had created.
Ethan's tone was unclear when he said, "You've been busy." Lily was interested and annoyed at the same time by his assured stance as he leaned against the doorframe.
She looked at him while crossing her arms. "Ethan, what do you want? Save it if you're coming to warn me one more time. I don't need to hear the dangers of this again.
Ethan grinned, but there was a gravity in his gaze that made her uneasy. "I'm not here to give you advice. I'm available to assist.
Uncertain if she had heard him correctly, Lily blinked. "Can you help me? Why would you act in that way?
His tone softened as he said, "Because Cassandra isn't who you think she is."
A beat skipped through her heart. "What are you discussing?"
Ethan stepped forward, staring straight ahead. You believe that she is just a woman who destroyed your marriage. But that's not all there is to it. Even I didn't completely comprehend her connection to Victor Kane until recently. You will require an insider if you are going to delve into Victor's world. And that's me, whether I like it or not.
As Lily attempted to comprehend what he had said, her mind raced. Would she be able to trust him? After all, Ethan was Cassandra's brother. She had no way of knowing that he wasn't playing both sides.
With her arms clenched around herself, Lily declared bluntly, "I don't trust you."
Ethan answered with a small smile, "Good." "You ought not to. However, you are astute enough to recognize your need for me. Lily, Victor is dangerous. He's not just a businessman; he's a puppet master. And right now, you're walking straight into his web."
Lily's mouth clenched. She didn't like the way Ethan spoke to her, as if she were some naive woman who didn't know what she was doing. A tiny part of her, though, knew he was correct. She had overreached herself.
"So, what's your angle?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. "Why would you betray your own sister?"
Ethan's expression darkened, a flicker of pain crossing his face. "Cassandra stopped being my sister the moment she sold her soul to Victor. She made her choice, and now I'm making mine."
Lily studied him, searching for any sign of deceit. But all she saw was a man carrying his own weight, his own scars.
"What's your plan, then?" she asked cautiously.
Ethan walked to the table, picking up one of the documents she had been studying. "Victor keeps meticulous records, but most of them are hidden. I have access to certain of his operations, but not all. If we're going to take him down, we need to identify his weak spots—financial loopholes, illicit dealings, anything that ties him to the atrocities he's covering up. And we need proof strong enough to make sure he can't weasel his way out."
Lily crossed the room, standing next to him. "I've already started gathering evidence. But it's not enough, is it?"
Ethan gave a headshake. "Not even close. Victor's lawyers are the best in the business. You need something airtight. And to accomplish that, you'll have to grow closer to him."
Her stomach churned at the prospect. "Closer? How?
Ethan's jaw tensed as he paused. "He's hosting a private charity gala next week. It's invitation-only, and the guest list is thoroughly screened. However, I can let you in.
Lily's gaze expanded. Do you want me to enter a room occupied by Victor's people? Are you insane?"
"It's risky," Ethan confessed, "but it's the best chance you have to get access to his inner circle. Victor likes to show off his strength during these events. He lets his guard down, thinking no one would dare challenge him. With caution, you might discover something helpful.
As Lily thought about the suggestion, her thoughts were racing. Although it was risky, she couldn't pass up the opportunity.
At last, she said, "All right." But I need to know that I can trust you if I'm going to do this. No falsehoods, no games.
With a solemn expression, Ethan looked her in the eye. "You have my word. I will ensure your secure entry and exit.
The tension between them lingered in the air for a moment. Even though Lily didn't fully trust him, she couldn't help but feel a weird attraction to him. Ethan had supported her when no one else had, despite everything else.
She broke the stillness by saying, "All right." "But I promise I'll take you down with the rest of them if you betray me."
A tiny smile curved Ethan's lips. "All right."
Preparations were hectic during the week before the gala. Ethan gave Lily a crash course in Victor's world, teaching her how to fit in with the affluent group without raising any red flags.
During a late-night planning session, Ethan stated, "You'll need to stay close to me." Everyone in Victor's group is familiar with him. He will see you right away if you make a mistake.
Nerves coiled tightly, Lily nodded. The idea of being in the same room as Victor Kane chilled her to the bone, even though she had spent hours studying the guest list and learning faces and names.
"Are you certain this will work?" With a tinge of uncertainty in her voice, she questioned.
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, Lily. You can do this.
For an excessive amount of time, his touch lingered, and Lily sensed an inexplicable spark. She soon withdrew, concentrating on the current task.
"Trust isn't the issue here," she stated firmly. The goal is to obtain justice. Let's follow the plan.
With an unreadable expression, Ethan nodded. "As you desire."
When the gala night finally came, Lily was wearing a sophisticated black gown that Ethan had made her wear. As they entered into the luxurious ballroom, her heart hammered in her chest. The gathering was crowded with the city's most powerful figures, all of them socializing under the beautiful chandeliers.
Ethan stayed close, his presence steadying her nerves. "Remember, you're here to observe. Don't make a fuss over yourself.
Lily nodded, her eyes scanning the room. Her eyes fell on Victor Kane, who was standing with Cassandra next to the bar. The sight of her old competitor made Lily's wrath boil, but she pushed herself to stay calm.
This was only the start.
Lily had entered into the lion's den, and she had no intention of leaving empty-handed.