The night was far from over. The grand gala hall sparkled under the golden chandeliers, and the murmurs of high-profile guests blended seamlessly with the soft melody of the live orchestra. Waiters glided across the room, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, while laughter and polite conversations created a facade of elegance.
But beneath the glittering charm of the night, a quiet storm brewed.
Ariana stood near the edge of the ballroom, her glass of champagne untouched, her mind replaying Ethan Blackwood's words over and over.
"Impress me, and I'll tell you what you want to know."
She hated games. But Ethan had made it clear—he wouldn't hand over the truth for free.
Fine. If he wanted to play, she would play.
Ethan, standing just a few feet away, sipped his whiskey leisurely, his piercing gaze never leaving her. There was an air of amusement in his stance, as if he were waiting to see what she would do next.
Ariana tilted her head, offering him a challenging smirk. "You know, for someone who enjoys watching others struggle for information, you seem awfully entertained."
Ethan chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Watching people navigate difficult situations is an art. The best ones do it with grace."
Ariana rolled her eyes. "And what do I get if I impress you?"
Ethan's lips curved. "The truth."
Teddy, floating beside her, groaned. "I swear, if I had hands, I'd throw his drink in his face just for being this cryptic."
Ariana hid her amusement, keeping her focus on Ethan. "Since you refuse to give me a straight answer, let's start with something simple. Tell me, what's your connection to Lucas?"
Ethan's smirk faded slightly. He studied her for a moment before responding. "Lucas and I have crossed paths in business. I don't particularly like the man, but that doesn't mean I interfere in his affairs."
Ariana arched a brow. "And yet, you seem very interested in warning me about him."
Ethan chuckled. "I enjoy watching intelligent people navigate dangerous waters."
Ariana crossed her arms. "So I'm your form of entertainment now?"
Ethan's gaze darkened just slightly. "No, Ariana. You're much more than that."
For the first time that evening, a flicker of something unspoken passed between them. It was gone in a second, replaced by the usual teasing smirk on Ethan's face.
Teddy let out a dramatic sigh. "The tension. The intrigue! If I had a heart, it would be pounding right now."
Ariana ignored him and took a step forward."Alright, If you won't hand me the truth, then I'll find it myself."
Ethan arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Now that, I'd love to see."
Ariana shifted her gaze across the ballroom until she found what she was looking for, Lucas Turner.
She spotted him among a group of older businessmen, flashing his perfect smile, playing the role of the perfect future heir to his family's company.
Her stomach twisted with familiar disgust. How many times had she stood by his side, believing in his lies? How many times had she defended him, blind to what he truly was?
Not anymore.
Sophia was nearby, engaged in a conversation with a few socialites. She too played her part well....smiling at the right moments, tilting her head just enough to appear charming.
Teddy, floating beside her, whispered, "What's the plan, boss?"
Ariana's gaze flickered around the room until she found what she was looking for—a waiter carrying a tray of champagne, heading toward Lucas.
She stepped in front of him smoothly, plucking a glass from the tray. "I need a favor," she said, keeping her voice low.
The waiter blinked in surprise. "Ma'am?"
She slipped a crisp bill into his pocket. "See the man in the navy suit over there? Lucas Turner? Spill this just a little on his sleeve. Just enough to make him step away from the group."
The waiter hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Understood."
Ariana took a sip of her champagne, watching as the plan unfolded. The waiter approached Lucas, pretended to trip, and—
Splash!
Lucas flinched as champagne spilled over his sleeve, his polished composure faltering for just a moment. The businessmen chuckled, patting him on the back.
Lucas forced a smile. "Excuse me for a moment."
Perfect.
Ariana handed her glass to another passing waiter and followed him.
Lucas had stepped into a quieter hallway, muttering under his breath as he dabbed his sleeve with a handkerchief.
Ariana leaned casually against the wall. "Trouble?"
Lucas stiffened at the sound of her voice. When he turned to face her, he had already masked his irritation with a practiced smile. "Ariana. Enjoying the gala?"
She tilted her head. "Immensely. And you?"
Lucas exhaled sharply. "I was until some idiot ruined my suit."
Ariana smirked. "Accidents happen."
Lucas studied her for a moment before stepping closer. "You know, you've changed."
She lifted a brow. "Have I?"
He nodded. "You're colder. More… distant."
She crossed her arms. "Maybe I just see people more clearly now."
Lucas chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Is that so? And what do you see when you look at me, Ariana?"
Ariana held his gaze, unflinching. "A liar."
For a split second, something flickered in Lucas's expression—something dark. Then, just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by a charming smile. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think?"
Ariana took a step forward. "You tell me, Lucas. Is it?"
Lucas's expression darkened just slightly, but before he could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Lucas?"
Both turned to see her standing at the entrance, her expression carefully controlled.
Ariana smirked. "Speak of the devil."
Sophia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I was wondering where you went."
Lucas glanced at Ariana before stepping away. "We'll talk later."
Ariana didn't bother responding. Instead, she watched as he walked away, Sophia clinging to his side like a shadow.
Teddy whispered, "Well, that was deliciously tense. What now?"
Ariana smiled. "Now, we move to phase two."
Ethan was waiting for her when she returned to the main hall.
"Enjoy your little chat?" he asked, sipping his whiskey.
Ariana smirked. "Immensely."
Ethan leaned slightly closer. "And? Did you learn anything interesting?"
Ariana met his gaze. "That depends. Are you ready to talk?"
Ethan chuckled. "You really don't give up, do you?"
Teddy sighed. "She's relentless. It's both admirable and terrifying."
Ethan swirled his drink, considering. "Very well. I'll give you one piece of information."
Ariana raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Ethan leaned in, his voice just above a whisper. "Lucas has debts. Big ones. And he's been covering them up."
Ariana's heart skipped a beat. "What kind of debts?"
Ethan smirked. "That's for you to find out."
She narrowed her eyes. "You really enjoy dragging this out, don't you?"
Ethan chuckled. "I told you ... you have to earn it."
Ariana exhaled, studying him. Ethan Blackwood was a puzzle, one she hadn't quite solved yet. But one thing was clear—he knew more than he let on.
And she was going to make sure he told her everything.
Teddy floated beside her, whispering, "Well, well, well. The plot thickens."
Ariana smiled. "Oh, it's only just beginning."