The charity gala was a spectacle of wealth and power crystal chandeliers, a string quartet playing softly in the background, and guests sipping expensive champagne as if corruption wasn't woven into their very existence.
For Victor Langston, this was just another night. For Isabella and Alexander, it was the beginning of his downfall.
Isabella's heels clicked against the marble floor as she walked beside Alexander, their presence turning heads. They looked like just another power couple dangerous, alluring, untouchable.
She leaned in slightly, keeping her voice low. "Langston's at the far end of the room. He hasn't noticed us yet."
Alexander smirked. "He will soon."
From across the room, Claire subtly tilted her champagne glass a signal. The first phase was in motion.
Victor Langston was exactly as expected polished, confident, and completely convinced of his own invincibility.
Isabella approached him with an air of effortless charm. "Mr. Langston, I've heard so much about you."
Langston turned, his eyes sharp as he assessed her. "And you are?"
She smiled, offering her hand. "Isabella Devereaux. My business partner and I have been looking forward to meeting you."
Alexander extended his hand, his grip firm. "Alexander Graves."
Langston studied them for a moment before his lips curled into a smile. "Ah. I've heard of you both."
Isabella raised an eyebrow. "All good things, I hope."
Langston chuckled. "That depends on who you ask."
They fell into easy conversation Langston, eager to boast about his success; Isabella and Alexander, carefully pulling him in.
Meanwhile, Damian was working behind the scenes, infiltrating Langston's encrypted files.
A message buzzed in Isabella's earpiece. Damian's voice was calm but laced with excitement.
"We've got something. Meet me outside when you can."
Isabella kept her expression smooth as she turned to Langston with a charming smile. "It's been a pleasure, Mr. Langston. I have a feeling this is the beginning of something… interesting."
Langston smirked. "I like interesting."
As she and Alexander walked away, she whispered, "He has no idea what's coming."
Alexander's smirk deepened. "Let's keep it that way."
Because the game had begun.
And Langston had already lost.