Vance Corvus had always been observant. Born on the grimy streets of the lower quarter, he had learned early that the world was not kind to the weak. Survival was not about strength; it was about wit and charisma. The world bent to those who could manipulate it—those who could craft an image of themselves that others were compelled to trust, even if that image was nothing but a carefully constructed lie.
At the age of twenty-three, Vance had perfected his craft. He was slender, with sharp features and a smile that made people feel like they were the most important person in the room. His eyes were dark, piercing—always calm, always calculating. He had spent years studying human nature, learning how to read the tiniest flicker of doubt, how to spot a lie in a conversation, how to unravel a person's insecurities until they were completely at his mercy.
It wasn't much, but it was enough. In a city like Verlune, a bustling trade hub, power was everything. And to Vance, power was a game. A game that anyone could play—if they knew the rules.
He was walking through the crowded Mercer Street when he saw her. Evelyn Hale, a woman in her forties, wealthy, attractive in a cold, distant way, was standing by a vendor's cart, her fingers nervously drumming on her purse. She had always stood out to Vance—she wasn't the most beautiful woman, but there was something about her elegance, the way she carried herself, that drew attention.
Vance watched her for a moment, noting the unease in her posture. He knew why she was there. She was trying to escape the prying eyes of the other merchants, trying to avoid the endless questions about her late husband's fortune. Evelyn's husband, the rich and powerful merchant Ralph Hale, had died a few months ago under mysterious circumstances. The people whispered that she had been his second wife, a woman who had married for status, and now that Ralph was gone, she was left to navigate a world of rumors and vultures who wanted a share of her inherited wealth.
Vance knew she was vulnerable. And where there was vulnerability, there was opportunity. He approached her slowly, his footsteps light, careful not to rush.
When he was close enough, he flashed a charming smile, his voice smooth and welcoming.
"Lady Hale," he said, bowing slightly, his tone warm but measured. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person. I've heard so much about your late husband."
Evelyn stiffened slightly at the mention of Ralph. But Vance's presence was disarming—he didn't press her, didn't dwell on the discomfort. Instead, he offered her a different topic, one of comfort, a subject that made her feel safe and important.
"I hear your estate is one of the most magnificent in the city," Vance continued, his voice soft but steady. "I've often wondered how you manage to maintain it all on your own. I imagine it's no easy feat, especially with all the responsibilities that come with such an inheritance."
The compliment landed like a well-placed dart. Evelyn's posture relaxed, and she gave him a smile—a small, reserved one, but a smile nonetheless. She wasn't used to people acknowledging her strength, and Vance knew that.
"Well," she said, her voice cool but grateful, "it's not as easy as people think. There are constant pressures, and many who would prefer to see me fail."
Vance leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "People often forget that the widow is the most powerful figure in the room," he said, his words carefully measured. "She controls everything. But only if she knows how to play her cards."
For the next hour, Vance wove a web of flattery, understanding, and subtle suggestions. He didn't ask for anything outright. He didn't need to. He merely planted the seeds of dependency in her mind, making her feel that he was someone she could trust, someone who understood her struggles, someone who could help her navigate the increasingly treacherous waters of high society.
By the time they parted, Evelyn was already considering Vance as a potential ally. She had been charmed, and more importantly, she had been made to feel like she wasn't just another grieving widow—she was a powerful woman who had choices, and Vance had become the person who could help her take control of those choices.