The Greystone Charity Gala was the most important social event of the fall, where the town's notables dressed up to show off their wealth and status. This year's dinner was held in the town's old auditorium, which was brilliantly illuminated, with crystal chandeliers shining on everyone's faces, as if their smiles were coated in a false sheen.
Alison stood in the corner of the auditorium, a glass of champagne in her hand, her eyes searching the crowd for Jackson. She wore a simple black dress, understated but elegant, and fit perfectly into the extravagant event. She had a faint smile on her face, but her eyes were cold and sharp, like knives hidden in their sheaths.
Finally, she saw him. Jackson stood at the other end of the auditorium, surrounded by several of the town's notables. He wore a tailored black suit and had a confident smile on his face, as if he had the world under his control. Allison took a deep breath, gripped her wine glass tightly in her hand, and walked toward him.
"Jackson," she called softly, with just the right amount of tenderness in her voice.
Jackson turned his head, a flash of surprise in his eyes when he saw Allison, but it was quickly masked. "Allison, what a surprise. I wasn't expecting you."
Alison smiled slightly and raised her glass to clink with his. "Sarah used to love occasions like this, and I thought she'd want me to stop by."
Jackson's expression stiffened slightly, but quickly regained its composure. "Sarah ... She really is a special girl."
Allison watched his eyes, trying to find a crack in them. "You knew her well, didn't you?"
Jackson was silent for a moment, a complex of emotions flashing through his eyes. "Yes, we were close. Her departure ... will be a great loss to us all."
Alison nodded, her voice tentative. "I heard she was last seen at Greystone Manor. Do you know why she was there that day?"
Jackson's expression stiffened a little, but he quickly squeezed out a smile. "We were just talking about normal stuff that day. She seemed to be in a good mood, and I didn't think anything like that would happen."
Alison didn't press the issue any further, just took a sip of champagne and kept her gaze on his face. "Maybe. But sometimes the truth isn't as simple as it seems."
Jackson's eyes flickered for a moment as if he wanted to say something, but then a waiter came along and interrupted their conversation. "Phone call for you, sir."
Jackson nodded and gave Allison an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I have to take this call. I hope we can talk again."
"Sure," Allison responded with a smile and watched him leave.
Her eyes followed his back, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that Jackson was hiding something, and it was her job to uncover it. But at the same time, she felt an inexplicable pressure. Jackson's gentleness and sincerity confused her and even made her doubt her own judgment.
"Don't let him fool you," she told herself. "It's just part of the game."
She turned away from the auditorium and stepped outside onto the balcony. The night air was fresh and cold, and it sobered her up. She leaned against the railing and looked out over Greystone Manor, her heart filled with determination.
"Allison," came a familiar voice from behind her.
She turned her head and saw Ethan standing there, a glass of wine in his hand and a hint of worry in his gaze.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
Ethan took a few steps closer and stood beside her. "I came to see you. You look ... a little different tonight."
Allison smiled, her gaze turning to the night in the distance. "I'm just doing what I have to do."
Ethan was silent for a moment, his voice low and soft. "Allison, I know what you're doing. But please be careful, Jackson is not an easy opponent."
Allison turned her head and looked into his eyes. "Why do you care so much about me, Ethan? Is it because you don't think I can handle him, or because you don't want to see him exposed?"
A flash of pain passed through Ethan's gaze, but he didn't evade her question. "I care about you because I don't want to see you get hurt. Jackson ... is more dangerous than you think."
Allison sneered, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Dangerous? Ethan, do you think I'm afraid? Sarah's death took away my last fear."
Ethan sighed, helplessness in his voice. "I just want you to realize that revenge won't bring you the answers you want."
Allison didn't respond, she just turned and walked away from the balcony, leaving Ethan standing there alone, feeling powerless.
She knew that the game had begun, and she had to see it through to the end.