pte

s, their expressions were as unreadable as stone. Others appeared in seemingly impossible locations, on the desk of a renowned art collector who had just returned from abroad or slipped into the mayor's private correspondence box. Whispers swept t

atisfied smile, she stood by the window, the glittering skylin

the tray down. "It's the same one I saw the day you left us. Just.

ly recovered. "Don't worry, Harriet," she replied,

on the edge of the table. "Just remember, reven

d already shifted back to the city

his fingers drumming a slow rhythm on the polished wood. "Miss Rory," he murmured, the name rolling off his tongue like a distant memory. Somethi

48 years old busines

ed to make a statement. Julian Blackwood wasn't one to ignore boldness. His curiosity was ti

luminating her sharp features. On the screen was a list of names tied to Julian Blackwood's inner circle,

rfectly." she muttered under her br

ee entered with an envelope in hand. "This came for

letter. It was from Victor DeLacroix, a name she hadn't thought of in years. The message was s

ected, but not unwelcome. His ambitions had always aligned with hers until t

on the desk. The interconnected web of names and corporations looked like

lips curving into a smile. "By the time he realize

r her like a cloak. The gala was more than just a statement, it wa

," she murmured, brushing her fingers across the

g her focus. She rose with an air of purpose, her si

, and an unflinching focus in her eyes. Every detail of the evening had been calculated to perfection.

case, her sharp gaze taking in every movement below. Her presence was magnetic, comma

wers are arriving as we speak, and the press is

eplied. "And the

Rory' is growing. They're calling you th

"Perfect. Let

g arrangements of crimson roses and white lilies framed every corner, their heady fragrance mixing with the scent

n black and white, whispered am

iss Rory,

t she's clearly s

st list? Even the ma

ly silencing the chatter. She walked through the room with the precision of a hawk

iosity among the elite. Each card, meticulously crafted with gold le

een his fingers, his sharp eyes scanning

, his mind racing with questions. Who was

is desk. "Anna, have my best

Blackwood," ca

for a moment. But it was quickly replaced with a determined smirk.

hung on the wardrobe door, its sleek fabric shimmering like obsidian under the light. The dress was a

tened slightly by the warm glow of the lights. Miss Lee entered, foll

Lee asked, her tone equal pa

rom her reflection. She smil

and adding subtle touches to enhance her striking features. Her makeup was flawless and

rfectly, the shimmer catching the light with every movement. A single d

n Miss Lee a woman known for her comp

began, at a rare

's mine," Aurora finished, her voice smooth

black exterior gleaming under the streetlights. Aurora enter

ving soon," Lee informed he

er eyes. Her mind was sharp, calculating, ready. Tonight was more t

hing the opulence of the venue. Camera flashes lit up the night as reporters clamoured for glimpses of

sture regal, her expression unreadable. She surveyed the crowd wi

as ever. His tailored suit accentuated his powerful frame, and

er to notice. She didn't falter, didn't look away. Instead, she offered him a small, enigmatic

. Julian couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than to meet the eye.

of champagne in her hand. The gala had been a success, a carefully orc

city itself. "Let the games begin," she whispered