Chapter 15: Into the Lion’s Den
The grand ballroom of the Ashwood Manor was a sight to behold, a dazzling spectacle of wealth and power. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the crowd of elites dressed in their finest. Waiters weaved through the throng, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses filled the air.
Rose stepped through the towering double doors, her heart pounding in her chest. Dressed in an elegant, floor-length black gown with subtle silver accents, she looked every bit the part of a wealthy heiress. Beside her, Elena walked with the grace and confidence of someone who had been born into this world.
"You're doing fine," Elena whispered, sensing Rose's nerves.
Rose nodded, forcing a smile. "Let's just hope we don't get recognized."
Behind them, Zeke and Theresa blended into the crowd, their roles as security personnel giving them access to the gala without drawing attention.
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Planting the Devices
The team had their assignments. Rose and Elena were tasked with mingling to gather information and planting surveillance devices in strategic locations. Zeke and Theresa would monitor the perimeter and handle any unexpected disruptions.
Rose clutched her small clutch bag tightly, which contained a hidden listening device. She approached a group of guests, her smile charming but reserved.
"Good evening," she said, her voice steady. "It's such a pleasure to be here. I've heard so much about Ashwood Manor."
The guests smiled warmly, one of them—a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair—extending a hand. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Edward Hayes, chairman of WestTech Industries."
Rose shook his hand, careful to maintain her composure. "Rose Emerson. My family is in luxury real estate."
As they exchanged pleasantries, Elena excused herself and slipped away toward the private offices upstairs. She moved with purpose, her hand brushing against her hidden earpiece.
"I'm in," she murmured.
"Be quick," Zeke's voice replied in her ear. "We've got eyes on security. You've got about five minutes before their next patrol."
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A Close Call
Elena worked swiftly, planting a listening device under the edge of the CEO's ornate desk. She was just about to leave when she heard voices approaching.
Cursing under her breath, she ducked into a nearby closet and held her breath.
Through the slats of the closet door, she saw two men enter the office. One of them was Richard Steele, a notorious arms dealer who was a key player in the network. The other was a man she didn't recognize, but their conversation was chilling.
"The fall of Victor has created chaos," Steele said, his tone sharp. "We need to consolidate power before someone else tries to seize control."
The other man nodded. "The board is already meeting to discuss the candidates. We'll have a new leader within the week."
Elena clenched her fists, her mind racing. A new leader? The network was moving faster than she anticipated.
As the men exited the office, Elena slipped out and relayed the information to the team.
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Unwanted Attention
Meanwhile, Rose was doing her best to blend in, but Edward Hayes seemed far too interested in her.
"You must allow me to show you the art gallery," he said, his smile charming but predatory. "It's the pride of Ashwood Manor."
Rose hesitated, glancing at her watch. She needed to plant her last device, but Edward's persistence made it difficult.
"Perhaps later," she said politely.
Edward chuckled, stepping closer. "Don't be shy, Ms. Emerson. I insist."
Before Rose could respond, Elena appeared at her side, her expression cool and commanding.
"Rose, there you are," Elena said, looping her arm through Rose's. "We're needed elsewhere."
Edward looked disappointed but didn't press the issue. "Of course. Another time, then."
As they walked away, Rose exhaled in relief. "Thanks for the save."
Elena smirked. "He's harmless compared to the real threats here. Stay sharp."
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The Auction
The highlight of the evening was a secretive auction held in a hidden chamber beneath the ballroom. Only the most trusted members of the network were invited, and Elena used her old connections to secure their entry.
The room was dimly lit, and the atmosphere was tense. Items of unimaginable value were being sold—artifacts, weapons, and even information.
"This is where they do their real business," Elena whispered to Rose.
Zeke and Theresa listened in through their earpieces, ready to step in if things went south.
The final item of the night was announced, and the crowd fell silent. A sleek, black case was brought to the stage, its contents a mystery.
"This," the auctioneer declared, "is the key to controlling the future. Bidding starts at ten million."
Rose's blood ran cold as she realized the case contained something critical—something the team needed to uncover.
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A Daring Move
Elena leaned closer to Rose, her voice low. "We need that case."
Rose's eyes widened. "Are you crazy? We can't outbid these people."
"We're not going to bid," Elena said with a sly smile. "We're going to take it."
The team quickly devised a plan. Theresa would create a distraction, Zeke would disable the lights, and Elena and Rose would grab the case during the chaos.
The execution was flawless. As the lights flickered and the crowd panicked, Rose and Elena slipped onto the stage and secured the case.
By the time the lights came back on, they were gone, blending into the crowd and making their way to the exit.
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A Narrow Escape
The team regrouped outside, their breaths coming in quick gasps as they climbed into their getaway car.
"That was too close," Zeke said, his hands gripping the steering wheel.
"But we got it," Elena said, holding up the case. "And whatever's inside will give us the edge we need."
Rose stared out the window, her heart still racing. The gala had been a gamble, but it paid off.
"Let's hope it was worth it," she murmured.
As the car disappeared into the night, the team knew their fight was far from over. The network was closing in, and the stakes were higher than ever.