The Game

The private jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac of Paris's Le Bourget Airport, the city's lights shimmering like a sea of stars. As Mia stepped off the plane with Alexander, a mix of excitement and tension coursed through her. The stakes were high, and the weight of their mission pressed heavily on her shoulders.

"Paris," she murmured, glancing at Alexander. "The city of light and danger, it seems."

He gave her a small smile, his hand settling protectively on the small of her back. "Stay close to me. We're here to take the first step in dismantling Lang's empire. But this is also personal, Mia. If you feel unsafe at any point, we leave—no questions asked."

She nodded, her resolve firm. "I'm with you all the way."

Selena Cross met them at a discreet boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The location was perfect—luxurious yet unassuming, far from the prying eyes of Lang's informants.

"Welcome to Paris," Selena greeted, her sharp green eyes scanning them both. She held up a folder and placed it on the table between them. "Inside are the details of tonight's target: the underground casino Lang frequents. It's called Le Serpent Noir."

Alexander opened the folder, revealing photos of the casino's façade, blueprints of its interior, and profiles of key individuals.

"Lang is expected to make an appearance tonight," Selena explained. "He's hosting a high-stakes poker game with some of his closest associates. Your goal is to infiltrate the game, gather intel, and plant this."

She held up a sleek USB drive. "It's loaded with spyware that will give us access to Lang's encrypted communications and financial records."

Selena handed Mia an elegant, floor-length black gown adorned with subtle sparkles. "You'll be Alexander's arm candy for the evening. Your job is to observe, listen, and draw attention away from him when needed."

Mia's cheeks flushed slightly, but she accepted the gown with a nod. "Got it."

Selena then turned to Alexander, her tone all business. "You'll be posing as a wealthy businessman looking to join Lang's inner circle. Your name will be Alexander Wolfe—your cover is ironclad, but don't get too comfortable. Lang is suspicious of newcomers."

Alexander smirked. "I'll handle it."

The hours leading up to the mission were a blur of preparation. Mia changed into the gown, her hair styled in loose waves, and her makeup applied to perfection. She felt out of her element but determined to play her role convincingly.

When she emerged from the dressing room, Alexander's eyes locked onto her, his breath hitching. "You look stunning," he said softly, taking her hand and spinning her gently.

Mia smiled, her nerves easing slightly under his admiring gaze. "You don't look too bad yourself," she teased, noting his sharp black tuxedo that fit him like a glove.

He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. "Remember, no matter what happens tonight, I'm right here with you."

The casino was nestled in an unmarked building in a secluded part of the city. Its entrance was guarded by two burly men in suits, their eyes scanning everyone who entered.

Alexander handed over their forged invitations, his demeanor cool and confident. Mia clung to his arm, her smile radiant but demure, as they were waved inside.

The interior was opulent—crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, and gold accents adorned every corner. The air buzzed with tension and excitement as wealthy patrons mingled, their laughter and whispers blending with the soft strains of jazz music.

Selena's voice crackled in their earpieces, discreetly hidden beneath their accessories. "You're in. Lang's table is in the VIP lounge upstairs. Stick to the plan."

As they made their way through the crowd, Mia noticed several pairs of eyes lingering on them. Some were admiring; others were calculating. She tightened her grip on Alexander's arm, drawing strength from his unwavering composure.

When they reached the VIP lounge, they found Lang seated at the head of a poker table, his demeanor smug and commanding. His dark eyes flicked to Alexander, then to Mia, a faint smirk curling his lips.

"And who might you be?" Lang asked, his tone smooth but laced with suspicion.

Alexander extended a hand, his smile charming yet calculated. "Alexander Wolfe. A pleasure to finally meet the man I've heard so much about."

Lang shook his hand, his gaze sharp. "The pleasure is mine. And this lovely lady?"

"Mia," Alexander replied, his tone possessive. "My wife."

Lang's smirk deepened as he gestured for them to sit. "Welcome to the table. Let's see if you can handle the stakes."

As the poker game commenced, Alexander played his cards with precision, his eyes never leaving Lang's. Mia played her part perfectly, engaging the other guests in light conversation while keeping an ear out for anything useful.

At one point, Lang leaned closer to her, his voice low. "Your husband is quite the gambler. Do you share his taste for risks?"

Mia met his gaze evenly, her smile unwavering. "I trust my husband implicitly. He never makes a move without knowing exactly what he's doing."

Lang chuckled, his expression unreadable. "Interesting."

Meanwhile, Alexander discreetly inserted the USB drive into a port beneath the table, activating the spyware. A faint vibration in his pocket signaled its success.

"Let's raise the stakes," Lang announced, signaling for the dealer to shuffle a new deck.