You're ruthless, Ariana Carter

The gala continued in full swing, but Ariana's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Ethan's words replayed in her head.

"Lucas has debts. Big ones. And he's been covering them up."

Debts. Financial trouble. That was something she could use.

She stood near the grand staircase, her champagne forgotten. Teddy hovered beside her, watching her with his usual ghostly curiosity. "You're scheming again. I love it," he whispered excitedly.

Ariana smirked. "If Lucas is in financial trouble, that means he's vulnerable. And vulnerable people make mistakes."

Teddy did a little spin in the air. "That's my girl! Phase two is officially complete. You've gathered valuable dirt on your enemy. As a reward..." He clapped his tiny hands, and a faint shimmer of blue energy wrapped around Ariana for a moment before disappearing.

Ariana frowned. "What was that?"

Teddy grinned mischievously. "You already have magical eyesight that detects deception, so I gave you something new—enhanced perception. Now, when someone is hiding something from you, you'll sense an unnatural hesitation in their movements, a flicker of uncertainty. You won't just know if they're lying—you'll know when they're withholding the truth."

Ariana's eyes widened slightly. "That's... actually useful."

Teddy grinned. "You're welcome. Now, what's the next move, boss?"

Ariana scanned the ballroom, her eyes landing on Sophia. The woman stood beside Lucas, whispering something in his ear. Her perfectly practiced smile was in place, but Ariana saw through it now. She wasn't just some spoiled socialite. She was a threat.

And she wasn't working alone.

She narrowed her eyes, focusing on Sophia's body language. The way she occasionally glanced toward the far end of the room, toward the group of older businessmen deep in conversation. One man stood slightly apart from the rest, his expression unreadable.

Mr. Hayes.

A sudden realization hit Ariana like a jolt of electricity. Sophia wasn't just aiming for social status—her father, Mr. Hayes, was a powerful businessman. And he had always wanted more control over the Carter family business.

Her uncle.

The flickers of hesitation in Sophia's movements—the way her fingers tightened slightly around her champagne glass whenever Lucas looked away—confirmed Ariana's suspicions. She wasn't doing this just for herself. She was a pawn. A carefully placed piece on the chessboard, moved by someone more powerful.

Teddy caught the shift in her expression and frowned. "What is it?"

Ariana clenched her jaw. "It's bigger than just Lucas and Sophia. Mr. Hayes has always been ambitious, but I never thought he'd go this far."

Teddy tilted his head. "You think he's pulling the strings?"

Ariana exhaled sharply. "I think he's using Sophia to gain influence. If Lucas and Sophia marry, their families merge in business. And if Lucas is already drowning in debt, that means he's desperate. Desperate enough to make deals that benefit Mr. Hayes."

Teddy let out a dramatic gasp. "So basically, they're trying to overthrow your family's power?"

Ariana nodded. "Which means I need to act fast. Before they gain the upper hand."

Her gaze drifted back to Ethan, who was now engaged in a conversation with an older businessman. He looked utterly at ease, swirling his whiskey, but Ariana knew better. He was always watching. Always calculating.

She needed more information, and she knew exactly where to get it.

Ariana wove her way through the ballroom until she was standing beside Ethan. He glanced at her, amused.

"Back so soon?" he drawled.

"I need a favor," she said, cutting straight to the point.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That's new. I thought you preferred handling things yourself."

"I do. But this is business."

Ethan chuckled. "Alright. I'm listening."

Ariana took a steady breath. "You have connections. I need financial records on Lucas Turner. Bank transactions, business dealings—everything."

Ethan tilted his head, intrigued. "That's a bold request. Why?"

"Let's just say I have a plan."

Ethan studied her for a long moment before smirking. "And what do I get in return?"

Ariana had expected this. "Leverage," she said smoothly. "I'll share whatever I find useful. And let's be honest, Ethan—you enjoy watching chaos unfold."

Ethan chuckled, clearly entertained. "You know me too well." He took a sip of his whiskey, then leaned in slightly, his voice dropping into something more intimate. "But there's something else, isn't there? You could've gone to anyone, but you came to me."

Ariana held his gaze. "Because I trust you."

For a split second, something unreadable flickered in Ethan's expression, but it was gone as quickly as it came. He exhaled sharply, then smirked. "Fine. I'll see what I can dig up. But remember, Ariana—powerful people don't like being exposed."

She met his gaze without flinching. "Neither do liars."

Ethan's eyes darkened slightly, his smirk turning into something more… intrigued. "You're playing a dangerous game."

Ariana smirked. "And I plan to win."

An hour later, Ariana excused herself from the gala and slipped into a quiet lounge area. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number she hadn't called in a long time.

After a few rings, a deep voice answered. "Ariana?"

"Hello, Uncle Hayes," she said, keeping her tone neutral.

There was a brief pause before his voice turned warm. "What a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Ariana leaned back against the plush leather seat. "I was just thinking about family. About how we should all look out for each other."

Another pause. Then, a chuckle. "That's very thoughtful of you."

Ariana smiled, even though he couldn't see it. "I heard an interesting rumor tonight. Something about Lucas Turner's… financial troubles."

This time, the silence stretched longer.

"I wouldn't concern yourself with that," Mr. Hayes finally said.

Ariana's smile widened. Got you.

"Of course," she said lightly. "But you know how business works, Uncle. If a company is weak, others will pounce. That includes the Carter family."

Mr. Hayes's voice dropped slightly. "Are you threatening me, Ariana?"

Ariana tilted her head. "Not at all. Just a friendly warning. If Lucas falls, Sophia falls with him. And if Sophia falls… well, that wouldn't look good for you, would it?"

There was a sharp intake of breath. Then, Mr. Hayes's tone turned cold. "Be careful, Ariana."

Ariana ended the call without another word.

Teddy, who had been floating nearby, let out a low whistle. "That was intense. Are you sure poking the bear is a good idea?"

Ariana exhaled slowly. "He's already making moves. I just let him know I'm watching."

Teddy grinned. "I love this new, ruthless you."

Ariana smirked. "Then you're going to love what comes next."

By the time Ariana returned to the ballroom, Ethan was waiting for her near the bar.

"Good timing," he said, handing her a folded piece of paper. "Bank statements. Lucas has been borrowing large sums of money from private investors. And he's late on several payments."

Ariana unfolded the paper, scanning the information. Her lips curled. "He's desperate."

Ethan leaned in slightly. "What's the plan?"

Ariana's eyes gleamed. "Simple. We make sure his investors lose faith in him. If they pull out, Lucas crashes. And Sophia crashes with him."

Ethan chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. "You're ruthless, Ariana Carter."

Ariana smirked. "And you love it."

Ethan's gaze darkened slightly. "Maybe I do."

For a brief moment, the air between them crackled.

Then, Teddy floated between them with an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, lovebirds, let's focus. We have a villain to destroy."

Ariana rolled her eyes, but her heart was pounding.

The game had begun. And she was about to play her best move yet.