Chapter 14: Into the Lion’s Den

The luxury hotel stood like a glass monolith in the heart of the city, towering above the streets lined with sleek cars and high-profile guests. The entrance buzzed with security, doormen in crisp suits checking invitations, while guests dressed in designer attire flowed inside like a river of wealth and corruption.

Alex adjusted the cufflinks on his black tuxedo, trying to ignore the weight of the concealed knife strapped to his forearm. Maya, in a deep-red evening gown that clung to her like a second skin, scanned the crowd with the sharp, predatory gaze of a hunter. Ellie, dressed in a sleek black dress with a slit running up one leg, had her hair pinned up in a style that made her look effortlessly dangerous.

They looked like they belonged here.

They didn't.

Maya leaned in slightly as they neared the entrance. "Remember, we're rich, bored, and here for the party. Blend in."

Alex smirked. "I'll try not to look like I want to kill everyone."

Ellie rolled her eyes. "That would help."

They reached the security checkpoint. A large, bald man in a suit took Alex's invitation, scanning it under a small device before nodding. "Welcome, Mr. Keller. Enjoy the party."

The same process repeated for Maya and Ellie. No alarms. No suspicion.

They were in.

The ballroom was a spectacle of excess—gold chandeliers, velvet drapes, and a sea of expensive jewelry flashing under the warm lighting. A string quartet played softly in the corner while waiters weaved through the crowd with silver trays of champagne.

Ellie grabbed a glass, sipping as she murmured, "This place is disgusting."

Maya smirked. "Try to act like you belong."

Alex kept his posture relaxed, eyes sweeping the room. Where's Langley?

Then he saw him.

Victor Langley stood near a roped-off VIP section, surrounded by a group of well-dressed men who looked more like bodyguards than guests. He was in his late fifties, thick silver hair combed back, an expensive tailored suit hugging his broad frame. But Alex's eyes locked onto one thing—the steel briefcase cuffed to his wrist.

Bishop's prize.

Maya followed Alex's gaze. "We need to get close."

Ellie nodded. "And separate him from his security."

Easier said than done.

Alex adjusted his tie and started toward the VIP section. "I'll handle Langley. You two figure out the escape route."

Ellie arched a brow. "You planning on charming him to death?"

Alex smirked. "Something like that."

Maya shook her head. "Try not to get shot before we get what we came for."

With that, they split up.

Alex approached the VIP section with the confidence of someone who belonged. The security at the rope barely glanced at him. He was just another rich nobody.

Langley turned as Alex neared, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. "I don't believe we've met."

Alex smiled, extending a hand. "Marcus Keller. Financial investments."

Langley shook it, his grip firm. "Victor Langley. I don't believe I've heard of you."

Alex chuckled. "That's intentional."

Langley's eyes gleamed with interest. Good. He likes secrets.

Alex grabbed a glass of whiskey from a passing waiter and clinked it against Langley's. "I hear you're the man who knows how to make things happen."

Langley chuckled, sipping his drink. "That depends on what things you're talking about."

Alex leaned in slightly. "Discreet transactions. Hard-to-find items."

Langley's smirk deepened. "Now that is my specialty."

Alex subtly glanced at the briefcase. How do I separate him from it?

Across the room, Maya and Ellie worked fast.

Maya slipped toward a maintenance hallway, ducking past a distracted waiter. She found what she was looking for—a control panel for the ballroom's lights. If things went south, killing the lights could buy them time.

Ellie, meanwhile, located the staff exit near the kitchen. A way out.

Then, she spotted something that made her heart sink.

Two men at the bar, watching Alex.

Not guests. Not security. Hunters.

Ellie's grip tightened around her clutch. They weren't the only ones here for Langley.

She moved fast, slipping back toward Maya.

"We have a problem."

Maya followed Ellie's gaze, her expression darkening. "Shit."

They needed to move.

Now.