A GAME OF SHADOWS

Chloe adjusted her blazer, forcing a composed expression as she entered the dimly lit lounge. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of cigars and expensive whiskey, a world she still hadn't fully adjusted to. She had spent the last few days trying to gain favor with Milan's right-hand man, Luca, but he wasn't an easy target. He was careful, guarded—exactly the kind of person Milan would trust.

Tonight was another attempt. Another game of patience.

Luca sat at the bar, whiskey in hand, engaged in quiet conversation with a few men. Chloe approached carefully, pretending to be distracted by her phone as she leaned against the counter. She had learned by now—directness would make them suspicious.

"You're persistent," Luca said without looking at her. His voice was cool, unreadable.

Chloe smirked, keeping her nerves in check. "Journalists have to be."

Luca finally turned, his dark eyes scanning her like a puzzle he wasn't sure he wanted to solve. "And yet, you're still here. Makes me wonder if you're just chasing a story... or something else."

The tension between them sharpened. Luca wasn't stupid. If he thought she was more than a journalist, her plan could unravel before it even reached Milan.

Chloe exhaled, choosing her next words carefully. "Maybe I'm just intrigued by this world. You have to admit, people love a good mystery."

Luca chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "Mysteries can be dangerous, Chloe." He tossed back the last of his drink and stood. "And dangerous things don't end well."

She had expected this. A warning meant she was getting somewhere—whether that was good or bad, she wasn't sure yet.

As Luca walked away, she turned back to the bar, but before she could process what to do next, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You don't belong here."

Chloe tensed. The voice was deeper, edged with quiet authority.

She turned slowly and found herself staring into the cold, piercing gaze of Milan Petrov.

Her breath caught. She hadn't planned for this—at least, not yet.

But fate had other plans.