Chapter 39: The Resort

"But we can't do this officially," Sebastian Gray cautioned, leaning back in his chair.

"Why not?" Thomas Wilson frowned, clearly puzzled.

Sebastian smirked. "Do you think everyone's an idiot? No matter how discreet we are, if it's an official placement, there will be traces. And those traces will be found. You've never been in the corporate world, so you might not get it. Just trust me on this."

Commander James Morrison tapped his desk impatiently. "If we don't go through official channels, how do we handle this?"

"Simple. We use private connections," Sebastian replied, his tone matter-of-fact. Seeing the confusion on their faces, he elaborated. "For example, I have a cousin who's been unhappy at her job and wants a change. She studied media in university and has three years of experience. Do you think Dreamwing Media would hire her? Don't think of it as exploiting personal connections. If the company is legitimate, it's a great opportunity. Anyone can see Margaret's pouring resources into it. Our people would have a secure future there."

Morrison nodded slowly. "I have a nephew who could try."

"And I've got a distant cousin who's been begging me for a job. Perfect timing," Thomas added.

Sebastian clapped his hands. "Great, it's settled. Oh, and let's keep this between the three of us. The fewer people who know about our 'nails,' the better."

With the plan in place, Sebastian headed home to discuss it with his sister, Isabella. He needed her approval before moving forward.

---

**Later That Evening | Gray Family Estate**

Sebastian found Isabella in the study, her nose buried in a legal brief. He laid out the plan in detail, watching her reaction carefully.

"So, what do you think? If you're uncomfortable with this, I'll find someone else."

Isabella considered it for a long moment before nodding. "I'll do it."

"Are you sure?"

She cut him off. "This isn't just for you. It's for me too. Like you said, Dreamwing is a new venture with significant investment. If I prove myself, the career prospects are solid. Besides, I won't be doing anything shady—just keeping an eye out for anything unusual. And let's be honest, I'd tell you about anything weird at work anyway. So, no, I don't have any reservations."

Sebastian thought about it. She wasn't wrong. Isabella had always been the type to share office gossip, from affairs to petty rivalries.

"Alright then. Start preparing your resignation. The sooner you join Dreamwing, the better your chances of climbing the ranks."

"Obviously," she replied with a smirk.

---

**Meanwhile | Victor Black's Apartment**

Victor had been enjoying a rare period of calm. His days were simple: work, reading, and the occasional dinner with Eric Matthews. To most, this routine might seem dull, but for Victor, it was a precious respite.

On Friday evening, as he kicked off his shoes, his phone buzzed. It was Sebastian.

"Hey, remember my sister's birthday? You're still coming, right?"

"When is it again?"

"Tomorrow. Well, technically it's Monday, but we're celebrating early. I'll pick you up at nine."

"Got it."

After hanging up, Victor wondered if he should bring a gift.

---

**The Next Morning | Lakeside Retreat**

"Mr. Black!" Alex Gray greeted him cheerfully as Victor approached the car. Two other teenagers—likely family—were in the backseat.

Victor nodded and slid into the passenger seat. As they drove, Sebastian asked, "Ever been to the Lakeside Retreat?"

"No."

"It's a high-end resort. The party's there. They've got some exciting activities planned. You're in for a treat."

"Like what?"

"You'll see."

An hour later, they arrived at the resort. Nestled in the countryside, the place was a blend of modern luxury and classical elegance. The architecture was stunning, clearly designed by someone with exceptional talent.

The parking lot was filled with expensive but understated cars—no flashy sports cars in sight. As they walked through the grounds, Sebastian pointed out various guests.

"This is the best private club in London, hands down. Everyone here is either rich or powerful." He gestured toward a pavilion. "See that guy? Deputy Director of the Commerce Bureau."

A little further on, he indicated a group near a teahouse. "Those are from the Land Resources Bureau. The bald one's another deputy director."

As they approached a building that resembled a sports complex, a group of men emerged. Sebastian's eyes lit up.

"That's Scott Ryder, head of the Golden District Police Station. Same system, so I should say hello. Want to come? Might be useful to know him."

Victor's gaze lingered on Ryder. He hadn't expected to run into one of his targets here.

"No, you go ahead," Victor replied calmly.

Sebastian shrugged and walked off. As Victor watched Ryder, he thought, Enjoy your final days.

Ryder was next on his list.

---

**Inside the Club**

The building turned out to be a private shooting club. Sebastian grinned. "Time for some fun."

Victor followed, already knowing what "fun" meant. Guns. Always guns.