Chapter 12: Sterling

Olivia Sterling stared out the window of her room at the Sterling residence. The garden beyond the glass looked as if it had been deserted, dormant under the cover of the autumn chill. Shades of red and brown shimmered faintly under the dull daylight, and the muffled rustling of trees against the gray sky filled her with a strange, unresolved melancholy. Her father's shadow hung over everything like a fog. Behind the doors of this house were secrets she had only a vague idea of over the years.

For several days she had been thinking back to the events of the week before. The party. The whispered conversations in the corners, the drunken company and finally that briefcase her father had left on the desk. She felt those moments return in full intensity. Flashes of information, snippets of sentences and something that immediately caught her attention - the Heart Investments seal on the header of the documents. She immediately recognized the mark, although she had seen it only a few times before. Each time, it was accompanied by broken conversations, as if the words could not be spoken in full.

She put her cup down on the windowsill and turned her gaze away from the window when she heard a rustling outside the door. She knew the sound - the creak of footsteps on hardwood, slow and steady, each bounce more disturbing than the last. It was her father. His presence could be felt from a distance, and the air in the room seemed to thicken with each step he took. She moved to the door, eavesdropping, but heard only, as he stopped for a moment in front of her room, only to move further down the corridor immediately after. It seemed to her that her heartbeat quickened; it ran through her mind that he would be able to know her intimately if he wanted to.

It was one of those days when she felt a prisoner of her own life, like a tiny figure on a chessboard that could only make a few predictable moves while constantly being watched by players of much greater power. Trying to calm herself down, she left the room and started down a long, richly decorated corridor. The walls were hung with portraits of ancestors, looking at her with blank, arrogant eyes. She knew the house inside out, and yet today it seemed stranger than usual.

On her way to her father's office, she reflected on the decisions that led her to this moment. In her mind, life should have been simple: education, family, city lights. But the Sterlings were no ordinary family. Their name was an entry card to the most hidden corners of New York's elite, and what lay behind that facade resembled a maze of traps, endless deals and deals made behind closed doors. Heart Investments was at the center of it all, shrouding the Sterlings with its powerful network. And although her father never spoke openly about his involvement, Olivia knew that his role was crucial.

There was almost absolute silence in her father's study, interrupted only by the distant ticking of a clock standing in the corner of the room. Although she saw familiar furniture and shelves full of books all around her, she had the impression that the study was shrinking, narrowing the space between her and her father. Upholstered leather armchairs and a sleek, neatly polished desk top made everything look almost sterilely organized - almost unreal. Despite her young age, Olivia felt the overwhelming weight of the years of experience her father had put into every movement, every word, every look. He sat behind his desk, bent over documents as if they were the most important things in the world. An expression of concentration was painted on his face, and his hand moved slowly across the paper, analyzing the details with perfect, almost mechanical precision. Finally, he lifted his head, his gaze piercing her thoroughly, like a blade capable of reading her every thought.

- Did you want something, Olivia? - He asked coolly, without stopping to leaf through the documents.

Olivia felt the muscles of her shoulders tighten under her father's gaze. She knew that in this family nothing, absolutely nothing, remained without purpose. Even a simple greeting here had its meaning, its hidden meaning.

- No, I just ... I was passing by," she replied, and her voice sounded slightly trembling, even though she tried to sound nonchalant.

Sterling raised his eyebrows, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly in a mocking smile.

- You walked through," he repeated with a tinge of irony in his voice. - It seems to me that this corridor is not interesting enough to walk through it without a specific reason," he replied, and his tone rang out as if it were both praise and admonishment.

She averted her gaze for a moment, sticking her gaze into the book display case behind the desk. After a moment, however, she managed to regain her confidence. She felt she had to surprise him if she wanted to emerge from this conversation with any sense of control.

- I'm curious about ... Your projects," she said, pointing with a gesture to the piles of documents on her desk. - I'd like to learn more about what you do someday. Not just from stories.

Her father raised his head and measured her with a careful gaze, as if trying to guess what was behind it. A slight shadow appeared on his face, as if a distant memory that he had no intention of sharing with her.

- Perhaps someday," he replied slowly, looking at her without taking his eyes off her, almost drilling her to the core. - But remember that some places are beyond your reach. And I don't just mean this desk or these documents.

The words hung in the air, leaving an awkward silence between them. It was a reminder, one of those indirect warnings she had grown accustomed to over the years. Nonetheless, she felt a pressure in her stomach, as if a cold chill was beating down from every word that came out of his mouth. She felt a rebellion rising in her, but stifled it, knowing that her father could sense every, even the slightest change in her facial expression. She had spent her entire life watching him - his posture, gestures, tone of voice. She stored every detail in her memory, trying to understand the rules of this game he played in the shadow of their family traditions and fortune. But she still missed the key pieces of this puzzle, the key rules that guided the world of Heart Investments.

At some point, her father leaned over the documents again, thereby letting her know that he considered the conversation over. She realized that she had not achieved her goal. And that the day, though it brought no answers, left more questions. She turned and left, and various thoughts and strategies began to swirl in her mind. As she walked through the massive door of her father's office, she felt the weight of their brief conversation settle on her shoulders, as if his words literally reached deep into her soul. She knew her father enough to know that he wasn't directly threatening her - he was subtly letting her know that family secrets are something you learn by paying a high price. And she had yet to prove that she was ready to pay it.

The narrow corridor, dark with mahogany panels and thick carpets, leading to the exit, seemed overwhelming to her. She stared at the delicate ornaments adorning the walls, trying to focus her thoughts, to calm the chaos of her emotions. The light grew dimmer with each step, until she reached the end, where a massive, ornate mirror reflected her facial expression - a face on which emotions she didn't deal with every day were clearly painted. She took a deep breath and wiped her damp hands on the velvet dress. Questions swirled in her head - about Heart Investments, about her father's role, about her place in all of this. She realized that much was being kept from her. It was the rule of the game to control the lives of others. She had no intention of letting go.

She closed her eyes, pausing for a moment, then went down to the living room. Entering there, she felt she needed a respite. She stared at the space filled with elegant furniture, paintings hanging on the walls - everything here seemed to say that secrets were an integral part of their world. Suddenly her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her reverie. She swiped the screen, looking at the message that displayed on the screen: it was a brief invitation to an evening dinner from her friend Victoria. A glance at the message was enough for Olivia to smile slightly - perhaps it was the perfect opportunity to forget about family secrets and focus on something more carefree, if only for a moment. She wrote back quickly, accepting the invitation, and noted the time in her head.

A few hours later, standing in front of the mirror in her room, she was choosing a style that would allow her to feel at ease and fully herself at the same time. In her closet hung the very clothes she had selected - sophisticated, but without being too pretentious. She chose a classic dark blue dress that accentuated her slender figure while adding a distinctive touch. When she arrived at the restaurant, Victoria was already waiting, sipping a drink by the window. Olivia immediately spotted her by her bright hair and the brilliant smile that lit up her face. She sat down across from her, feeling the tension of the day slowly subside and the conversation quickly took on a light, friendly tone.

- How have the last few days been? You look like you've been through dozens of intense conversations.... - Victoria looked at her investigatively, tilting her head.

Olivia sighed, raising her glass to her lips.

- Intense is an understatement. Do you know what it's like to have your family watching your every move while telling you nothing? I feel like a child playing on a race track among seasoned drivers," she replied, and her tone had a mixture of sarcasm and frustration.

Victoria laughed, but there was understanding in her eyes.

- Well, Olivia. Maybe it's a sign that it's time to start taking your own steps, regardless of the race.

Victoria corrected herself in her seat, pulling up the shoulder strap of her dress, which was the color of wine, contrasting with her fair skin. She had typical Upper East Side beauty: subtle makeup, straight blonde hair that fell gently to her shoulders, and an emerald ring glinting on her index finger - a symbol of family wealth and influence that one could feel immediately.

They sat in a small, elegant restaurant hidden on a side street in Manhattan, the place was secluded and tasteful, decorated with flowers and warm candlelight. The dark brown walls were decorated with gilded frames of paintings depicting New York in the 1920s. Everything here exuded intimacy, as if the place itself was another layer of mask under which upper-class regulars hid, avoiding prying eyes.

Olivia looked out the window at the street, where the lights of the cars reflected in the puddles, giving the area a melancholy mood. She felt like throwing out all the frustration, all the unexpressed uncertainty, but words did not come easily. She leaned back more comfortably, adopting a somewhat nonchalant expression, though her eyes betrayed something deeper.

- You know," she began, looking at her friend with a smile that didn't quite match her eyes, "sometimes I feel that everyone around me has a place. Everyone knows someone, knows something, is part of something.... bigger. And me, well, I feel like a pawn in a game I don't even understand.

Victoria squirmed, raising an eyebrow.

- Really? Olivia Sterling says she's just a pawn? The one who keeps everyone at a distance at school, and still everyone vies for her attention? Maybe it is indeed time for something more ... bolder," she chuckled, tilting her head and staring at Olivia thoughtfully. - This is Manhattan, dear. Here everyone is a pawn, but some people just know how to pitch in this game.

Victoria spoke confidently, looking at Olivia carefully, as if waiting for her friend to see that in the world as they know it, only those who take risks will survive. Olivia nodded, feeling her thoughts begin to calm down and form a concrete plan. Everything Victoria said made sense - this was a world where influence and secrets mattered most, and she was Sterling.

The waiter brought the ordered bottle of Merlot, interrupting their conversation for a moment. He poured the wine into glasses, and the warm, deep red of the liquor seemed to contrast with the dark, dim light of the restaurant. Olivia grabbed the glass and raised it to her lips, tasting the rich, tart flavor. Victoria watched her carefully, then leaned over the table, lowering her voice.

- Olivia, you know that you always have a choice. You can be part of the game, but you can also play by your own rules.

Victoria's words hit her like an arrow. She knew that her friend was right, that in a world full of manipulation and influence there was also room for her to take control. She put down her glass, and a new expression appeared on her face - determination, as if she suddenly began to see her position from a completely different perspective.

- You are right. Maybe it is indeed time ... to reshuffle the cards," she replied, a little quieter, but with a clear glint in her eyes.

Victoria smiled approvingly, as if she was waiting for Olivia to finally see what their reality really hid. She folded her hands in front of her on the table and looked at Olivia with a gaze that was a mixture of concern and sly determination. The warm light of the restaurant reflected off her fair skin and cast a soft shadow on her neck, making her look like a picture straight out of a catalog of elegance and detachment. Despite her fatigue, Olivia felt something change inside her, as if Victoria had just handed her an unspoken invitation to a game whose rules were clearly defined, albeit dangerous.

Victoria spoke of "game" with such ease, as if it were the only natural thing in the world, and Olivia felt her senses sharpen, a new plan being born in her head. She felt an unpleasant chill piercing her neck, as if some thin, invisible leash had just tightened around her.

- So, do you have any ideas on what to do next? - Olivia asked, her voice sounding quiet but firm.

She looked at Victoria with eyes that left no illusions - she was ready. She knew that this one choice could change everything, and Manhattan was like a chessboard, where a move the wrong way ended in swift elimination. Here, every step had a price. Victoria tilted her head, watching her for a moment, and there was a flash of approval in her eyes.

- There's always a plan," Victoria replied with a smile, reaching for her wine glass. - Let's say the first rule is to find a weakness.

- Who are you targeting? - Olivia asked, without taking her eyes off Victoria's face.

Victoria leaned back in her chair, bringing a smile to her face that looked like a smokescreen.

- There are several candidates," she said thoughtfully. - You know, some secrets are just asking to be used.

In that one moment, Olivia felt the weight of their plan and an excitement beyond anything she had ever felt. Manhattan had always seemed wild to her, but now she saw that she could be the one to give direction to the chaos. They got up and walked out into the cool night. New York at night was irresistible - a cool wind blew across their faces, and the city lights glittered like the blinds of a wild animal. Olivia tightened her fingers on her purse, drawing a quiet, mysterious strength from it.

- I'm ready," she said, and her voice disappeared into the night air.

Manhattan has just gained a new player.

They strolled slowly along the wide avenue, among the elegant display cases behind which hid the lights and splendor of boutiques inaccessible to most New Yorkers. Outside, it was twilight, the night draped over the city with its heavy, almost overwhelming atmosphere. The shadows of lanterns and city lights created streaks across their faces, accentuating their features and giving them a kind of sinister grace.

Olivia, walking right next to Victoria, constantly felt that distinguished coolness on her, and at the same time something much more intangible - her words and manner created an almost tangible aura. There was a sense of control around her, a refined confidence, as if every step had been carefully planned. Victoria's long, slender fingers wove through the waves of blond hair that fell to her shoulders and shone in the light of passing shop windows. Her eyes, almost impassive, flicked over the shop windows, over the faces of passersby, missing everything that was not important to her.

Victoria paused for a moment at one of the storefronts of the cafe, where jazz music played quietly inside and few customers sat at tables, submerged in conversation and daily concerns.

- Sometimes I think these people live in a completely different world," she muttered, glancing over her shoulder at Olivia. - Simple life, simple pleasures. No intrigue, no deals.

- Do you think their lives are fully satisfying for them? - Olivia asked, raising an eyebrow with slight sarcasm.

Victoria shrugged her shoulders, allowing herself a brief smile.

- Not for me," she replied, her voice soft, almost melodious, although it had a hint of irony in it.

They entered the cafe, and the sound of the bell above the door spread through the interior, drawing stares. The tall wooden walls, warm light and aroma of freshly brewed coffee created a contrast to the elegant, calculating world they were both associated with. They sat at a small round table by the window, which gave them a perfect view of the streets.

- Is this part of your plan? - Olivia asked, glancing at Victoria with a slight smile.

Victoria looked at her for a moment, as if evaluating her question.

- It depends," she replied, reaching for the menu card, though her eyes remained fixed, as if ready to jump to another topic at any moment. - Sometimes a plan is one thing, and how you execute it is another matter entirely.

The waitress brought coffees, and they began to talk quietly, although words were just a game, underneath which something more was hidden. Olivia felt that in this world of Victoria's, every meeting had a second bottom, every conversation hid more than words. Victoria was like a gentle flame that illuminated her thoughts, but at the same time reminded her how dangerous the proximity of a burning candle is. She watched Victoria carefully, noticing her every move, every hidden gesture.

At the table, the two assumed an elegant, impeccable posture, although the tension floating in the air seemed to have somewhat dimmed the customary distance between them. The warm light scattered around the café gave their silhouettes a softness, gently enveloping their profiles. Olivia, with her shoulders slightly shielded by the lacy material of her blouse, leaned back against the back of her chair, letting a wave of her hair fall over her face, hiding the subtle but expressive expression of interest she had for Victoria.

Victoria sat across from her, with a cup of coffee gently raised near her lips. Her eyes, with their deep, cool gaze, studied every twitch in Olivia's facial expression, as if they wanted to reach further, to pierce the facade of conversation to discover the secrets Olivia was hiding.

- Does everything always have to be so... strategically planned? - Olivia asked, leaning toward Victoria with a slight smile that immediately flashed across her face, as if this impulse of emotion was about to disappear quickly, leaving a cool calm.

Victoria put the cup down on the saucer, her movements were slow, even ceremonial. She looked like someone who carefully chose every gesture, every movement, leaving nothing to chance.

- Maybe not everything," she replied, tilting her head and letting her hair fall over her shoulder. - But I'm not a fan of coincidences. You know... they leave too much in the hands of fate. And fate... can be capricious.

Olivia felt a small shiver run down her spine, a silent warning that she almost ignored. This woman, sitting across from her, was like an enigma - simultaneously alluring and dangerous. Beneath the mask of elegance and perfect appearance was an irrepressible desire for control that seemed to harmonize perfectly with her dark charm.

- And you, Olivia... - she began, and in her voice sounded a note of something that could be both warm interest and cold calculation. - Do you always let chance decide for you?

Olivia looked at Victoria for a moment before deciding to answer. She was aware that any word could reveal too much - but she also knew that not answering the question was not an option.

- Actually... I like it when fate surprises," she replied, shrugging her shoulders with a nonchalance that was actually not as sure as she might have thought. - Or at least that's what I tell myself, so that I don't lose hope that not everything has been planned in my life yet.

Victoria smiled, her eyes flared for a moment in the candlelight, as if she had found something she was looking for in that answer.

- An interesting perspective," she replied, leaning closer. - But in that case, what keeps you here? In a city so predictable, where every secret is eventually discovered?

Olivia thought for a moment, then sighed, reaching for her glass.

- Maybe that moment when mysteries are still mysteries.

Victoria watched her closely, raising an eyebrow in an expression of barely visible approval. The silence between them was thick, the tension hovering in the air like a silent challenge that one of them had to accept. In this setting - the warm, muffled light of the café, with the faint scent of coffee and wood - Victoria gave the impression of someone who knows exactly how far she can go and where the boundary lies, which has not been violated by anyone in years. Olivia, despite a certain reserve, could not resist the fascination of and the simultaneous sense of danger that Victoria aroused in her.

Victoria leaned a little closer, causing their gazes to meet on the line drawn by the twilight that stretched between them like a thin border of the unknowable. For a moment, her hand lightly touched Olivia's palm, barely noticeable, yet such that it caused a thrill that made Olivia feel her heart beat faster.

- So, Olivia... - began Victoria, lowering her voice to almost a whisper that seemed to penetrate the space between them, as if it were only for her ears. - If you had the chance to discover the innermost secrets of this place.... would you reach for it, no matter the price?

Olivia lifted her head, feeling a wave of determination rising within her. With this question, Victoria broke right into her thoughts, getting to the heart of her inner dilemmas and desires. She had spent so many months trying to escape her environment, the pressures of her surroundings, and finally here, in the shadow of the big city, she felt something real, something that had a taste of freedom, but at the same time was something disturbingly dark.

- The question is whether it's worth knowing the truth," she replied, peering at her through half-closed eyelids. - Sometimes it's better to stay away.... But maybe the truth also has its charms.

Victoria laughed softly, her sonorous yet low laugh resounding like a challenge. She stared at Olivia for a long moment, as if assessing her reaction, and then stepped back slightly, though their hands still rested on the table, almost touching.

- Did you know that secrets only have their power if they are kept in the shadows? What is revealed ceases to be attractive.... but maybe, not in your case," she added, raising the cup to her lips to hide a slight smile.

Olivia felt her gaze stop on Victoria and her thoughts begin to run restlessly, as if what had happened in that moment was going to be the beginning of something she was only partially prepared for. She felt like leaving, going back to her well-ordered life, but some force, something hidden deep down, kept her in that café, a place that seemed only an excuse to deepen a bond full of understatements and promises.

As if suddenly deciding to take a bolder step, she moved slightly away from the table, leaning toward Victoria to make it clear that she was ready to take up the challenge that hung between them. The atmosphere seemed to thicken, as if each successive exchange of glances would bring a new, unguessed meaning.

- The secrets you keep in the shadows," she began quietly, barely restraining herself from smiling. - Maybe they are not as dark as you think after all.