Chapter 13: The Game of Illusions

Olivia Sterling sat in one of the luxurious, isolated boxes of La Nuit restaurant, where the soft golden light of the lamps created an atmosphere reserved for the elite, and the big-city glamour of Manhattan shone through the large windows. Walls of heavy, dark wood and velvet curtains made the place seem mysterious and safe. A Persian rug of deep burgundy and green hues stretched under her table, muffling the footsteps of the waiters who discreetly passed the tables.

She came here at her father's insistence, even though she knew there was more at stake than just family business. Several weeks had passed since her conversation with Victoria, and she still couldn't contain the thought that she needed to get out of this golden cage. The meeting was to be attended by someone known in exclusive circles, someone who supposedly held the key to the Sterlings' new influence. At first she felt nothing but irritation, but then he showed up - a man with a penetrating gaze, dressed in a classic jacket with a hint of nonchalance that caught her attention. His figure immediately caught Olivia's attention. Slender, dressed in a perfectly tailored graphite suit, he looked as if he had carefully thought through every detail of his appearance. He had short, smoothly combed spiky hair, and his dark eyes were filled with a cool confidence, as if he knew the innermost secrets of everyone in the room.

As he approached her table, Olivia stepped back slightly, allowing him to make the first move. He introduced himself briefly: Sebastian Vanderbilt. A well-known figure on Wall Street whose presence heralded serious commitments. He smiled, thanked the waiter with a nod and took a seat opposite her. His presence, elegant and subtle, immediately filled the space between them. She found it difficult to hide a certain fascination, even as she tried to remain professional. Their exchange of pleasantries was marked by a cool detachment.

For a moment, it seemed to Olivia that everything around her had dimmed, and the attention of her mind was completely consumed by him - a man whose mysterious reputation and reserved charisma had intrigued her for months. The waiter brought two glasses of wine. Sebastian raised his glass and then, after a moment's reflection, bowed slightly toward her.

- To the Sterlings," he said quietly, squinting his eyes. - A family that evokes so many emotions.

Olivia responded with a smile, raising her glass and taking a sip of wine. She felt Sebastian's intense gaze, which seemed to penetrate her.

- A family that never stops working," she added, with a hint of irony in her voice, though her eyes remained full of vigilance.

Sebastian nodded, still staring at her with anticipation.

- Work work work, Olivia, but doesn't it affect life? At such an age one should enjoy ... more mundane things," he stated, and his tone was as provocative as it was intimate.

His every word seemed to carry a hidden content. Olivia allowed herself to laugh, more with detachment than genuine joy.

- I think we both know that there are some people who don't allow us to just enjoy," she replied, without taking her eyes off him. - Or at least not without a corresponding price.

Sebastian smiled, though an expression of watchfulness still lurked in his eyes. His fingers played with the edge of the glass, gliding over the delicate glass, as if he were conducting an unspeakable experiment.

- In that case, tell me, what would be the price of your freedom, Olivia?

The words hung in the air, vibrating between them like a note of music beginning to sound. Olivia felt a gentle chill pass down her back, though her face maintained an impassive mask. She wasn't sure if this was part of the game they were both playing, or something more real - something that could break down all barriers.

- My freedom? - She asked, raising her glass to her lips and looking at him from over the glass rim. - I think it's a matter of proper negotiation.

There was a spark in Sebastian's eyes as he put down his glass and looked at her in a way that could stop time.

- You are a better negotiator than I suspected," he replied with a shadow of amusement. - I heard about your mother.... she was always unparalleled in negotiations. But you... you have something more in you. Maybe it's perspicacity, or maybe it's sophisticated manipulation.

He leaned slightly toward her, causing the space between them to shrink to just a few inches. Olivia felt his presence almost tangibly, as if he were moving beyond his usual comfort zone and entering her personal world, ready to upset its balance.

- I don't see it that way," she replied, trying to speak calmly, although her heart was beating harder. - I see it more as a chessboard.... On which every move must be carefully thought out. And in this game ... a little manipulation is just a tool.

- Manipulation is a tool. But who is the player and who is the pawn, Olivia? - he asked, his voice lowered, taking on a hardness. - Because we both know that those who think they control the game are often just one of the pawns on the chessboard.

Their gazes met, and time seemed to stop flowing for a moment. Olivia felt a tension in the air, something that was not just a play on words, but a mixture of challenge and mutual attraction. She struggled to tear her gaze away, trying to maintain the remnants of her composure.

- I'm curious, Mr. Vanderbilt, who you think is moving the pawns.

He smiled, raising his eyebrows in a gesture of surprise and perhaps slight approval.

- Let's say you'll find out in time," he replied, picking up his napkin as the waiter brought another dish, and their game continued, as if in slow motion. - But one thing I know for sure - if you were dealing the cards, Olivia, you wouldn't raise the stakes for someone weaker than yourself.

Olivia looked at Sebastian, raising her glass of wine and trying to hide her growing interest. When the waiter moved away, they were alone at the table, in the shadow of the luxurious alcove of La Nuit restaurant. The candlelight reflected on his hand gently mussing the rim of his glass.

- So, Olivia," Sebastian looked at her with a slight smile, "the Sterling family is, after all, a real pioneer in the sector of.... um, alternative investments. And what's next? What else are those luxurious facades and proud declarations hiding?

Olivia felt a little uncomfortable, but answered calmly, as if it was one of the routine conversations she had already had hundreds of.

- Every family has its secrets, Sebastian. Just like yours. - She set her glass down on the table. - And the future of the Sterlings? It remains a question of strategic decisions.... And appropriate partnerships.

Sebastian laughed quietly, leaning back slightly in his chair, as if in this way he wanted to see her better.

- I value sincerity, even incomplete sincerity. It's rare in our circles. - He moved his finger across the table top, leaving an invisible trail behind him, and his voice took on a more matter-of-fact, almost professional tone. - The question, Olivia, is what kind of investments are you going to turn into this.... success? The biotechnology sector? Or perhaps even more discrete areas?

The Sterlings were known for their subtle influence in the biotech sector, but at the same time they invested in riskier projects, in industries that attracted people with resources, ambition and, most importantly, with discrete needs.

- Biotechnology is the apple of our eye," she replied, leaning slightly toward Sebastian. - This is an industry with great potential, Sebastian, for those who understand its possibilities and know how to use it properly.

Sebastian nodded, and there was an expression of interest in his gaze. He was silent for a moment, as if weighing his words.

- I would venture to say that the Sterlings know exactly how to leverage not only the industry's potential, but also the relationships that allow them to control its future. And as you know... - he suspended his voice, leaning a little closer - relationships require corresponding sacrifices and compromises.

- And what would life be without some sacrifices? - She replied with a shadow of a smile. - After all, it's relationships that define our world, right? You know, as my father used to say, "every power needs proper safeguards." Maybe that's why the Sterlings prefer to act quietly but effectively.

Sebastian raised his glass toward her, as if in recognition of this philosophy.

- Efficiency and discretion, hmm? I like your approach, Olivia. After all, biotechnology is just a prelude to much more profound changes, especially when you have an impact on data and population health.

Their gazes met over the table, and the seriousness of their conversation gradually began to give way to clear tension. They both knew that at this point they were touching on matters much deeper than business cooperation. Taking control of the biotechnology sector offered not only enormous financial opportunities, but more importantly, power over one of the most sensitive areas of human life.

Sebastian leaned in, looking at her intensely.

- My impression, Olivia, is that your father doesn't pass the reins to everyone. But you ... - squinted his eyes slightly - you look like someone who knows more than just theories, and more importantly, can put them into practice.

Olivia leaned back, and a shadow appeared in her eyes, barely visible to someone who didn't know the Sterlings.

- My father built an empire, but he knows that new blood must take over to maintain what he created. - She smiled gently, although a hint of ambition could be sensed in her voice. - Sometimes you have to take risks to achieve great things.

Sebastian propped his chin on his hand and watched Olivia with an irreverent smile, as if he wanted to penetrate her thoughts and perhaps even discover motives that went beyond the typical desire for profit. A note of recognition flashed in his eyes, but also a deeply hidden caution - the Sterlings had always operated in realms that others were afraid to look into.

- Are you talking about risk, then? - he began, not hiding the slight note of provocation in his voice. - Well, anyone who wants real influence must be willing to face the consequences. Do your risks relate to biotechnology itself, or do you have something more... direct?

Olivia smiled, leaning slightly toward him. She played her part perfectly - every gesture, every word thoughtful, balanced. For a moment she stared at her glass of wine, as if in deep thought, then raised her gaze to Sebastian.

- Let me tell you this, Sebastian," she began, her voice taking on a tone of matter-of-fact sincerity. - Biotechnology is the foundation. But for those who can control its development, a whole network of connections opens up. Health data, access to medical breakthroughs, personalized therapies.... Imagine the power that can be gained by influencing the health of people from every level of society.

Sebastian pondered her words, as if weighing the value of their meaning.

- You mean control over access to technology? On the one hand, it's a privilege for the few, and on the other, it's a powerful way to manipulate those who want that access. It may even be so that they don't know who the actual supplier.

Olivia nodded, noticing that Sebastian was beginning to understand the depth of their vision.

- Imagine such a situation," she continued, lowering her voice, "a new drug, a breakthrough, effective, but available only to a select few. Those who are willing to pay the right price, both financially and.... personal. In the hands of the Sterlings, it would be an exclusive, luxury product - something that can only be passed on in confidence. But what if access to health becomes the privilege of only those we choose ourselves?

Sebastian did not hide his fascination. His gaze fixed on her with growing respect, and his gaze became more intense.

- So the Sterlings are preparing for new conquests," he commented, leaning slightly over the table. His gaze was almost provocative. - Ambitious, as always.

- Ambition is my way of life," she replied calmly, although inwardly she was brimming with curiosity.

Sebastian looked into her eyes for a moment, as if trying to penetrate the facade of elegance that Olivia had carefully cultivated.

- So the Sterlings understand that the real power is not in the product, but in the selection of access to it. It's not a question of money, right? It's control, Olivia. Control over people, over their decisions, over.... their lives.

Olivia nodded, satisfied that Sebastian understood the gist.

- That's right, Sebastian. Now imagine the possibility of interference on a personal level. We create a network of partners, close associates, who know our values and for whom we are more than investors. These are people who pledge loyalty, but at the same time depend on our support. The control we exercise is permanent. Without us, their structures crumble like a house of cards.

Sebastian moved closer, and his tone took on a seriousness.

- I see that the Sterlings are indeed not content with mediocrity. But tell me - how do you think to develop such a structure without arousing suspicion? Because, as far as I know, in the biotechnology market, there are still certain limits.

Olivia bit her lip slightly, as if considering how much she could reveal and how much to keep to herself. Then she looked at him with a smile that hid a note of challenge.

- That is where the key to success lies. Boundaries, yes, exist, but they are flexible. Thanks to our partners in the political and legal sectors, Sterlings has the ability to push those boundaries. We are able to innovate in ways that.... seemingly do not exist for the outside world. For ordinary people, these will be inaccessible technologies, and we ... will be pioneers in the shadows.

Sebastian leaned back more comfortably in his chair, taking a sip of wine. His gaze was attentive, but for a moment he looked as if he wanted Olivia to reveal something even more interesting to him.

- I understand that the Sterlings have the means to expand their frontiers.... But there's no denying that expanding into biotechnology is an endeavor that attracts many interested parties. How can you be sure that competitors won't come after the same thing?

Olivia was silent for a moment, analyzing his question. It was evident that she was weighing her words, as if she wanted to convey only the most essential parts to Sebastian, while hiding strategic details. Finally, she put down her glass and leaned toward him.

- Trust me," she said quietly, and a mixture of certainty and cool calculation echoed in her voice. - The Sterlings operate in advance. Of course, we know that the competition doesn't sleep, but we have what others don't - comprehensively planned procedures and fully loyal people. Our partners are not just investors; they are like family, and their interests are intertwined with ours in a way that prevents competition from making any move.

He tilted his head, peering at her from under squinted eyelids, as if searching for a hidden message in her words.

- "Like family," you say? You know that these types of ties are sometimes the most difficult to maintain. It only takes one conflict for the whole structure to collapse," he commented, though without conviction.

Olivia smiled slightly, with amusement.

- They are like family, but in a controlled way. When they cross a certain boundary, we know about it faster than they can expect. Every step is monitored and every move is analyzed. Betrayal would be too costly for them, because they have too much to lose.

He nodded, satisfied with the answer. He looked at her curiously.

- So power through debt? That's clever. However, it has always puzzled me how the Sterlings are going to combine everything into one functional structure when you spread into so many industries. Biotechnology, the luxury market, financial services....

Olivia took a deep breath and looked at Sebastian with full understanding, knowing that this topic required precise framing.

- It's good that you're talking about it, because integration is what we're all about. You know that we already have the technological facilities to track and analyze data on a huge scale. As a result, we are able to predict trends, needs and possible problems in almost any industry. Analytical departments monitor the market in real time, and trusted people in politics and media allow us to move faster and smoother than our competitors.

Sebastian listened attentively, nodding his head. An inscrutable thought appeared in his eyes.

- It sounds impressive," he finally admitted. - But I assume that, as in any risky venture, you have to expect increased scrutiny from regulators and state bodies. How is it possible that your movements still remain invisible to them?

Olivia smiled, this time with a clear shadow of triumph.

- That's where the secret lies, Sebastian. Everything we do falls into loopholes that the average regulator can't grasp. We have people who know the regulations very well, and if we need something.... well, regulatory flexibility is a matter of proper guidance and influence in the right places.

Sebastian raised his eyebrows, intrigued.

- Does this mean that your organization also operates outside the United States? It seems that the scale of your operations can reach far beyond what is seen at first glance.

Olivia looked at him investigatively, then expressed only a gentle smile, leaving the issue without a direct answer.

- Let's just say that the Sterlings understand perfectly well the importance of global perspectives," she replied, making Sebastian clear that certain details will remain a secret.

Sebastian leaned slightly over the table, his smile indicating that he was satisfied with Olivia's explanation - at least as much as he wanted to find out that night. He rested his elbows on the table and crossed his fingers, watching her closely, as if he was trying to make out something else between the words, as if he had just discovered something that had begun to fascinate him.

- Well, I must admit that you convinced me," he finally said, leaning back and returning to a more relaxed pose. - The Sterlings know how to play, and you.... - He smiled, glancing at her at an angle. - You seem to know exactly what you're doing.

Olivia reciprocated the smile.

- I'm glad I was able to dispel any doubts," she replied calmly, although there was a note of satisfaction in her voice. She felt that she had conducted the conversation smoothly enough without revealing herself too much. After all, the Sterlings were all about control - over everything and everyone.

She drew the glass to her lips, taking the last sip of wine. She was aware that the conversation with Sebastian had reached a stage where more confessions would raise unnecessary questions. She propped her chin on her hand, watching him intently, as if weighing how much she could actually trust him and how much she could not.

- Well, Sebastian," she chuckled, smiling slightly, but already without a trace of the earlier openness. - I think we both have had enough to think about this evening. Perhaps our paths will cross again more than once, if only you know how to play when the need arises.

Sebastian raised his glass in a symbolic toast, though his gaze was clearly considering.

- Olivia Sterling, I must admit that you have impressed me. The Sterlings truly leave nothing to chance. Who knows, maybe next time we'll have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of biotechnology more.... or other sectors of your interests.

Olivia nodded, setting her glass down on the table.

They both stood up, and Sebastian walked over to help her put on her coat. They made their way to the exit in silence, their footsteps echoing in the empty lobby. The soft light of the lanterns seeped through the windows, illuminating the marble floors and creating an almost theatrical set from the shadows.

- So, what's next? - He asked once they were standing outside. The night was chilly, and a gentle fog was beginning to drift through the streets, giving the city an almost unreal atmosphere.

Olivia looked at him and folded her hands in her coat pockets, smiling enigmatically.

- Let's just say that I will remain in the shadows for now. I have my plans for the coming weeks, and this conversation has only reinforced them," she replied, feeling satisfied that she had managed to keep her distance until the very end.

Sebastian nodded, and his gaze did not hide his admiration.

- So good luck to you. I think I will hear about your plans more than once.

They parted before the entrance, and Olivia headed toward her limousine. In the cool evening air, she breathed deeply, as if she was shaking off the tension of the whole conversation. At the moment, she felt how difficult it was to keep everything under control. As she sat in the back seat, looking at the distant silhouettes of the people in the restaurant, her thoughts kept revolving around the conversation. She felt a strange tension, as if each exchange of words was merely a foreshadowing of what was to come.

The night was quiet, but for Olivia - it was just the beginning. She finally had to put a few pieces together, and as it turned out, she had to do it faster than she had originally planned. In her mind, she was returning to conversations about competition and new players, until her phone vibrated, interrupting her deliberations. She glanced at the screen - a message from an anonymous number.

"Sterlings aren't the only ones who know the rules of the game. It's time to teach you some new ones."

Her smile faded and her gaze took on an icy coldness. A game was beginning, the rules of which, hitherto fully under her control, were beginning to slip out of her hands.