DANGEROUS TERRITORY

Chapter 29 – Dangerous Territory

Three nights later, Zane found himself in the backseat of a sleek black car, staring out at the towering estate where Arthur Lancaster was holding his private investor meeting.

The place was heavily guarded—of course. Lancaster wasn't the type to take risks. Security cameras, hired muscle at the gates, and an invitation-only guest list.

Which was exactly why Zane wasn't bothering with the front door.

"I still think this is reckless," Vincent muttered beside him, adjusting his cufflinks. Unlike Zane, who had dressed slightly more casual—black slacks, open-collared shirt—Vincent was in his usual tailored suit, radiating authority.

Zane smirked. "That's why it's going to work."

Vincent shot him a look. "If we get caught trespassing on private property—"

"We won't," Zane interrupted, already reaching for the door handle. "Come on, Graves. Live a little."

Vincent sighed but followed as Zane slipped out of the car and moved toward the estate's side entrance.

Zane had done his research. He knew exactly how to get in unnoticed. A staff entrance at the rear, where the catering team was still loading supplies. He casually walked past them, slipping inside without a single glance in his direction.

Vincent followed, far less relaxed. "This is absurd," he muttered under his breath.

Zane chuckled. "Welcome to my world."

They moved through the hallways, blending into the background, until they reached the main ballroom—where Lancaster and his investors were deep in discussion.

Zane stopped just outside, tilting his head. "Showtime."

Vincent arched a brow. "What exactly is your plan?"

Zane smirked. "Simple. We make Lancaster look weak. If his investors doubt him, they'll hesitate. And if they hesitate…"

Vincent's lips curled slightly. "We win."

Zane gave a mock bow. "You do catch on fast."

Vincent exhaled. "Let's end this."

And with that, they stepped inside.

The room went silent.

Arthur Lancaster turned, his expression darkening. "Well. This is unexpected."

Zane smiled. "Arthur. Hope we're not late."

The real game had just begun.

---

Inside the Lion's Den

All eyes in the room were on them now. Some of the investors exchanged uncertain glances, while others—Lancaster's closest allies—watched with narrowed eyes.

Lancaster took a slow sip of his wine before setting the glass down. "Crashing my private event, gentlemen? Bold. But then again, I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Graves."

Vincent remained composed, his posture rigid. "We're here for business, Lancaster. The same thing you're here for."

Zane, on the other hand, strolled forward as if he owned the place, plucking a flute of champagne from a passing waiter's tray. "And business is exactly what we should talk about, don't you think?" He took a sip, savoring the taste, before smirking. "Though, I have to say, Arthur… you could afford better champagne."

A ripple of quiet laughter spread through the room, subtle but noticeable. Lancaster's jaw twitched.

"You must be feeling awfully confident to walk in here like this," Lancaster said smoothly, though his voice carried an edge. "Tell me, Zane, did you finally grow tired of playing Vincent's shadow?"

Zane chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Arthur. You always think you have everything figured out." He took a step closer, lowering his voice just enough to sound both casual and dangerous. "But let's be real—you wouldn't have made me an offer if you didn't know I was a threat."

Lancaster's smile didn't waver, but something sharp flashed in his gaze.

Vincent finally stepped forward, voice calm but firm. "Enough games. We know you've been trying to interfere in our deal. It ends tonight."

Lancaster's investors shifted, some of them murmuring among themselves.

Zane noticed. Good. They needed uncertainty. Doubt. And they were delivering.

Lancaster, however, only smiled. "You think you can walk in here and threaten me? In my house?"

Zane tilted his head. "Threaten you? No, no, Arthur. We're just here to… educate." He turned to the investors, raising his voice just enough. "See, gentlemen, Lancaster's been working very hard to convince you that he has the upper hand. That he is the safest bet." He paused, then smirked. "But tell me—how secure does he really seem, when two supposed 'outsiders' can walk right into his little kingdom and shake things up?"

Silence.

Zane's words hung in the air, sinking in.

Lancaster's fingers curled around the stem of his glass, knuckles white.

Vincent caught the shift immediately. He stepped in, voice controlled. "Investors don't back weakness, Lancaster. And from where we're standing…" His gaze swept the room, deliberate. "…you're looking very weak right now."

A flicker of uncertainty passed through a few of the men standing behind Lancaster. A single moment.

But in business, a single moment was sometimes all it took.

Lancaster exhaled slowly, forcing a smile. "You two are impressive. I'll give you that." He raised his glass slightly. "But if you think this little stunt changes anything…" He took a sip, eyes gleaming. "You're sorely mistaken."

Zane exchanged a glance with Vincent.

They'd rattled Lancaster.

And that was enough.

For now.

Vincent gave a slight nod. "We'll see about that."

Without another word, he turned and walked out.

Zane grinned at Lancaster one last time before following, tossing his unfinished champagne onto a nearby table.

As they stepped outside, Vincent finally spoke. "We just painted a target on our backs."

Zane smirked, hands in his pockets. "Yeah." He exhaled, looking up at the night sky. "Feels good, doesn't it?"

Vincent didn't answer right away. But after a pause, he murmured, "Maybe."

Zane's smirk widened.

This wasn't over.

Not even close.

---

End of Chapter 29.