Chapter 43: Shadows of Power

Jackim stepped out of the private lounge, his mind swirling with thoughts. Damian Rothschild had made his position clear—Jackim was an outsider in a world where power was inherited, not earned. But that didn't mean he would back down. If anything, the encounter had only strengthened his resolve.

Maggy met him at the corner of the grand hallway, her eyes filled with concern. The dim lighting of the corridor cast long shadows, making everything feel even more ominous.

"What did they say?" she asked in a hushed tone, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jackim exhaled slowly. "They're watching me. Testing me."

Maggy frowned, glancing around as if someone might be listening. "That's not good. Damian doesn't play games—at least not ones that end well for people like us."

Jackim smirked. "Then it's a good thing I don't plan on losing."

The Banquet Continues

As they re-entered the banquet hall, the shift in the atmosphere was almost palpable. Jackim could feel the stares, the hushed whispers, the subtle glances thrown in his direction. His conversation with Damian had not gone unnoticed.

He scanned the room, his sharp eyes observing the different cliques. The wealthy elite, dressed in their finest, sipping expensive champagne and laughing behind their gloved hands. The ambitious businessmen, eager to solidify deals over hushed conversations. And the true power players, the ones who barely spoke but controlled everything from the shadows.

Jackim knew that in this world, perception was everything. They saw him as an anomaly—someone who had no business being here.

A waiter passed by, offering a tray of champagne. Jackim took a glass, swirling the golden liquid without drinking it. He never trusted an open drink at an event like this.

Then, a familiar voice called out.

"Jackim, my boy!"

Jackim turned to see an older man approaching with a confident stride. Alfred Sinclair, a well-known businessman with connections spanning multiple industries. Unlike the other guests, who wore smug or suspicious expressions, Alfred greeted Jackim with a knowing smile.

Alfred clasped Jackim's shoulder with a firm grip. "I heard you had an interesting chat with Damian."

Jackim met his gaze. "Word travels fast."

Alfred chuckled, his grip tightening slightly. "In this world, everything does."

He studied Jackim for a moment before lowering his voice. "Be careful. Damian isn't someone you want as an enemy."

Jackim's expression remained unreadable. "Who said I want him as a friend?"

Alfred smirked. "Good answer."

With that, he walked away, leaving Jackim to ponder his next move.

Maggy nudged Jackim lightly. "That was Sinclair. He's a big deal."

Jackim nodded, his thoughts elsewhere. "I know."

She sighed. "You're getting too much attention."

Jackim glanced at her. "Isn't that the point?"

Maggy huffed. "No, the point was to lay low. Now you have half the room either intrigued or looking for ways to destroy you."

Jackim smirked. "Then I guess I should give them something to talk about."

Before Maggy could argue, another figure approached.

A woman—tall, elegant, with piercing emerald eyes and an air of mystery. Her dark green satin dress hugged her figure perfectly, and there was something in the way she moved that made people step aside without her saying a word.

She stopped in front of Jackim, holding a small, folded card between her fingers.

"For you," she said softly before walking away.

Jackim watched her go, his mind already working through the possibilities.

Maggy leaned in. "Who was that?"

Jackim unfolded the card. Inside was a simple message written in elegant script:

"Midnight. The Black Lotus Club. Come alone."

His grip tightened around the card.

Someone wanted to meet him.

And he had a feeling this was where the real game would begin.

The Night Deepens

As the banquet continued, Jackim excused himself, slipping outside onto the balcony for fresh air. The city stretched out before him, skyscrapers piercing the night sky, their lights twinkling like stars.

The wind was cool against his face, but his mind remained sharp.

Damian had made it clear—Jackim was being watched. Tested.

And now, this invitation.

The Black Lotus Club was infamous. A place where the rich and powerful conducted business in the shadows. Deals were made. Alliances formed. Enemies destroyed.

If someone wanted him there, it wasn't just for a casual conversation.

Maggy joined him, arms crossed. "You're going, aren't you?"

Jackim turned to her, his smirk returning. "Wouldn't miss it."