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“Welcome to Trenton Manor. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your room.” With that, the butler headed up the steps with an odd, military-like march. Colton followed him, trying his best to appear nonchalant, like a person who’d been here before and wasn’t that impressed. Even though he wanted to gawk like a kid in a toy store, that kind of behavior would earn him no points.

The entrance to the manor was massive, with a dark marble entryway that gleamed like it had just been polished. A ginormous chandelier hung over the area like a suspended falling star.

He followed the somber man up a sweeping staircase to the second floor, where they went down three different hallways before stopping at a door.

“This is your room.” The man pushed the door open and handed Colton an old-fashioned key. “Please keep the door locked at all times. Your itinerary for the week is on the desk. If you have any questions, you may pick up the phone and speak to the house manager.”

The door closed behind Colton, enclosing him in the most elegant and stunning suite he’d ever seen. His suite at home was quite nice, but compared to this room, it might as well have been a cheap motel.

The entire motif was French. Louis XV, perhaps? A massive mahogany bed stood in the center of the room. In the corner, by a window, was an inviting sitting area with a sofa and two overstuffed chairs. Across from it was a wet bar with what looked like primo alcohol. Colton rarely imbibed, but as he was planning to enjoy every experience this week, he could see himself having a nightcap each evening as he reflected on each day’s success.

The hardwood floor was a slightly lighter shade than the bed and had a brilliant sheen. Area rugs pulled all the colors from the walls, bed coverings and furniture together in a peaceful but dynamic masterpiece. Everything screamed opulence and indulgence, and Colton knew in that moment that he had arrived.

A knock pulled him back down to earth. Even though he was thrilled to be here and planned to take advantage of every luxury available, he was reminded that there were other reasons as well. He needed to make connections. The most important and influential people in the world were here, and he planned to make an impression on as many as possible.

Opening the door, he found an austere-looking man who could pass for the butler’s brother holding his luggage. Colton moved back so the man could enter. “Do you need help with your unpacking, Mr. Kingsley?”

“No, that won’t be necessary.”

Thankfully, it didn’t appear he was expected to tip, as the man retreated immediately after placing his luggage on the rack against the wall. The instant the door shut, Colton locked it again. He’d heard some bizarre stories that more than one murder had taken place at these events. He wasn’t sure they were true, but he wasn’t taking any chances. The people he worked for were dangerous, as were all the people who worked for them. He’d be a fool to think he was safe. Lots of people would love to have his current job. He didn’t intend to give it up to anyone, but he also didn’t plan on staying in the same position for very long. He had ambitions far beyond what he considered his current middle-management position.

Quickly unpacking his luggage, as well as checking to make sure his tuxedo made the trip without damage, Colton reviewed the schedule for the upcoming week. Every day was filled with meetings and seminars, along with various opt-outs to attend sports events and other extracurricular activities. He looked at those opt-outs as a test. If he attended too many, it would look as though he didn’t take his job seriously and wasn’t interested in advancement. If he didn’t attend any, it would appear as if he was antisocial. Of course, he was, but that wasn’t how the game was played. Everyone knew that.

Tonight, there would be a social event for each group. On occasion, he’d been invited to attend smaller meetings throughout the state, but this would be his first governor meeting. Networking was key within the organization, and while he might hate people in general, he didn’t hate what they could do for him.

He was actually looking forward to the event tonight. He was quite sure everyone had heard about his capture of the elusive OZ operative Serena Donavan. She was a legend in the technology and cybersecurity world, and there wasn’t a person within WREN who hadn’t wanted to grab her for himself.

Admittedly, it was a bit of a weakness for him, but he fed off of others’ admiration. He looked forward to getting accolades and several pats on the back for a job well done. The bonus and bounty he’d received for nabbing her was sitting comfortably in one of his offshore accounts and would buy him many nice things. However, the ego boost he would get from the respect and approval of others was almost equal to the money.

Smiling at the thought, Colton grabbed his shaving kit and headed to the en suite bathroom. After a quick shower, he’d go on a little tour and get the lay of the land. And if he happened to see a board member or two, he’d conduct a little early schmoozing. Never hurt to get a jump on the competition.

Even though he wanted to luxuriate in the enormous shower with its eight rainforest showerheads and optional steam bath, he didn’t linger. He’d have all the time in the world to enjoy these amenities and many more once he had achieved his ultimate goals. For now, he needed to be out and about, meeting influential people and showing them he was willing to do anything and everything necessary to advance WREN’s cause.

Half an hour later, he was dressed in what he considered business casual—a navy Hugo Boss suit, sans the tie. He looked carelessly elegant with just the right amount of panache and haughtiness. He would save his Tom Ford suits for later in the week. Admittedly, he was a clotheshorse and had a tendency to follow fashion like it was his religion. Clothes could make a man, and he wanted to impress everyone who was anyone. Dressing nicely was just one more weapon in his arsenal.

Opening his door, Colton stepped out into a world of privilege and wealth few would ever know. He absorbed the sounds, scents, and ambience, knowing that he was born for this.

This was his kingdom, and one day he would rule it all.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Kingsley’s Compound

It was like a different world. With Kingsley gone, everyone was breathing easier. Even though the house continued to function as smoothly as normal, the palpable tension and fearful desperation of its inhabitants were noticeably absent.

As Serena dressed, she took extra pains with her appearance. Smith had shown her the outfit she needed to wear, but she wanted her hair and makeup to look identical as well. The last thing they needed was for Kingsley to see a difference in the live shots and those that Smith would insert.

Feeling as though she was on the precipice of everything working just as she’d hoped and prayed, Serena headed down to breakfast. She was once again pleased to hear talking and laughter. She wondered if Kingsley strictly forbade the staff to fraternize or act like real human beings, or if they didn’t act this way normally because his presence made everything so toxic. She hoped that, very soon, they wouldn’t have to worry about such things and that everyone who was being held hostage could go on to live normal lives.

Smith met her at the bottom of the stairway. Just like yesterday, the smile on his face, instead of the one he wore in Kingsley’s presence, was both genuine and hopeful. She had no idea how long he had been held by this evil organization, but the fact that he wanted to inform on them told her it hadn’t been pleasant.

“I thought you might want to go in for breakfast like it’s a normal day,” he said. “No one, other than a select few, knows what I’m doing.”

She nodded. Getting everyone’s hopes up would only make things worse if this didn’t work out. Additionally, there could be spies. Kingsley was both paranoid and sneaky. She wouldn’t put it past him to have spies planted even within the victim ranks.

“And after breakfast, you and I will meet?”

“Yes. There’s a small alcove just around the corner.” He pointed down a hallway. “Instead of going into your workroom, just head that way. I’ll be waiting for you. We’ll be out of sight from the rest of the household.”