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A glimmer of curiosity lights up his eyes. "Vanessa, an intriguing proposition," he muses, his words veiled with a politician's charm. "I might have to take you up on that offer."
I match his smile with one of my own, concealing the complexities beneath the surface. "You won't be disappointed, Mayor. The Black Lotus offers an experience unlike any other inthe city." I lean close and whisper, “The code phrase is: In the shadows, the lotus blooms."
“Oh. I do like that,” he says. “And you mentioned another casino?”
I lean in slightly, the ambient chatter acting as a shroud for our words. "A new venture for a new era, Mayor. I'm striving to contribute to the city's prosperity in a… conventional manner."
His eyes glint with understanding, a shared acknowledgment of the dual nature of my enterprises. "Ambitious, Vanessa. I look forward to witnessing the grandeur of Fortune Oasis."
“I would very much appreciate your attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.”
He nods. “Do tell me when it will be.”
“Not for over a year.”
“You’re having it built, correct? You are quite the businesswoman.”
“I try.,” I say demurely.
“It seems as if you are succeeding.”
I smile and dip my head.
We exchange pleasantries and I move through the gala, my gaze discreetly scanning the room. The delicate dance continues, threads of alliances and secrets weaving through the fabric of the event.
About an hour later, Detective Foster, a formidable figure clad in a sharp suit, emerges from the crowd like a shadow materializing in the dimly lit ballroom. His gaze locks onto mine, and the room's festivities fade into the background, replaced by an air of clandestine tension.
"Vanessa," he says, his voice a low murmur that carries an undertone of authority.
"Detective Foster," I respond, masking my emotions with a calculated smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
He leans in, the ambiance of the gala transforming into an intimate exchange of secrets. "Word on the street is that you've been making some interesting moves, Vanessa. I've always admired ambition."
I reciprocate with a knowing look. "Ambition can be a double-edged sword, Detective. What brings you here?"
He glances around, ensuring our conversation remains discreet. "Let's just say there are matters that align our interests. I might have some information you'd find... valuable."
Intrigue courses through me, but I maintain a composed façade. "I'm all ears, Detective. Speak."
Detective Foster leans in further, ensuring our conversation remains shrouded in the murmur of the gala's ambiance. "I've been keeping tabs on certain individuals, and your name has come up more than once. Now, I'm not one to ignore an opportunity for mutual benefit."
I maintain an outward veneer of interest, my mind racing to assess the potential advantages and risks. "Mutual benefit, Detective? I'm listening."
He subtly glances around before continuing, "There's a power struggle brewing, Vanessa. Old alliances crumbling, new players emerging. Names like Stolnov and DeLuca are surfacing, and let's not forget your charming associates, Xavier and Dylan."
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious. Ivy DeLuca and Viktor Stolnov being linked together irks me to no end.
"Go on," I murmur.
"There's tension in the air, Vanessa," he says, his eyes scanning the room for any eavesdroppers. " Allegiances are fickle in our line of work. Stolnov is maneuvering, gathering support from unexpected quarters. He’s trying to get the backing of the mayor, if not the police."
I wave a hand. “Yes, he appears to be expanding his influence, but whispers suggest internal dissent. Some arediscontent with his leadership, while others see opportunities for themselves."
The detective’s eyes widen, and he dips his head.
He’s holding back. I knew it. He also knew about the possible discord surrounding Viktor Stolnov. Why didn’t he mention that?
“DeLuca, well, you know, I suppose, that she seems to be playing a double game," he says.
