The VIP lounge was a study in understated luxury—leather furniture, dark wood paneling, crystal decanters arranged on a mahogany bar. Soft lighting cast everything in a warm, intimate glow that stood in stark contrast to the chaos they'd left behind.Rebecca moved to the center of the room with fluid grace, her expression as cold and indifferent as carved ice. Ethan followed, acutely aware of the curious stares tracking their movement through the glass walls separating the lounge from the main ballroom."Comfortable?" Rebecca asked, her tone suggesting she didn't particularly care either way."As comfortable as one can be in a den of vipers," Ethan replied quietly.Rebecca's lips curved into the faintest smile. She pulled out her phone, typing rapidly. "We're not finished yet."Outside the glass walls, the remaining guests clustered in small groups, their whispers rising like the buzz of disturbed hornets. Faces pressed closer, trying to read lips, trying to understand what had just h

Vincent Bianco hung up the phone and immediately pressed the intercom button on his desk. "Send Charlotte to my study. Now."Minutes later, his granddaughter appeared in the doorway—a striking young woman with dark hair and intelligent eyes that currently held a mixture of curiosity and wariness."Grandfather? It's three in the morning.""I know what time it is." Vincent gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit. We need to talk."Charlotte settled into the leather chair, smoothing her silk robe. "This must be important.""It is." Vincent leaned forward, choosing his words carefully. He couldn't reveal Ethan's true identity—Rebecca's warning had been crystal clear. But he needed Charlotte's cooperation. "I have a friend. A very important friend. His grandson is... exceptional. Brilliant. Well-mannered. From an outstanding background."Charlotte's expression immediately shuttered. "No.""You haven't even heard—""I know exactly what this is." Charlotte's voice was cool, controlled.