Chapter 296 Walking Into The Lions Den
Vanessa nodded sharply, her eyes burning with purpose. "Yes," she said. "Let’s get to work."
Liam tilted his head slightly, frowning. "Work?" he repeated. "What work are we talking about exactly?"
Vanessa smirked and tapped a finger against her temple like he was supposed to be reading her mind. "We’ve got a party to attend."
"A... party?" Liam echoed, his voice deadpan.
As the word hung in the air, his mind instantly flashed back, back to the last party he went to. Loud music. Heat. Neon lights. And then... Kelly. Her smooth mocha skin, the way she pulled him, the rush of that night. They barely knew each other, and yet they had crossed every line. That memory wasn’t exactly one he wanted to relive, especially not in front of Vanessa.
Vanessa narrowed her eyes at him, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay, what was that face just now?" she asked, stepping closer. "You looked like I just told you we’re going to your own funeral."
Liam coughed and glanced away, waving it off. "Nothing. Just... I’ve had weird experiences at parties."
Vanessa raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. "Weird how?"
"Not important," he said quickly, changing the subject. "Why are we going to a party anyway? This doesn’t sound like part of your genius-level plan."
Vanessa turned and grabbed her tablet again, pulling up an image, an elegant, sleek black invitation with crimson details and a symbol Liam immediately recognized: the Crimson Hand’s sigil.
"There’s a private event tonight," she said, her tone shifting to business. "Crimson Hand is hosting it. But it’s not just a party, it’s a meeting. A secret gathering for all of their major sponsors."
Liam’s face changed instantly. "Wait, what?"