Chapter 15 - The Masquerade of Wolves
Julian Vance’s magnificent, sprawling estate in the Swiss Alps looked like a glittering diamond resting against the dark, frozen mountainside. Hundreds of luxury vehicles lined the heated driveway, and the world’s most powerful, corrupt elite filed into the grand ballroom wearing opulent gowns, tailored tuxedos, and intricate, concealing masks.
I stepped out of our rented armored limousine, adjusting the lapels of my immaculate Tom Ford tuxedo. I wore a stark white, half-face Venetian mask that perfectly concealed my identity while amplifying an aura of dangerous wealth. Eleanor stepped out beside me, absolutely breathtaking in a floor-length crimson silk gown, her face hidden behind an elegant, diamond-encrusted mask.
"Are you absolutely sure your old underworld alias will still work?" Eleanor whispered nervously as we approached the imposing line of heavily armed security guards.
"Julian Vance is a greedy, arrogant man," I replied softly, offering her my arm. "And greedy men can never resist the allure of the legendary Don Moretti."
I handed my forged, platinum invitation to the head of security. The massive guard scanned the barcode, his eyes widening slightly as the alias flashed on his screen. He immediately unclipped the velvet rope, bowing his head in profound, terrified respect.
We glided seamlessly into the massive, echoing ballroom, completely surrounded by enemies. The mission was incredibly straightforward, yet dangerously complex. Eleanor had a highly advanced USB drive concealed inside her elegant clutch purse. She needed exactly five minutes alone in Vance’s private, subterranean server room to inject a lethal digital virus into the quantum ledger. My job was to keep Vance and his lethal cartel handlers completely distracted.
I spotted Julian Vance immediately. He was a tall, excessively groomed man holding court near the massive crystal ice sculpture in the center of the room. Standing directly behind him, acting as his shadow, was a man I recognized instantly. It was Mateo, the ruthless, cold-blooded enforcer of the Valerius Cartel.
I gently squeezed Eleanor’s hand. "The server room is down the east corridor, behind the reinforced glass doors," I murmured. "Go now. I will buy you the time."
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As Eleanor slipped gracefully into the bustling crowd, I grabbed a glass of expensive champagne from a passing waiter and walked deliberately toward the tech billionaire. I did not bother with pleasantries. I stepped directly into Vance’s personal space, locking eyes with his cartel handler.
"Julian," I said smoothly, my voice carrying just enough authority to silence the surrounding sycophants. "I understand you are currently managing a very lucrative three-billion-dollar portfolio. I am here to personally inform you that there is going to be an immediate, permanent change in management."
