Chapter 37 - Neon and Shadows
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Miami was a chaotic symphony of neon lights, thumping bass, and oppressive humidity.
We arrived at the Ocean Pearl Hotel at 9:00 PM. The towering glass skyscraper overlooked the dark, sprawling expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The ground floor was crawling with high-society elites, politicians, and celebrities, all wearing elaborate masquerade masks and designer gowns.
Irene looked breathtaking. She wore a stunning crimson silk dress with a plunging neckline, paired with a black lace masquerade mask that highlighted her sharp emerald eyes. Tucked securely into a custom thigh-holster beneath the slit of her dress was a suppressed compact pistol.
I wore a tailored black tuxedo, adjusting my own velvet mask as we stepped out of the luxury sedan Julian had procured.
"Comms check," Julian’s voice crackled softly in my earpiece. He was parked in a surveillance van three blocks away, tapped into the hotel's security feed.
"Loud and clear," I murmured, offering my arm to Irene.
We walked past the velvet ropes, flashing our forged VIP invitations to the hulking security guards at the door. Inside, the grand ballroom was an explosion of wealth and excess. Waiters carried trays of champagne, and a live orchestra played a hauntingly beautiful waltz.
But beneath the glamour, I could see the tactical reality. The waiters had earpieces. The men in suits lingering near the exits had the distinct bulge of shoulder holsters beneath their jackets.
"Thorne isn't taking any chances," Irene whispered, smiling warmly as if we were discussing the decor. "I count twelve mercenaries on the floor. The private elevator to the penthouse requires a biometric keycard."
"I see our target," I replied, nodding subtly toward the VIP lounge.
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Sitting on a leather sofa, surrounded by beautiful women, was Victor Vance—Vance Hale’s older brother and Thorne's head of security. Attached to his belt was a glowing red keycard.
"I'll distract him," Irene said smoothly, taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "Be ready to move."
