CHAPTER 19
The mansion looked like a fairytale palace,
illuminated by thousands of golden lights.
Luxury cars lined the cobblestone driveway,
dropping off guests wrapped in furs and silk.
Liam looked incredibly handsome in his classic tuxedo,
his strong arm offering me support.
I wore an emerald green silk dress,
hiding the cloning device inside my silver clutch.
We walked through the grand entrance,
our names cleared by Natalie's forged invitations.
The ballroom was magnificent,
with crystal chandeliers reflecting in the marble floors.
"There she is,"
Liam whispered softly,
nodding toward the grand staircase.
Sophia Moretti descended the stairs,
exuding an aura of absolute power and elegance.
She wore a crimson gown,
and a diamond-encrusted clutch hung from her wrist.
"Stay close to the bar,"
I instructed Liam,
taking a deep breath to steady myself.
"I am moving in."
I walked gracefully through the crowd,
accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
I maneuvered myself behind Sophia,
pretending to admire a massive oil painting on the wall.
She turned to speak with a Swiss banker,
her clutch swinging slightly.
I moved closer,
the distance closing to a mere few inches.
I activated the silver disc inside my clutch,
a tiny green light blinking in the dark.
"One,
two,
three,"
I counted in my mind,
holding my breath.
Suddenly,
Sophia turned around,
her sharp eyes locking directly onto mine.
My heart stopped,
fearing that the entire plan was blown.
"Do I know you,"
she asked,
her voice suspicious and cold.
"I am Elena Vance,"
I lied smoothly,
using a fake identity we had prepared.
"Julian's distant cousin from the American branch."
Her expression softened slightly,
replaced by a look of professional curiosity.
"Julian never mentioned an American cousin,"
she noted,
her eyes scanning my face.
"He keeps his family separate from his business,"
I replied with a polite laugh.
"As I am sure you well know."
Before she could question me further,
my clutch vibrated softly.
The download was complete,
and Daniel had the credentials.
"Excuse me,"
I said,
offering a charming smile.
"I see my partner waiting for me at the terrace."
I walked away slowly,
resisting the urge to sprint toward the exit.
I found Liam,
and we slipped out into the cold night air.
The car was waiting,
and Daniel was already typing furiously.
"We have the key,"
Daniel shouted in triumph,
May you like
the screen flashing green.
"The Swiss node is completely open to us."
