Chapter 43: Political Web The opulence of the ballroom was suffocating. Crystal chandeliers cast a glow on the elite their laughter and chatter a hum. Ava’s fingers brushed fabric of evening gown, silk sheath of midnight blue that clung to her form. eyes scanned the room, seeking their target amidst the sea powerful faces. “Stay close,” murmured, his breath warm against her ear. His hand rested lightly on the small her back, a presence swirling chaos of the political gathering. Ava nodded, fixing tall man with silver hair a smile. Senator Caldwell. influence far beyond the confines of this gilded cage, reaching very of Ava’s empire. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. they uncover plans and the new threat he posed. They glided through exchanging pleasantries and false smiles. Every step brought closer to Caldwell. Ava felt the weight of the eyes upon assessing, judging. She had to play this game perfectly. “Ava, you look a voice her thoughts. She turned to see Charlotte Whitman, a socialite with a for gossip. “Thank you, replied, her smooth. “I see you’ve catch the attention of quite a few admirers yourself. laughed, a tinkling that on Ava’s nerves. “Oh, flatter me. me, you seen Senator I heard has some interesting news tonight. heart skipped beat. “I believe he’s over by the bar,” she said, nodding in the of their target. “Wonderful. must introduce me later,” Charlotte said a wink before drifting away. Liam leaned in closer, his voice a whisper. “We need be careful. Caldwell dangerous. Ava’s eyes met his, a silent understanding passing between them. “I she replied, determination hardening features. “Let’s move. approached the bar where Caldwell swirling a glass of bourbon. His flicked Ava, recognition sparking in their depths. Bennett,” greeted, his smile cold. didn’t expect see you here. Caldwell,” Ava replied, forcing a smile. “It’s always a pleasure. I was hoping we could discuss some business matters. Caldwell’s gaze Liam, his widening. “And you’ve brought company. Donovan, I presume?” Liam his expression unreadable. “Yes, Senator. been looking forward speaking you. let’s not waste time then,” gesturing to a corner of the room. “Shall we?” As they moved, Ava felt a run down her spine. This was it. They to extract the information without suspicion. They took their Caldwell’s glinting curiosity. brings to event, Senator?” Ava her casual. Caldwell leaned his gaze sharp. “The usual. Networking, making connections. And of course, discussing prospects. Liam’s drummed on the table. Anything should be aware of?” Caldwell a dark sound. could say that. There coming. Big changes. of changes?” Caldwell’s smile widened, but before he a sudden crash through the room. Glass shattered, screams filled the air. Ava’s head snapped towards the source the commotion, her eyes widening at the sight a masked figure gun. “Everyone the figure into ceiling. Chaos erupted as people scrambled for cover. Liam Ava’s hand, pulling her towards an exit. need get out of here, now!” They ducked and weaved through the panicked crowd, the masked figure’s shouts growing distant. As reached a door, Ava glanced see Caldwell them, his expression unreadable. Liam urged, pushing the open. They stumbled into a lit corridor, breaths coming in ragged gasps. “What was that?” Ava panted, heart racing. “An attempt to silence us, most Liam replied, eyes scanning surroundings. “Caldwell have known we were onto him. Follow episodes the “BunnyBookery”. Ava’s mind raced. “We to find out what he’s planning. We can’t let him win. They moved swiftly the maze of hallways, their echoing off the walls. Just as they thought they were in the clear, a shadow darkness. breath caught her she recognized the figure. “You’re going anywhere,” the man growled, twisted with anger. It was one of enforcers. Liam forward, shielding Ava. don’t want any trouble. The enforcer sneered. “Too late for that. ” He a gleaming in his hand. Ava reacted instinctively, kicking the man’s wrist and sending the knife clattering to the floor. Liam followed up with a punch, the enforcer to the ground. “We have to keep moving,” Ava urgently, grabbing arm. They ran, their hearts pounding in unison. Bursting through a set double doors, they found themselves an garage. sound approaching spurred them on. “There!” Liam pointed to a parked car. “We use to escape. They scrambled the Liam hot-wiring the engine. The vehicle to life, they sped out of the garage, the city lights blurring past them. glanced Liam, her still racing. “We barely made it. Liam his grip the steering wheel tight. “But we what we need. Caldwell’s plans are bigger than we thought. they drove into the Ava couldn’t shake that this was only the beginning. They had uncovered a piece of the puzzle, but the picture remained elusive. And with Caldwell’s extending the highest echelons power, their fight was over. Their escape was narrow victory, but was enough to fuel their resolve. Ava’s eyes burned with determination. would Caldwell no the cost. As the car disappeared the a silent in the air. political was vast and treacherous, but Ava and Liam were to whatever lay ahead. The trap had been they had slipped through the snare. A figure watched from rooftop above the garage, pressed to his ear. “They escaped, but they have no idea coming next,” he whispered. The game was far from over.