Chapter 7: Undercover Ava’s fingers tightened around as she scanned the room. gowns and tailored suits filled a stark contrast to the simpler life had carved out for herself. caught sight of faces, people she had once known intimately but now seemed strangers. “Are you okay?” low, concern evident. Ava forced a her eyes meeting his. “Just… memories,” she replied, trying to her voice steady. Liam nodded, understanding flashing in his eyes. “Remember, we’re here for reason. need that information. Ava a deep breath and nodded. She adjusted the mask that covered her eyes, grateful the provided. They deeper the room, past the statues floral arrangements, target in sight. At the room, surrounded sycophants and was Senator Harrington. His booming laugh carried over chatter, drawing eyes and ears towards him. Ava a of disgust. This with his charm and appearance, held secrets that could topple empires. need get Ava whispered. Liam glanced around and then guided her towards the refreshments table, strategically nearby. They picked up champagne flutes, blending in with the crowd. Ava’s eyes never left the Senator, watching as he engaged in animated conversation with an older gentleman. Ava leaned in closer to Liam, her lips barely moving. “That’s him, the contact. to what they’re saying. Liam gave a subtle nod, shifting to get a better angle. They stood there, feigning interest in the hors d’oeuvres, their ears straining to of the conversation. “I told you, shipment arriving on Thursday. It needs be handled the older gentleman said, his voice gruff. Senator Harrington nodded, his expression serious. “And payment?” “Already taken care of. Just ensure the security is tight. We can’t afford any slip-ups. Ava’s heart raced. This was it—the proof they needed. She exchanged Liam, gave her a barely nod. They needed to get out of and report back. As they turned to leave, Ava of a woman approaching them. Her heart skipped a beat. It was Victoria, her childhood friend turned queen. There no way Victoria wouldn’t recognize her, or no mask. “Ava?” voice was filled with disbelief, eyes widening as she took in Ava’s appearance. Ava every in her body tensing. “Victoria, hi,” she managed, her voice sounding foreign to her own ears. “What you doing flicked to Liam, suspicion clouding her features. who is this?” Liam stepped forward, a charming smile. “I’m Liam. Ava and I are here as guests of Senator Harrington. Victoria’s narrowed. “Really? I didn’t know Ava was with the Senator. Ava forced a trying to appear nonchalant. “It’s been a while, but you know it is with these events. Old connections and all. Victoria look convinced. “Well, it’s good to you, Ava. We should catch up later. ” With look, she walked away, her posture stiff. Liam leaned in, his warm against Ava’s ear. “We need to move, now. Ava nodded, her pulse quickening. They navigated through the aiming for the exit. But as they reached a voice stopped them cold. “Ava, wait. She turned slowly, her stomach sinking. Senator Harrington walking towards them, his expression unreadable. Beside him, the gentleman from earlier them with narrowed eyes. didn’t to see you Harrington said, his tone deceptively pleasant. Ava mustered smile. “I thought it was time to reconnect with old friends. Harrington’s gaze shifted Liam. “And you are?” “Her replied smoothly. “We were just leaving. The Senator’s eyes hardened. “Leaving soon? But you haven’t even a enjoy the festivities. Ava’s heart pounded. time, perhaps. We have an early tomorrow. Harrington stepped closer, voice dropping to whisper. “I doing, Ava. And believe me, in over your head. Ava’s ran cold. She forced herself meet his gaze, refusing to show fear. “I know what talking about. Harrington’s smile was chilling. “Of course don’t. your evening. With that, and walked away, Ava and Liam standing the weight of his threat hanging the air. Liam squeezed her hand, eyes with concern. “We to get of here, now. Ava nodded, her mind racing. They hurried towards the with every step. As they reached the door, Ava her eyes meeting Victoria’s. The look of betrayal on her friend’s unmistakable. Outside, the cool night hit like a slap. She deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. “That too close. Liam nodded, his jaw tight. “We have what we need. Let’s get back and report in. As their way to the car, couldn’t feeling of dread that had settled in her stomach. echoed her mind, a stark reminder the danger they were in. Just as they reached the car, Ava’s buzzed. She pulled it out, her eyes widening as read the message. “We where you are. Leave now the consequences. breath caught in her throat. “Liam, we need to go. Liam didn’t hesitate. He started the car, his grim. “We’re not safe here. As they sped away from the mansion, Ava glanced the her pounding. She could see headlights gaining speed. after said, her voice trembling. Liam’s grip on the wheel. on, we’re going lose them. The raced down the winding road, them growing closer. Ava’s mind whirled fear and determination. the information they needed, but now they had survive enough to use it.