Seraphina stood frozen against the wall, her mind replaying the last few minutes like a slow-burning reel. Her breathing was steady now, but the warmth of his presence still lingered, the weight of his words pressing against her skin.
Did he just—
Her smirk tugged at the corner of her lips before she could stop it. Was he jealous?
That thought alone sent a ripple of amusement through her. Ezrin Theon Holloway, the man who prided himself on being untouchable, unaffected—was actually bothered by something as simple as a dance?
She brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a glint of mischief flashing in her eyes. Interesting.
If he's going to act like that, then I should give him a reason to.
A dangerous game, no doubt. But she wasn't one to back down from things that intrigued her. And right now, Ezrin's reaction intrigued her more than anything.
She pushed off the wall and straightened her dress, her smirk deepening.
"Fine, Holloway," she whispered to herself. "If you won't give me answers, I'll just have to get them myself."
And this time, she would make sure he had no choice but to react.
Little did she know, the consequences of what she was about to do would be far beyond what she expected.
Ezrin Theon Holloway was not a man who let things slide. He was not someone who played fair when it came to control. And most of all, he was not the type to sit back and watch when something—or someone—he considered his was slipping out of his grasp.
Seraphina thought she was playing a game. She had no idea she had just stepped into his.
Seraphina went home. The next morning, she woke up, got ready, and headed to Horizon Initiative to execute her plan.
First, she made her way to the security department, her steps calculated. No hesitation, no second thoughts. If she showed even the slightest sign of doubt, someone might notice. The records section was tucked deep inside the facility, past multiple surveillance monitors—an irony she couldn't ignore.
After nearly an hour of searching, she finally found it. Her fingers hovered over the USB, eyes scanning the date stamped across the cover. This was it. The key piece.
But just as she was about to take it, footsteps echoed from the hallway. A slow, deliberate rhythm.
She froze.
For a split second, she considered slipping the USB back, but no—she was already too deep. She turned just as a guard stepped inside, his gaze sharp, assessing.
"Looking for something specific?" His tone was casual, but there was an edge to it.
Seraphina tilted her head slightly, keeping her expression unreadable. "Routine check," she said smoothly, as if she belonged there. As if she wasn't doing something she shouldn't be.
The guard's eyes flickered toward the shelf she had been scanning. Silence stretched between them. Her fingers curled around the edge of the USB, pulse steady but alert.
Then, after what felt like too long, the guard gave a slow nod. "Right. Let me know if you need assistance."
She forced a small smile, watching as he finally turned and left. The moment the door clicked shut, she exhaled quietly. Without wasting another second, she slipped the USB into her bag.
No one would suspect her. She was a security consultant, after all. And besides, she needed this to solve the case. A lie wouldn't hurt anyone.
As soon as Seraphina reached her office, her phone buzzed. A message from Kieran.
"Footage is in. Sending now."
Perfect.
A slow smirk formed on her lips as she pulled out the USB she had taken from Horizon Initiative. Now, she had both versions of the security footage. This was her chance to confirm what she had suspected all along.
She plugged in her device, fingers swift as she played the first footage—the one from Horizon Initiative. Her eyes moved over the screen, scanning every second. At first, nothing seemed off. Just an ordinary recording of the lab halls, empty desks, and the usual movement of researchers.
But then—a gap.
A clean cut. The timestamp jumped almost two hours forward, like those moments had never existed.
Her chest tightened. She knew it. Someone had tampered with the footage.
Clicking over to the one Kieran had sent, she pressed play. And there it was.
The missing time. The truth.
A man stood in the shadows of the dimly lit corridor. His face was unmistakable. Elias.
Her fingers dug into the desk as she watched the scene unfold. A researcher—young, hesitant—stood before him. Another man, covered head to toe in black, faced Elias.
A conversation.
The researcher flinched as Elias grabbed him by the shoulder, shoving him forward.
The hooded man nodded once, then pulled something from his coat. A phone. A message beeped on Elias's device a second later.
The man said. "I already sent you the money."
The researcher's lips parted, as if to speak—but before he could, the footage cut to static.
Seraphina's stomach twisted. The weight of the revelation pressed against her chest. This wasn't just a mistake or an accident. Someone had gone to great lengths to erase this.
And now, she knew why.
Elias wasn't just involved. He was selling them.
Her pulse pounded, her mind already spinning with possibilities. What next? Who else knew?
One thing was certain—this wasn't over. Not even close.
Seraphina's mind raced as she sat there, staring at the frozen image on the screen—Elias, the researcher, and the hooded man. The words still echoed in her mind.
"I already sent you the money."
Her grip on the desk tightened. This was bigger than she had imagined.
Before she could process her next move, the door creaked open.
Celeste stood at the entrance, her usual composed expression in place. "Boss wants to see you in his office."
Seraphina inhaled slowly, masking the storm of thoughts behind her usual unreadable gaze.
"Alright," she said, voice steady.
With practiced ease, she closed the footage, ejected the USB, and slipped it into a safe compartment in her desk. Nothing could be left exposed. Not now.
As she rose to her feet, she straightened her posture, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Whatever awaited her in Elias's office—she had a feeling it wasn't going to be pleasant.
But she was ready.
Seraphina walked into Elias's office, her expression blank, masking every emotion beneath a cold exterior. Elias sat behind his desk, his posture relaxed, a slow smirk stretching across his face as his gaze traveled over her.
"You know, Valerie," he began, voice smooth, laced with amusement. "I was just thinking about the first time we met. That night at the welcome party. You looked stunning, completely out of place in a room full of wolves."
Seraphina didn't react. She merely took the seat in front of his desk, legs crossed, arms resting lightly against the chair's arms.
He leaned forward, elbows on his desk, eyes gleaming. "Tell me, do you always dance with strangers so easily, or was I just special that night?"
She knew what he was doing—probing, pushing, testing.
Her lips barely twitched. "I don't recall you being special in any way, Director."
His smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he let out a low chuckle. "Cold, as always." He tilted his head, eyes locking onto hers, the air shifting into something heavier. "But I like that about you. Makes it even more interesting to get a reaction out of you."
Seraphina's fingers tapped against the armrest, a slow, steady rhythm. "If you called me here just to reminisce, I have better things to do."
Elias laughed softly, shaking his head. "You wound me, really. But no, I called you here for business… though, I wouldn't mind making some time for pleasure too."
Her eyes narrowed. "If you think you can waste my time with your games, Director, you're mistaken."
He grinned, unfazed. "We'll see about that."
There was something unreadable in his gaze, something calculating. But Seraphina had no time to play into whatever game he had in mind.
She needed to get out of here—before she lost her patience.
Seraphina leaned against the chair, her expression unreadable as Elias studied her with a knowing smirk.
"You disappeared quickly after the welcome party," he remarked, his voice smooth, casual. "I expected at least a goodbye."
She changed her demeanor, she had to play along.
She tilted her head slightly, a small, amused smile playing on her lips. "Did you miss me, Director?"
His smirk deepened. "Should I admit it?"
"Depends." She shrugged. "I might hold it against you."
Elias chuckled, stepping closer, his presence radiating confidence. "That's what I like about you, Valerie. You know how to keep things… interesting."
She met his gaze, unwavering. "I try."
"You do it well." His voice dipped lower, almost teasing. "I wonder, though… did you enjoy yourself that night? I seem to recall a certain moment when you were laughing."
Seraphina tapped a finger against the armrest. "Maybe I was laughing at you."
Elias pressed a hand over his chest, mock offense in his eyes. "That would hurt—if I didn't know you were enjoying it just as much."
She smirked but said nothing.
"So, tell me, Valerie." He leaned forward slightly, as if to study her reaction. "Was that just a moment of weakness, or do you secretly like having my attention?"
She let the silence stretch between them before finally tilting her head, lowering her voice just enough to match his tone. "I suppose that depends…"
"On?"
Her lips curled at the edges. "On how much you're willing to give."
For the first time, Elias faltered—just a flicker, but she caught it. He hadn't expected her to play along.
She pushed off the chair smoothly, brushing past him. "Now, if that's all, I have work to do."
Elias chuckled behind her, the sound rich with amusement. "Oh, Valerie. You really are dangerous."
She didn't turn back. "You have no idea."
And with that, she left, knowing full well she had just made things far more complicated than before.
As Seraphina walked out of Elias's office, the air of confidence on her face was nothing but a mask. Inside, her stomach churned with disgust. Every word she had just spoken, every playful smirk—it was all an act. One she had to maintain. And now, after what she had seen in the footage, she had no choice but to play the game even deeper.
Her fist tightened in her pocket. Two hours of footage erased. Two hours in which Elias had handed over a researcher like some disposable pawn. The mere thought of it made her jaw clench.
I don't have time for emotions.
She exhaled sharply, schooling her features as she walked down the hallway. Her mind worked fast—she needed to act carefully, gain more leverage. If Elias was involved in the researcher's death, then he was far more dangerous than she had initially assumed.
Which meant she needed to stay close.
To him.
To the truth.
Even if it made her sick.
Ezrin can't know.
The thought was intrusive, unwelcome—but necessary. He wouldn't tolerate this. He'd see right through her act, and worse, he'd interfere. Seraphina knew Ezrin well enough to know that his patience had limits, and when it came to someone like Elias, that patience would snap.
And I need Elias alive—for now.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting another message from Kieran. Instead, it was from Elias.
"Next time, don't leave so fast. I might start thinking you don't like me."
She stared at the message for a second before locking her phone, shoving it back into her pocket. Her face remained neutral, but deep down, she had already decided.
I'll play your game, Elias. But I'll be the one making the rules.
She straightened her shoulders, her expression unreadable as she walked away.
He was cocky, sure of himself, believing she was just another ambitious employee dazzled by power. He had no idea.
But she needed more. More than just the footage, more than just suspicions. She needed confirmation.
And Celeste—Elias' assistant, sharp but too eager to prove herself—was the perfect target.
Seraphina took a deep breath, switching gears, letting her expression shift into something softer, hesitant. She turned back toward Celeste's desk, her lips pressing together as if in thought before she spoke.
"Celeste, can I ask you something?"
The woman looked up, surprised but curious. "Of course. What is it?"
Seraphina hesitated for a moment, just enough to make it seem like she was debating whether to speak. Then she let out a quiet sigh, shifting her weight as if uncomfortable.
"It's about Director." She paused, giving Celeste time to lean in, lowering her voice just enough to create the illusion of secrecy. "I know he's powerful… and I admire him, I really do, but…" She trailed off, glancing away like she was embarrassed.
Celeste's eyes sharpened. "But what?"
Seraphina bit her lip, tilting her head. "I just… I feel like he's testing me. Like I'm being pulled into something I don't fully understand." She looked back at Celeste, her gaze calculated but laced with false vulnerability. "Has he ever asked you to do something that didn't feel… right?"
There. The hesitation in Celeste's expression, the flicker of doubt.
"I mean… it's not my place to say," Celeste murmured, but her eyes darted away, betraying her thoughts.
Seraphina leaned in slightly, lowering her voice even more. "I won't say anything, I swear. But if I'm being trusted with something bigger, I just… I want to be prepared."
A pause.
Then Celeste sighed, leaning back. "Look, Director is brilliant, but he's also ruthless. If you're useful, you're in. If you ask too many questions, you're out." Her tone darkened. "And trust me, you don't want to be out."
Seraphina nodded, her expression one of feigned concern. "And the researchers? The transactions? What happens to them?"
Celeste stiffened.
Bingo.
"I don't know all the details," Celeste admitted, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "But I've seen things. Late-night meetings, files disappearing, names being erased. He always says it's business, but…" She shook her head.
Seraphina pressed further, her voice soft, coaxing. "And the man from the footage?"
Celeste's breath hitched. That was it—the slip.
Seraphina smiled, hiding her satisfaction behind a look of concern. "You don't have to say anything more," she murmured. "I get it now."
Celeste swallowed hard, suddenly realizing she had said too much.
Seraphina gave her a reassuring smile before standing up, her mind already working ten steps ahead.
She had what she needed.
Now, it was time to use it.
Seraphina had learned long ago that people were puzzles, their weaknesses scattered in plain sight, waiting to be pieced together. Celeste had been easy. But Mara… Mara was different.
She was calculating, sharp, a woman who was hesitant before doing or saying any thing but thrived in control. Unlike Celeste, she wouldn't slip up with just a few well-placed words. No, Mara needed something more.
Seraphina walked into the common lounge of the Horizon Initiative, spotting Mara seated near the window, legs crossed, fingers idly scrolling through her phone. The woman looked up, eyes flickering with mild curiosity before settling back into indifference.
"You're watching me, aren't you?" Seraphina said casually, taking the seat across from her.
Mara smirked, locking her phone. "What makes you think that?"
Seraphina tilted her head, a slow, knowing smile curling on her lips. "Because that's what I'd do."
Mara raised a brow but said nothing.
Seraphina leaned back, her expression shifting into something thoughtful. "I had a very interesting meeting with Director today."
Mara's fingers stilled against her phone.
Seraphina continued, her voice light, teasing, "He likes to talk… likes to make sure I understand my place. But you already know that, don't you?"
Mara's lips twitched, her mask never slipping. "If you're waiting for me to warn you about him, you'll be waiting a long time."
Seraphina chuckled. "Oh, I don't need a warning. I already know what he is. I just wonder… how much of it you already knew before you joined him."
Mara's eyes darkened, just slightly, but it was enough.
Seraphina leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "I mean, it's impressive, really. How loyal you are. I imagine that loyalty has gotten you far." She tilted her head. "But does he ever return the favor?"
A flicker of something—annoyance, perhaps. Good.
Seraphina exhaled dramatically. "You know, I almost envy you. Always one step ahead, always trusted with the right information. Director relies on you more than anyone, doesn't he?" She paused, then dropped her voice, "So I wonder… why didn't he tell you about the transaction?"
Mara's expression remained still, but Seraphina caught it—the briefest flicker of surprise.
Seraphina let the silence hang between them for a moment before delivering the final push. "I know you're smart enough to figure out what's really happening. And you probably already have." She gave Mara a slow, knowing look. "But tell me, Mara, do you know everything? Or are you just another piece in his game?"
Mara's jaw tightened.
Checkmate.
Mara leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're right. Something isn't adding up."
Seraphina kept her expression neutral, but internally, she knew she'd won.
"Tell me everything you know," she said, watching Mara's hesitation.
Mara exhaled sharply, then nodded. "I don't know the full extent, but I do know this—Elias has been making secret transactions under fake project names. The researchers disappearing? They were all involved in classified projects, ones that were supposed to be under tight security."
Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "And the funding? Where is it coming from?"
Mara hesitated before replying. "It's masked under donations. Officially, the money is coming from private investors. Unofficially... no one knows. Even the finance department only gets fragments of the transactions."
Seraphina's mind worked fast. Money laundering. Hidden transactions. Missing researchers. The pieces were falling into place, but something was still missing.
"And the night of the welcome party?" she pushed. "I know he met someone that night."
Mara nodded. "A man. Dressed formally but unrecognizable. They spoke in private, away from the cameras. I wasn't allowed near, but I heard bits of the conversation. Something about a timeline being accelerated."
Seraphina's stomach twisted. "And you don't know who that man was?"
Mara shook her head. "No. But he was careful that night. Too careful. If he's being that secretive, whatever he's involved in—it's bigger than we think."
Seraphina absorbed the information, her mind already strategizing the next step. She looked at Mara, nodding once. "Good. That's enough for now."
Mara scoffed. "You say that like I had a choice."
Seraphina smirked. "You always have a choice. You just made the right one."
And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Mara alone with the weight of what she had just done.