The VIP lounge of Charlotte's Sweet Dreams was bathed in warm light, casting a soft glow over the elegantly arranged dining table. Pale pink rose petals were scattered across the white tablecloth, and the air was thick with the sweet scent of vanilla and lemon. Charlotte had arranged this private dinner to celebrate her engagement to Richard.
Lena nervously adjusted her dress—it was the first time she was formally introducing William to her family. She had chosen a light blue dress, simple yet elegant, but William had insisted on adding a string of pearls.
"This makes you look more mature," he'd said gently. "I want your family to see the best version of you."
Now, as William held her hand and walked into the lounge, Lena felt a sense of happiness she had never known. Her boyfriend was perfect. Surely, he would make a good impression.
"Mom, Richard," Lena's voice brimmed with excitement, "I'd like you to officially meet William."
Charlotte rose gracefully from her seat. As a successful pastry chef, she'd met all kinds of people, but William still managed to surprise her.
"William, so nice to meet you," she said with a polite smile, extending her hand. "Lena speaks of you often."
"Miss Charlotte, the pleasure is mine," William said, placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand with effortless grace. "Now I know where Lena gets her beauty."
The gesture made Charlotte pause for a second. Hand-kissing wasn't common in America, but William's movements were so fluid, so natural, that it felt like second nature to him.
"You're quite the gentleman," Charlotte said with a smile. "Please, have a seat."
Richard stood up and assessed William with the sharp eyes of a seasoned businessman. As a real estate tycoon, he was used to forming opinions quickly.
"Richard Ellison," he said, offering a firm handshake.
"William Langston," William replied, shaking his hand just firmly enough. "Thank you for inviting me to this special occasion. I've heard of your accomplishments in real estate."
"Thank you," Richard nodded. "Lena tells me you're in the arts?"
"Yes, I majored in visual arts—portrait painting, specifically," William said. "I believe art and business are not so different. Both require a deep understanding of human nature."
Richard raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He liked young people with insight, and William clearly wasn't just an idealist.
Just then, the lounge door opened again. Sebastian walked in.
"Sorry I'm late," he said. "The London deal was more complicated than expected."
Lena turned to look at the man she had only seen in photographs. Sebastian was taller than she imagined, his dark hair slightly tousled—he looked like he had come straight from the airport. His eyes were sharp, observant—the gaze of a seasoned attorney.
"Sebastian," Richard stood to embrace his son. "Perfect timing—we were just getting started."
"And this must be Lena," Sebastian said as he approached her, offering a smile. "Nice to finally meet you."
"Likewise," Lena replied. "You're a lawyer, right?"
"International business law," Sebastian said, then turned his gaze to William. "Hello."
"William Langston," William said, standing and extending his hand. "A pleasure."
The moment the two men shook hands, something subtle shifted in the air. Sebastian held on a fraction longer than normal, his eyes studying William's face intently, as if searching for something.
"Langston," Sebastian repeated thoughtfully. "Not a common name."
"It isn't," William said with a smile. "My family's originally from Europe. They immigrated to the U.S. a long time ago."
"Which country?"
"England. But that was generations ago."
Sebastian nodded, but Lena noticed something odd in his expression. Before she could dwell on it, Charlotte's voice interrupted.
"Everyone, let's sit. I prepared some special desserts for tonight."
As dinner began, William's social finesse became strikingly apparent. He talked to Charlotte about baking techniques with surprising knowledge, discussed art investment with Richard, and even weighed in on international law with Sebastian.
"You seem well-versed in legal matters," Sebastian noted. "Ever consider working in the field?"
"I'm fascinated by the legal boundaries of human behavior," William said. "Especially those... that exist in the gray areas."
Sebastian frowned slightly. As a criminal lawyer, phrases like that always set off internal alarms.
"Gray areas?" he asked.
"For example," William said, slicing into his steak with poise, "how much concern counts as care, and how much becomes control? At what point does protection become possession?"
Lena was reminded of Sophie's concerns but quickly shook them off. William was just being philosophical. It was one of the things she loved about him.
"Boundaries do matter," Sebastian said. "In law, we have clear statutes that define those behaviors."
"But love?" William smiled. "Does love have statutes?"
"Love has boundaries too," Sebastian said, his tone a touch more serious. "Respecting the other person's autonomy is the most basic one."
"Of course," William nodded, "but sometimes, the people we love don't know what's best for them."
Sebastian's alertness sharpened. He looked at Lena, who seemed completely at ease with William's words—she even nodded.
"William's always looking out for me," Lena added. "He warns me about friends who might be bad influences or decisions that might not be right for me."
"Such as?" Sebastian prompted.
"I wanted to attend a psychology seminar once," Lena said. "But William thought the professor's ideas were too radical. Turns out he was right—the professor was quite controversial."
Sebastian and William locked eyes, and the air grew heavy with tension.
"I just didn't want Lena exposed to unhealthy ideologies," William said smoothly. "She's too pure—too easily misled."
"Academic debate should be free," Sebastian said. "Even controversial theories have value."
"For those with experience, yes," William said, his smile chilling. "But for someone like Lena, keeping her mind untainted is more important."
Charlotte and Richard sensed the growing hostility and quickly changed the topic.
"William, I heard you painted a portrait of Lena?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes," William's face softened, "she's the most beautiful subject I've ever had."
"I'd love to see it."
"I have a photo," William said, pulling out his phone.
The painting was stunning. Lena looked ethereal. But Sebastian noticed something unsettling. Her eyes seemed hollow, as if something was missing. And the angle—from above—gave the impression of being watched.
"Beautiful work," Sebastian said. "How many portraits have you done?"
"Many," William replied. "I like to capture the essence of each person."
"And where are the models now?"
William hesitated, then smiled. "They've moved on with their lives. We lost touch."
"All of them?" Sebastian asked, eyebrows raised. "That's rare. Artists usually stay connected to their muses, especially after producing such powerful work."
"Maybe I'm just not good at keeping in touch," William said. "Except with Lena. She's special."
Later, as everyone relaxed in the lounge area, William excused himself to use the restroom. Sebastian took the opportunity to pull Lena aside.
"Lena," he said quietly, "can we talk?"
"About what?" she asked.
"William," Sebastian said bluntly. "How much do you really know about his past?"
"Why are you asking?"
"As a lawyer, I'm trained to notice things," Sebastian said. "There's something... off about him."
"Like what?"
"His care for you—it's a bit excessive. Real love supports growth, not control."
"He's not controlling me," Lena said defensively. "He's protecting me."
"Lena," Sebastian's voice lowered. "In London, I've dealt with cases involving... particular criminals. They're often charming, persuasive—masters at earning trust."
"What are you implying?" Lena asked, her voice rising.
"I'm not implying anything," Sebastian said quickly. "I'm just asking you to stay alert. If something doesn't feel right—talk to me."
"I know you mean well," Lena said, "but William is a good man. He loves me."
Sebastian saw the certainty in her eyes. He knew she wouldn't listen now.
"Alright," he said. "Just remember what I said."
William returned just then and immediately sensed the shift in atmosphere.
"Having a good talk?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course," Lena said, wrapping her arm around his. "Sebastian was just looking out for me."
"Is that so?" William looked at Sebastian, a flicker of something darker in his eyes. "How... thoughtful of a big brother."
Sebastian caught the sarcasm. His suspicions solidified.
When the evening ended, William insisted on driving Lena home, despite Sebastian's offer.
"It's fine," William said. "We have a few things to talk about."
At the door, Sebastian held Lena's hand.
"Remember what I said," he whispered.
Lena nodded—but her attention was already elsewhere.
Once they were alone, William's smile faded.
"What did Sebastian say to you?" he asked.
"Nothing important," Lena replied. "He was just being protective."
"Was he?" William's voice turned cold. "Lena, you need to understand—some people will try to come between us."
"What do you mean?"
"Your stepbrother clearly doesn't like me. Maybe he's jealous. Maybe he wants you for himself."
"Sebastian's not like that," Lena said.
"How do you know?" William asked sharply. "You've known him for a few hours. I've been with you for months."
Lena hesitated. That was true.
"Maybe you're right," she said softly.
"I just don't want you hurt," William said, returning to his tender tone. "Especially by someone pretending to care."
"I understand," Lena said. "I won't let anyone come between us."
"Good," William said, kissing her forehead. "Remember—I'm the only one who truly loves you."
Back in her dorm, Lena found Sophie waiting.
"How was the dinner?" Sophie asked.
"It went well," Lena said. "William made a great impression."
"Everyone liked him?"
"Well..." Lena hesitated. "Most people."
"Most?"
"Sebastian was... a bit skeptical," she admitted. "But William says people sometimes get jealous of what we have."
Sophie frowned. Lena never used the word "jealous." That sounded more like William.
"Lena," Sophie said cautiously, "have you considered Sebastian might be right?"
"Sophie, don't," Lena said wearily. "I've had enough of people doubting William tonight."
"I'm just worried about you."
"I need you to support me—not question my choices. William is a good man. He loves me."
Sophie looked at her friend, realizing how deeply William's influence had taken root. She began to wonder if it was time to do more.
That night, all three were consumed with one question: What now?
Sebastian studied the files of missing girls, searching for a pattern.
Sophie scoured the internet for clues about William.
And William, alone in his apartment, added to his records:
Observation Log #47 – AddendumIdentified Threat: Sebastian EllisonThreat Level: HighAction Plan: Intensify influence over target. Isolate support system.Note: Target's resistance to outside voices increasing. Prepare to initiate next phase.
He closed the folder, a cold smile on his face.
The game had only just begun.