VEIL OF DECEPTION

The city thrived on deception. Deals made in secret, alliances shifting like shadows—Ethan knew how to play the game.

And tonight, he was about to prove it.

—

Ethan sat in the dimly lit club, the bass vibrating through the air. Across the table sat Vincent Moreau, one of the most feared men in the underworld. A kingmaker.

Vincent swirled his drink. "You've made quite the mess, Ethan."

Ethan smirked. "That's what I do best."

Vincent leaned in. "Pierce is calling in every favor he has. He wants you erased."

Ethan didn't flinch. "Let him try."

Vincent studied him, then chuckled. "You remind me of myself when I was younger."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That supposed to be a compliment?"

Vincent smirked. "It means you're reckless. But maybe… just maybe, you're smart enough to pull this off."

He set his glass down. "I'll give you what you need, but it won't come cheap."

Ethan leaned back, completely at ease. "Nothing worth having ever does."

—

By morning, Pierce's right-hand man was dead.

A bullet to the head. A warning.

Ethan stood at the crime scene, watching from the shadows. The police swarmed, sirens blaring.

Dominic exhaled beside him. "This just escalated."

Ethan smirked. "Good."

Dominic shook his head. "Pierce is going to lose his mind."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "That's the point."

—

The meeting took place in an abandoned warehouse—neutral ground.

Pierce arrived with armed guards. Ethan stood alone. Unshaken.

Pierce's eyes burned with fury. "You really think you can win this?"

Ethan smirked. "I already have."

He tossed a folder onto the table. Pierce hesitated, then opened it. His face paled.

Ethan leaned in, voice dangerously soft. "That's every secret you've ever buried. Every crime. Every betrayal. One press of a button… and it's all over."

Pierce clenched his jaw. "You wouldn't dare."

Ethan's smirk widened. "Try me."

Silence.

Then, finally, Pierce let out a breath. "What do you want?"

Ethan leaned back, victorious. "Everything."