VEIL OF DECEPTION

Ethan's fingers hovered over the file, his heartbeat pounding like war drums in his chest. Lucas Vanderbilt. The name alone sent a wave of rage through him. The man who had mocked him, humiliated him, and taken Celeste as if Ethan had never mattered.

He flipped open the file. Inside were detailed reports, financial records, hidden accounts—things Lucas would never want exposed.

Dominic leaned back, watching him closely. "Lucas thinks he's untouchable. That the world belongs to men like him." He smirked. "Let's prove him wrong."

Ethan's grip tightened on the paper. "What do you want me to do?"

Dominic slid a sleek black card across the table. The moment Ethan touched it, his phone vibrated. A notification appeared:

"Your accounts have been updated. Current balance: $500,000,000.00"

Ethan's breath hitched. The number almost didn't seem real.

"This is just the beginning," Dominic said. "Lucas Vanderbilt is hosting a gala tomorrow night at the St. Regis Hotel. He'll be announcing a massive business expansion. You'll attend."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Dominic's smirk deepened. "Because, by the end of the night… he'll lose everything."

—

The next evening, Ethan stepped out of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, dressed in a custom-tailored black Versace suit. The air buzzed with excitement as cameras flashed, capturing the elite guests arriving at the Vanderbilt gala.

He walked through the grand entrance, exuding an aura of quiet dominance. The doorman hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping aside. Ethan Cross was no longer an outsider.

Inside, the ballroom was dazzling—chandeliers spilling golden light over the sea of influential guests. But Ethan's eyes immediately found Lucas. The man stood at the center of attention, laughing, surrounded by powerful men. And by his side… was Celeste.

She turned, her eyes locking onto Ethan. For a moment, her breath visibly caught. She recognized him. But something was different.

The man she had left in the gutter was now standing before her, exuding a quiet, dangerous power.

Lucas noticed her staring and followed her gaze. When he saw Ethan, his expression twisted from amusement to disbelief, then irritation.

He stepped forward, his voice dripping with condescension. "Well, well. I didn't realize they let beggars into exclusive events now."

A few people nearby chuckled. Ethan didn't react. Instead, he smiled—a slow, calculated smile that sent a ripple of unease through the room.

Then, before Lucas could say another word, a waiter approached him, whispering urgently into his ear.

Lucas's face drained of color.

Ethan slipped his hands into his pockets. "Something wrong?" His voice was calm, amused.

Lucas didn't answer. His eyes darted across the room as his phone buzzed. He grabbed it, checking the notification.

BREAKING NEWS: LUCAS VANDERBILT UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR CORPORATE FRAUD

Gasps filled the air as guests pulled out their phones. The headlines were everywhere. Lucas's company stocks were plummeting in real time.

Ethan leaned in slightly, his voice a whisper only Lucas could hear. "This is just the beginning."

Then he turned, walking away as the walls of Lucas Vanderbilt's empire began to crumble.