Chapter 4 Infiltration

• Once Briar clocked out from her job, a rush of excitement mixed with nerves pulsed through her. She hurried home, her thoughts focused on the mission ahead. This evening was crucial. She rummaged through her belongings to gather what she needed, starting with a deck of playing cards. The Queen of Hearts sat at the top-her lucky charm. She slipped it into her purse as a reminder of the purpose behind her visit.
• Briar stood in front of her closet, mentally preparing for the occasion. She often dressed in dark colors to complement her fair skin, but tonight was different. She pulled out her only white dress: a sleeveless linen sheath adorned with delicate eyelet lace. It felt appropriate for the summer season, light and airy against her skin. As she put it on, she added a narrow white leather belt with a crystal buckle, completing the outfit with a stack of faux pearl bracelets that jingled softly with her movements. It wasn't the fanciest attire, but it would have to do for what lay ahead.
• After getting dressed, she let her hair down, the long waves cascading over her shoulders like rich ruby ribbons. Briar had always thought that leaving her hair down made her appear more attractive, and tonight, she wanted to look her best for Damien Thorne. It wasn't about attracting his attention; rather, it was about making a lasting impression. He had only ever seen her with her hair pulled back in a French twist, styled neatly with a couple of pearl-beaded combs.
• Next, she faced a dilemma with her makeup. With skin as pale as hers, too much makeup could risk giving her the appearance of a mime. Instead, she opted for a subtle approach: darkening her lashes and applying a cherry-colored lip tint that brought some life to her complexion. She'd received a lovely bottle of designer perfume from her mother for Christmas, but she shied away from it tonight, preferring the comforting scent of her favorite vanilla moisturizer on her arms and throat instead.
• Leaving her apartment, Briar caught her reflection in the full-length mirror one last time. The white dress gave her skin a soft, pink glow, making her lips and the natural auburn hues of her hair pop vibrantly. She couldn't help but smile to herself. "If nothing else, he should spot me," she whispered, her excitement growing as she hurried to her car.
• As Briar drove toward David Zellwood's home, she mentally rehearsed her speech. She needed to convey the seriousness of the blackmail scheme she had overheard, even though she had no concrete proof. There were no witnesses to back up her claims, and although her heart raced, she knew she had to try. What if Damien didn't believe her? What if he dismissed her attempts as nothing more than a grudge after Nora had fired her? Doubts clouded her mind, but she shook them off. "I can do this," she reassured herself, pulling up to the impressive security gate at the front of Zellwood's estate.
• Presenting the playing card to the guard, he nodded wisely and opened the gate, granting her entrance. She drove up the long drive, passing a line of luxurious cars parked under towering trees. Another guard waved a flashlight, and Briar swallowed hard, her nerves bubbling beneath the surface. This was no ordinary gathering; she was entering a world she had only ever read about.
• With every step toward the front entrance, she fought against the jitters threatening to overwhelm her. A butler greeted her before she could knock, ushering Briar inside with a friendly but professional demeanor. "Guests are gathering in the evening room, ma'am," he said, directing her toward a back hall. "The playrooms will be open all night. If you need anything, please ask one of the attendants in green jackets, or see me, Fisher."
• "Thank you, Mr. Fisher." Briar attempted to maintain her composure, but she felt her cheeks blush at the term "playrooms." What kind of games did they play in such a setting?
• As she walked through the elegant house, the sounds of laughter and soft classical music drifted through the air, wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for what lay ahead. Steeling her nerves, Briar stepped through the open doors into the evening room.
• Upon entering, the scene was striking. Two dozen guests, dressed in sleek black and white outfits, filled the minimalist space. The room, furnished in neutral tones of gray, silver, and chrome, made the guests appear as if they were vibrant works of art. Briar's heart raced as her eyes scanned the room. She noticed couples seated close together, their interactions comfortable and inviting, but the atmosphere seemed far from scandalous.
• "Welcome." A petite woman in a black satin jumpsuit approached her, holding out a glass of champagne with an inviting smile. "I'm Nadia. What is your name, my dear?"
• "Briar," she replied, accepting the glass, though she had no intention of sipping it. Alcohol would only complicate matters. "Is Damien Thorne here yet?"
• "No, but Damien never watches the time. I think he invented being fashionably late," Nadia replied with a charming nod. "Come, I will introduce you to our friends."
• Briar felt a flutter of desperation. "I'm sorry, but I didn't come here to mingle," she explained, her voice edged with urgency. "I need to see Mr. Thorne as soon as he arrives. It's important."
• Nadia tilted her head, studying Briar for a moment. "I understand," she said kindly. "Let's find a comfortable spot where we can wait together."
• As they moved deeper into the gathering, Lacey's pulse quickened. She glanced around, taking in the vibrant energy of the room, the lively conversations, yet her mind was elsewhere. In moments, she hoped to deliver a message that could change everything. The task felt monumental, yet she was resolved. This evening might very well be the key to uncovering the truth behind the shadows looming over Damien Thorne and the charges threatening his reputation.
• Thoughts racing, Briar took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was here for more than just a conversation; she was here to protect the man she admired. She felt a surge of determination as she awaited Damien's arrival, ready to seize her opportunity in a world that felt both foreign and thrilling.