Chapter 2 - The Woman in BlackElena had arrived two hours before the guests.
She moved through the mansion with the quiet efficiency of someone who had learned never to attract attention.
To the wealthy guests, she was merely another security officer.
No one remembered her face.
That was exactly how she wanted it.
From behind a discreet security station, Elena studied the gala through multiple camera feeds.
Her eyes remained fixed on Caroline.
For six months, federal investigators had been tracing suspicious financial transfers connected to Sterling Enterprises.
Millions of dollars had disappeared through shell corporations.
Charitable funds had been diverted.
Offshore accounts had multiplied.
And every trail eventually pointed toward Caroline.
But financial crimes were only the beginning.
Elena had reason to believe something much worse was coming.
A murder.
Her superiors had warned her that they needed undeniable evidence.
Tonight, they would get it.
Elena touched the encrypted device hidden beneath her jacket.
“Operation Glasshouse is active,” she whispered.
A voice answered through her earpiece.
“Understood.”
Elena looked across the ballroom.
Caroline was laughing beside Arthur.
But her fingers were clenched around her champagne glass.
The smile was perfect.
May you like
The eyes were not.
Something was about to happen.
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