Chapter 20 - The Masquerade Gala
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Silas Thorne moved through the opulent ballroom like a ghost parting a sea of the living. People naturally stepped out of his way, intimidated by the sheer aura of ruthless power he projected. He ignored the waiters offering champagne and the socialites attempting to catch his eye, making a direct line toward Maya.
Maya handed her champagne flute to Leo and took a deep, steadying breath. She forced her facial muscles to relax, masking her burning hatred behind a facade of polite, corporate curiosity.
"Maya," Silas said as he approached, his voice a deep, gravelly baritone that sent a shiver down her spine. "My, how you have grown. The last time I saw you, you were just a little girl playing under your father’s desk."
"Silas," Maya replied, offering a stiff, brief nod. "I am surprised you accepted my invitation. I was under the impression you had retired from high society."
"I have retired from the mundane," Silas corrected, leaning heavily on his silver-tipped cane. "But when I received your... unique handwritten note regarding Victoria's accounting errors, I felt compelled to attend. It is a tragedy what happened to your father. Richard was a good man, if somewhat naive."
Maya tightened her grip on her evening clutch. Hearing her father’s name in his mouth made her feel physically sick.
"My father was many things, but he was never naive," Maya said smoothly. "He simply trusted the wrong people. A mistake I do not intend to repeat."
Silas chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Excellent. I appreciate a pragmatist. You mentioned in your note that you wished to discuss a private arrangement regarding my anonymous Swiss accounts."
"I do," Maya nodded, glancing around the crowded room. "But this is hardly the venue for a detailed financial negotiation. There are too many ears."
May you like
"Lead the way, my dear," Silas smiled, gesturing toward the back of the ballroom. "I am eager to hear how much it will cost to buy your silence."
Maya turned and walked toward the private VIP rooms down the hall. Every step she took was a step closer to justice, and Silas was following right behind her, completely blind to the guillotine hanging over his head.
