Location: Blackthorn Estate, Tavara
The evening air over Blackthorn Estate was thick with anticipation. Damien stood on the balcony, the wind rustling his sleeves as he overlooked the city's glimmering lights. Behind him, voices echoed from the drawing room—relatives, allies, and loyal subordinates gathered for what was intended to be a celebratory dinner. But beneath the polished marble floors and vintage chandeliers, tension simmered like an unlit fuse.
Nora stepped out to join him, her expression unreadable. She wore a deep crimson dress, elegant but armed with silent warnings in her posture.
"You haven't touched your wine," she murmured, handing him a fresh glass.
He accepted it but didn't drink. "There's no cause to celebrate tonight."
She sighed. "Because of Reuben?"
"Because of all of them," Damien said flatly. "This family is cracking, and it's not just from outside pressure. Internal loyalties are shifting."
"Your uncle Gerard was asking suspicious questions," Nora noted, folding her arms. "And your cousin Lana—she seems far too eager to support your initiatives, especially the Eastern Syndicate deal. She never backed you before."
Damien nodded. "That's exactly why she's dangerous. Opportunists are more volatile than enemies."
As if summoned, Gerard appeared at the door, clearing his throat. "Forgive the interruption, Damien. Might I have a moment of your time?"
Nora glanced at Damien, who gave a tight nod. She stepped back inside, leaving the two men facing each other in a charged silence.
"What is it, Uncle?" Damien asked, his voice cool.
Gerard gave a half-smile. "I only wanted to commend you for the partnerships you're building. The Kane Group, the Mitsuno Alliance... You've grown beyond our shadows."
Damien's eyes narrowed at the name. The Kane Group? That wasn't public knowledge.
"How do you know about the Kane merger?" Damien asked, voice now like a blade's edge.
Gerard's smile faltered. "Word travels in elite circles, Damien. You of all people should know that."
Damien took a slow step forward, closing the space between them. "Word doesn't travel unless someone leaks it. And I don't recall you being part of my inner council."
The older man backed off slightly, regaining composure. "Don't mistake concern for opposition, nephew. We're family."
"Exactly," Damien said. "Which makes betrayal all the more personal."
Gerard chuckled softly and turned away. "Don't be so quick to suspect everyone. Not all shadows hide daggers. Some conceal protection."
But Damien wasn't convinced. As Gerard disappeared into the hall, a low ping echoed from his phone. A message from Zane, his covert informant:
Intercepted tonight: Gerard met with Hanzo Yurei's envoy. Confidential files on the Kane acquisition leaked. Possible mole confirmed.
Damien's grip tightened. Whatever unity the Blackthorn bloodline once had was fading fast.
Inside, Nora spoke with Damien's sister, Liliane, who whispered, "Be careful. Aunt Mireille's been too quiet tonight. She's never silent unless she's plotting."
Nora's gaze flicked to the older woman, seated like a viper in satin, her eyes scanning the room with measured calculation.
Allies were growing fewer. Enemies, more familiar.
And the game had only just begun.