Alexander's POV
Wan State, Silent Hill Mansion, 9:00AM
I walked ahead while Sebastian and the hacker followed behind me.
I didn't have high expectations. I didn't believe the rumors about her. People always exaggerate.
The results would speak for themselves.
We got to the second floor. I stopped in front of a room and pushed the door open.
"This should be convenient," I said.
She didn't reply.
She walked in, dropped her bag on the table, and began to unpack her devices.
One after the other.
The room was quiet, except for the soft sounds of metal and wires.
I watched her for a moment.
"You'll find the mastermind?" I asked.
She paused briefly, then looked up at me.
"There is a reason I call myself 'Zero Veil'," she said calmly. "But there is also a reason my opponents call me 'The White Shadow'."
She looked away and continued setting up like I wasn't even there.
I let out a soft breath.
"I'll leave you to your work then," I said, turning slightly.
"Wait."
Her voice stopped me.
I turned back.
She was looking straight at me now.
"I'm not working for you," she said coldly, a faint smirk on her lips. "I'm working for my paycheck."
Sebastian shifted slightly behind me.
I clasped my hands calmly.
"And I'm sure you want your paycheck as soon as possible," I replied.
A small smile appeared on her face.
Then she said quietly.
"I know you are the puppet master."
I noticed Sebastian from the corner of my eye.
His hand moved slightly… close to his gun.
I chuckled, then I stepped forward, closing the distance between us just a little.
"And I know one thing," I said, holding her gaze. "You're under my roof."
For a second, the room felt tighter.
Then I turned and walked toward the door.
"Don't fail," I said.
And with that, I left her alone with Sebastian.
****
Lounge area, 9:30AM
I sat quietly in the lounge, a glass of freshly squeezed juice in my hand. I took a slow sip and leaned back, my eyes fixed ahead.
There were sounds of approaching footsteps.
Sebastian stepped into the room.
"Master," he said with a slight bow.
"Speak."
"You have two meetings scheduled for today," he said. "One with Miss Seraphina… and the other with Miss Elena."
I took another sip.
"Who's first?" he asked.
I placed the glass down slowly.
"Seraphina," I said.
There was a short pause.
"And Elena?" he asked.
I leaned back slightly.
"Last," I replied.
A faint smile touched my lips.
"Save the best for last."
Sebastian gave a small nod.
There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
"The hacker," he said carefully. "The men are watching her from the hidden room behind the second door."
I finally turned my head to look at him.
"And?" I asked.
"She's busy with her computer."
"But master…", Sebastian hesitated.
"There are no CCTV cameras in this mansion," he said. "If she attempts anything…"
I gave a sharp glare.
He stopped talking.
I shook my head slightly, like a parent correcting a child.
"Have you forgotten?" I asked calmly.
Sebastian frowned slightly.
"There is a hacker in this house."
Realization hit him immediately.
His expression changed.
"My mistake, master," he said quickly.
I looked away.
"Do not make it again."
"Yes, master."
I picked up my glass again.
"Prepare the car," I said. "We are going to see Seraphina."
Sebastian bowed.
"Yes, master."
****
The Birch's Entertainment Company, 10:20AM.
Seraphina sat across from me, a file open in her hands. She was calm and gentle.
She slid the file toward me.
"These are the selected actors and actresses," she said.
I opened it slowly. As I flipped through it, I saw names, pictures, and backgrounds of the actors and actresses.
"We are trying something new," she continued.
I glanced up briefly.
"A story about a woman," she said, "who grows jealous of her friend's progress and marriage."
She paused slightly.
"And then tries to destroy it… without anyone knowing."
I flipped another page.
"And the audience won't suspect her?" I asked.
Seraphina smiled faintly.
"That is the idea."
I closed the file and leaned back slightly.
Then I stood up.
"You'll hear a response from me by 4:00PM," I said.
She stood up as well.
"I'll be waiting."
I gave a small nod and turned to leave.
The door opened and a man walked in. It was Collins; Seraphina's fiancé.
She moved quickly toward him.
A smile spread across her face, softer than before.
"Collins," she said.
She wrapped her arms around him and planted a light kiss on his cheek.
He chuckled and looked at her. "You look beautiful," he said, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
I watched them for a second.
I gave Collins a brief nod.
He returned it.
Then I looked away and walked past them without a word.
As I stepped out, laughter and soft words of affection followed behind me.
I walked away without looking back.