The Last Hero (Villains & Monsters #2)

Chapter 32

- Late March, 2046 - (Two months ago)

The night arrived way faster than Jamie thought it would, but he was ready.

In his room, he made sure everything was neat and tidy, because he knew it would be the first place checked once the news of his disappearance went around.

He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the tie to his shirt before putting the suit jacket on. Everyone that was attending the celebration was required to dress up. In his pockets were the folded-up pieces of paper, in case his sub-plan failed.

His palms were slick with sweat, and his heart was beating fast, but it was either tonight or never. When his guard knocked on the door and told him it was time to go, Jamie took a quiet breath, prepared for every scenario imaginable, then left his room.

He was escorted to an elevator, and once it took them up, Jamie tried not to look around in awe of what was just above base. So this is where Sierra spends a lot of her time.

The elevator they left was only accessible by other henchmen, and he took a few seconds to remember the path that led to it. The end of the hallway opened up to a luxurious foyer where guests wearing formal wear were hanging out and socializing.

There were reporters and journalists at the event as well as families with their kids. Definitely an event where even the leaders would have to be on their best behavior.

Across the foyer, he saw Victor and Layla. Once they met eyes, Victor took out his phone and started texting someone -- more than likely CJ to tell him to be prepared.

Discreetly, Layla -- dressed in a beautiful purple dress that came to her knees -- made her way across the room. Once she was certain Jamie's guard was wrapped in a conversation, she leaned over to whisper to him, "Desmond and Amaya are inside."

He nodded, and she finished her route and stood with other henchmen that she knew. Part one of the plan was complete: making sure Amaya compelled her way inside and making sure Desmond sped by any watching guards.

Now onto part two.

Jamie met Layla's eyes, and she gestured to a speaker who was getting ready to make an announcement on the microphone. "Attention, guests. Thank you for coming out tonight. We'll be getting started shortly."

If that didn't make people excited, then a locked door at the end of a fancy carpet opening did. Valerie and her husband walked through first, and there was tons of cheering. Cameras rapidly flashed at the sight of the CEO and her family. With her and her husband were two small twins that looked like them. The little girl had flowers braided into her hair, and the little boy had a crown of flowers on his head. Jamie knew that they'd be on the covers of magazines by morning.

Behind them was Sierra, dressed in a beautiful ruby gown, and Violet was right beside her. She was dressed in a flowy blue dress, her dark hair pinned back with a matching, sparkly headband. The two of them were holding hands and grinning brightly as they waved to the crowd.

Finally, walking close behind them, was the icy queen and her troublemaker. Daija wore a sapphire dress with a slit in its side, and her curly hair was out. Simon was dressed in a lavish, black suit, smiling at Daija like she was the only woman in the room.

For dramatic effect, Simon smirked, grabbed Daija's hand and lifted it up for everyone to see, and the crowd roared with cheers, whistles and camera flashes at the sight of the bright, gorgeous, glittering diamond on her ring finger.

Holy fuck, what a rock. I can't even imagine what that cost, Jamie thought to himself, watching as she smiled brightly at Simon and said something that only he could hear. The two of them radiated both true love and deadly power.