AC Syndicate: Isolated Files [OS]

Belle [Alternative]

The arrival of Spring began the Season in London. It was the perfect time and place to go to this inventive city, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Indeed, this social event was a golden opportunity to meet people. Particularly business. Whether it was marriage or business, business cards would be exchanged over the next few weeks.

Tonight, despite the unwillingness of the youngest of the family, the Reids were among the last to arrive at the party at Sophie March's house. March was hosting the party at her home mainly for fun and entertainment, she did not like the purpose of the party. She made sure to welcome her guests in person, despite her reputation for her own shortcomings. But the thirty-something blonde didn't care.

Victoria, the last of the family to greet the hostess of the evening, took Sophie in her arms, smiling, under the annoyed and exasperated gaze of her parents, Bolton and Amelia, and her elder brother, James Reid. Only the middle child, Elias, looked at the brunette with a smile that silently said that his sister was incorrigible.

"Jane is already waiting for you in the garden," Sophie said, separating herself from the brunette.

"Thank you, Sophie," the heiress replied. Have a nice evening.

"You too, little darling," said the blonde in an almost maternal tone.

The brunette immediately went to the garden, where she could see the garlands of lanterns lighting up the still recently cut grass. There were a lot of people there tonight, which made the heiress smile wider.

"Victoria!" called a woman's voice that she knew.

The youngest Reid heard boots treading the floor at a run before she was bumped into and felt arms wrap around her in the collision. It was a young woman of her own age and brown hair who greeted the brunette warmly and joyfully.

"Oh, I'm so glad to see you!"

"Good evening, Jane," Victoria replied as happy as her best friend.

The Buxton heiress separated herself from the brunette for a few moments and contemplated her beautiful burgundy dress, with its slightly bare shoulders. She complimented her on her attire. Victoria returned the compliment on her navy blue dress. As Edward Buxton joined his daughter, the Cameron family came over to the Reids to greet them. At the same time, a little further on in the middle of the champagne crowd, a man dressed both smartly and unkemptly strolled in, scanning the garden with his eyes. His brown hair was slicked back and combed. He wore a cod-tail jacket, reaching down to mid-thigh, and trousers as black as his jacket. He also wore an off-white jacket over a whiter shirt that was quite open at the collar. But it was impossible to see the man's skin because a red scarf elegantly encircled his neck. The dark-haired man of Victoria's age was none other than Jacob Frye, hired by Sophie March to ensure that no snooping would jeopardise the businesswoman's career, which was shaking the competition.

The Assassin, who had abandoned his outfit, had nothing to lose tonight. It was part of his deal with the head of the textile company. Besides, the appetizers looked good... and could surely make him forget the terrible taste of champagne. Every sip was unpleasant for him and made him regret the beer. Sophie noticed him approaching the buffet. She wanted to know if he had spotted any suspicious people, a bit too nosy. After wincing at the champagne, he replied that he had not seen anything yet.