Deadly Affairs

Chapter 5

Vivian couldn't shake the feeling that her involvement in Black Lotus was like stepping into quicksand—every move she made only pulled her deeper. After meeting with Liam the previous night, she had returned home with her mind buzzing, her instincts screaming that there was more to the story than he'd let on.

The next morning, she poured herself a cup of coffee, her eyes fixed on the slim folder Jordan had given her. She opened it again, poring over the information, searching for something that might give her an edge.

The documents revealed that Black Lotus wasn't just a network of wealthy individuals hiding secrets; it was a well-organized operation, with connections to politicians, business moguls, and even law enforcement. The reach of the group was far beyond anything Vivian had encountered before.

Her eyes landed on a name: Martin Delaney, a high-profile lawyer rumored to be involved in under-the-table dealings. He wasn't just a name in the document; he was marked with a red asterisk, suggesting he had access to critical information.

"Delaney," she murmured to herself, committing the name to memory. She decided it was time to pay him a visit, even if she'd have to be discreet. If anyone could give her insights into Black Lotus, it might be him.

Later That Day

Vivian parked a few blocks away from Delaney's office, choosing to walk the rest of the way. She'd dressed carefully, adopting the role of a potential client to avoid suspicion. She straightened her coat as she stepped inside the sleek, high-rise building, her heart pounding in anticipation.

After a short wait, a receptionist led her to Delaney's office. The lawyer was seated behind a polished desk, his expression polite but guarded as he waved her in.

"Ms. Chase, is it? How can I assist you?" he asked, leaning back in his chair with a practiced smile.

Vivian forced a pleasant expression. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Mr. Delaney. I need legal advice regarding... confidential matters."

Delaney nodded, gesturing for her to continue. But she noticed a flicker of recognition in his eyes, as if he already knew she wasn't here for the reasons she'd claimed.

Taking a risk, she leaned forward, lowering her voice. "I've come across some information involving Black Lotus. I was told you might have connections—ways to... keep things quiet."

Delaney's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, and his fingers tapped the edge of his desk. "Ms. Chase, I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Vivian held his gaze. "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. I've seen the records, Mr. Delaney. Names, dates, payments. If you're involved, then I'm sure you understand the need to keep this... contained."

There was a tense silence as Delaney studied her, his face betraying no emotion. Then, he leaned back, his expression hardening. "You're playing with fire, Ms. Chase. Black Lotus isn't something you just 'contain.' It's a force. And if you're not careful, you'll find yourself at its mercy."

Vivian felt a chill but held her ground. "I'm not looking to make waves, Mr. Delaney. I just want information. And if you're smart, you'll give it to me."

Delaney sighed, glancing around the room, as if ensuring no one was listening. "There's only one person who truly understands Black Lotus, and that's not me. If you want real answers, you'll need to find Alexandra Pierce. She handles... delicate matters for the group. But be warned—Pierce is ruthless, and if she thinks you're a threat, she won't hesitate to deal with you."

Vivian took a deep breath, her heart racing. She'd gotten what she came for, but she knew she'd just stepped into even murkier territory. "Thank you, Mr. Delaney. You've been very helpful."

Delaney's expression softened for just a moment. "I hope you know what you're doing. People who go looking for answers about Black Lotus rarely like what they find."

Vivian gave him a tight smile and left, the weight of her decision pressing on her shoulders.

That Evening

Vivian returned to her apartment, barely able to process everything she'd learned. She'd come into this investigation thinking it was about controlling a client's affair, but now she was looking at a web of corruption that reached across powerful circles. She felt the weight of what Delaney had said—Black Lotus was a force, something she might not be able to outrun if things went wrong.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on her door. She froze, instinctively reaching for the small gun she kept in her drawer, but she paused when she recognized the voice on the other side.

"Vivian, open up. It's me."

She unlocked the door, pulling it open to reveal Liam. He looked tense, his jaw clenched, his eyes flicking around as if checking for eavesdroppers.

"Liam? What are you doing here?" she asked, taken aback.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I needed to make sure you hadn't done anything reckless."

Vivian narrowed her eyes. "If you're here to check up on me, then let me remind you—I don't work for you. I make my own decisions."

Liam looked frustrated, but there was something else there too, something close to concern. "I know you're independent, Vivian. But Black Lotus isn't just another case. If you dig too deep, they'll come after you."

"Are you worried about me?" she asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, but also a genuine curiosity.

Liam's eyes softened, just for a second. "Believe it or not, yes. I don't want you to end up like... others who got in too deep."

Vivian folded her arms, her frustration mixing with a sense of vulnerability she rarely allowed herself to feel. "Then maybe you should stop keeping me in the dark, Liam. If you really want me safe, tell me everything."

Liam looked down, struggling with his own inner conflict. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. Black Lotus is more than just a group of rich people protecting their secrets. It's a network that controls information, people, even governments. Brentley is a small piece of that puzzle, but he's powerful enough to make things difficult for anyone who crosses him."

Vivian swallowed, realizing the full scale of what she was up against. She had always known Liam was connected to something powerful, but this was bigger than she'd imagined.

"And Alexandra Pierce?" she asked, testing him.

Liam's face darkened. "Where did you hear that name?"

"I have my sources," she replied. "Delaney says she's the one who pulls the strings."

"She does," Liam admitted reluctantly. "But if you think Brentley is dangerous, Pierce is on another level. She has a talent for making people disappear without a trace. If she finds out you're asking questions, you'll be on her list."

Vivian felt her resolve harden. She was scared, yes, but she was also more determined than ever. "Then I'll be careful. But I won't stop."

Liam looked at her with a mixture of admiration and worry. "I should have known you'd say that."

They stood there in silence, both aware of the danger they were stepping into, yet neither willing to back down.

Finally, Liam moved toward the door. "If you need anything, you know where to find me. Just... don't take unnecessary risks."

Vivian watched him go, her heart racing. She was in deep, and she knew the path ahead was filled with shadows and uncertainty. But she couldn't turn back now—not with so many questions left unanswered.

As the door clicked shut, she resolved to find Alexandra Pierce, no matter the risk. Black Lotus was going down one way or another—and if she had to play with fire to get there, so be it.