Deadly Affairs

Chapter 10

Vivian couldn't sleep that night. The weight of Liam's confession lingered in her mind like a dark cloud, his words replaying over and over. She had asked for the truth, and now that she had it, the reality was more brutal than she'd imagined. The morning light broke through her window, casting sharp shadows across her room, and with it came a new resolve. Black Lotus had controlled people for too long. It was time to turn the tables.

She spent the early hours mapping out a plan, every step a piece of a puzzle she needed to complete if she wanted to bring Black Lotus down. But as much as she wanted to charge forward, she knew they had to tread carefully. One wrong move and everything—and everyone—could be lost.

Later that day, she met Liam at a small café on the outskirts of town. He looked tense, his face drawn as he glanced around, watching for anyone who might be following them.

"Did you sleep at all?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"Not much," Vivian admitted, stirring her coffee absently. "But I have an idea."

Liam leaned forward, his interest piqued. "I'm listening."

Vivian pulled out a small notebook, her notes scribbled in hurried lines. "We need leverage—proof of what Black Lotus is doing and who they're working with. But more than that, we need something to turn some of their allies against them."

Liam frowned. "That's a tall order. Most of their allies are either too scared or too loyal to ever betray them."

"Maybe," Vivian said, a spark of determination in her eyes. "But everyone has a breaking point. We just need to find someone with enough to lose that they'll be willing to turn on Black Lotus."

Liam looked at her, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "You're not just persistent; you're relentless. But who are you thinking of?"

Vivian took a deep breath, flipping to a page in her notebook where a name was scrawled in bold letters: Victor Delgado. "He's powerful, but he's also vulnerable. He has more enemies than friends, and if we can get the right evidence on him, we could force him into a corner."

Liam nodded slowly. "It's risky. Delgado's one of Pierce's closest allies. If he catches wind of this..."

"I know," Vivian said firmly. "But Delgado is our best chance. He has connections to everyone, and if we can expose his role, others might start talking too."

Liam was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Alright. How do you plan to get close enough to Delgado without raising suspicion?"

Vivian leaned forward, her voice low. "We'll need to hit his weak spot—his businesses. I found out he owns a nightclub downtown, The Crimson Room. It's high-end, exclusive, and he's known to spend time there on weekends."

A slow smile spread across Liam's face. "You want to stage a little 'accidental' meeting?"

Vivian's eyes gleamed with determination. "Exactly. If I can get close to him and get him to talk, maybe I can find a way in."

The Crimson Room

That weekend, Vivian prepared carefully. She traded her usual detective attire for something more glamorous—a sleek black dress that hugged her figure, paired with a crimson lipstick that made her feel both bold and slightly nervous. She wasn't used to blending in with the high-society crowd, but tonight, she'd have to play the part if she wanted a chance to speak with Delgado.

Liam insisted on going with her, posing as her date for the night. He was dressed in a sharp suit, his presence as calm and steady as ever. But Vivian could feel the tension beneath his cool exterior, the unspoken worry in his gaze.

"You don't have to do this, you know," he murmured as they walked through the front doors of The Crimson Room. "I could go in alone, keep an eye on things."

Vivian shook her head. "This is my fight, too. Besides, if Delgado's here, he'll be more willing to talk to a new face. Someone who seems... harmless."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "I don't think anyone could mistake you for harmless, Vivian."

She smirked, but the nervousness in her stomach didn't go away. As they made their way into the main lounge, she took in the scene around her. The room was filled with wealthy patrons, sipping champagne and laughing under the glimmer of crystal chandeliers. It was the kind of place where secrets were whispered and deals were made in dark corners.

It didn't take long to spot Delgado. He was sitting in a private booth near the back, flanked by two bodyguards who watched the room with cold, assessing gazes. Delgado himself looked relaxed, his expression smug as he chatted with a man in an expensive suit.

Vivian and Liam moved closer, keeping a safe distance while she observed. She couldn't approach him directly—not yet. Instead, she mingled with the crowd, laughing at jokes, pretending to enjoy herself, all while keeping Delgado in her line of sight.

After an hour, Delgado's companion left, and he settled back in his seat, sipping his drink. It was now or never.

Vivian took a deep breath, then approached his table, her heart racing. She gave him a charming smile. "Excuse me, Mr. Delgado? I couldn't help but notice you sitting alone. I thought I'd introduce myself."

Delgado looked up, his gaze sharp as it swept over her. For a moment, she wondered if he'd recognize her as the detective who'd been investigating him, but his face showed no sign of recognition. Instead, he smiled, his eyes assessing.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise. And who might you be?"

"Vivian," she replied smoothly, extending her hand. "Vivian Chase. I'm... new to the city, trying to make some connections."

Delgado's smile widened as he shook her hand. "A pleasure, Ms. Chase. Please, sit down."

Vivian settled into the seat across from him, keeping her expression friendly. She glanced around, pretending to admire the ambiance. "This place is incredible. I've heard only the best people come here."

Delgado chuckled, clearly enjoying the flattery. "I do try to keep it exclusive. You never know who might walk through the doors, after all."

She laughed, leaning in slightly. "You must have quite the influence to run a place like this. I bet you know all the important people in town."

Delgado shrugged, feigning modesty. "I have a few connections. But enough about me—what brings you here tonight?"

Vivian kept her tone light, her gaze holding his. "Oh, just looking for an opportunity. You know how it is. I figured, why not see if I could meet someone... interesting?"

Delgado's smile grew, and he leaned in as if they were sharing a secret. "Well, you've come to the right place, Vivian. Tell me, what kind of opportunities are you looking for?"

Vivian hesitated for just a fraction of a second. "Oh, you know, something exciting. I've always been interested in... how should I say it? The more unconventional sides of business."

Delgado's gaze sharpened, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Unconventional, you say?"

She nodded, holding his gaze, hoping he'd take the bait. "I've heard there are ways to make connections that most people wouldn't dare to try. But then again, fortune favors the bold, doesn't it?"

For a moment, Delgado simply stared at her, as if trying to gauge her intentions. Then, slowly, he nodded. "You're right. Fortune does favor the bold. And if you're willing to take some risks, well... let's just say there are opportunities for those with the right mindset."

Vivian's heart pounded as she saw the gleam in his eye. He was interested, and that was all she needed. She didn't press further tonight—she'd planted the seed, and that was enough. She spent a few more minutes chatting with him, exchanging pleasantries, and then excused herself, giving him a coy smile as she left.

She found Liam waiting near the exit, his expression tense. "How did it go?"

Vivian allowed herself a small, triumphant smile. "He took the bait. We'll see if he reaches out."