A legacy stolen, a betrayal hidden in the shadows, and a vengeance that refuses to die.
When his father is murdered, he loses everything his family, his empire, his name. Framed as a killer, he vanishes into the underworld, his heart burning for rev...
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Chapter 16
"A Night of Masks"
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As the evening sun cast its final golden rays over the city, Alara stood in her lavish penthouse bedroom, eyes scanning the collection of costumes scattered across her bed.
The floor-to-ceiling windows behind her bathed the room in a warm glow, illuminating the assortment of daring, chic Halloween outfits that lay before her, each one screaming bold confidence and undeniable allure.
She let her fingers drift over the different fabrics, lingering on each one: a slinky black cat costume with fitted leather, whiskers, and just the right amount of edge, a tantalizing leopard print outfit, form-fitting and wild, that practically purred with attitude.
A sultry witch ensemble, complete with a pointed hat and dark lace that draped her shoulders; a shimmering princess dress in a shade of deep pink, yet far too short and sassy for any fairy tale.
A sleek Egyptian goddess costume with intricate gold detailing and a thigh-high slit that demanded attention; and a few other risqué choices, including a daring little devil outfit and a playful fairy costume that seemed both innocent and mischievous.
Alara tilted her head, biting her lip. She felt that delicious thrill of indecision, the empowering kind that came from dressing up purely for herself, for the chance to embody whichever attitude she wanted to embrace tonight.
"Ava," she murmured, glancing toward her AI assistant, who was gliding around the room, making sure everything was in perfect order.
"Yes, Lulu?" Ava responded, her robotic voice calm and poised as she adjusted the room's lighting, casting everything in a moody, ethereal glow.
"Help me out here." Alara picked up the sleek cat costume and then the leopard one, holding both up in front of her and smirking at her reflection in the mirror.
"What do you think mysterious black cat or wild, untamed leopard?"
Ava tilted her robotic head thoughtfully. "The black cat costume would lend an air of classic, alluring mystery, Lulu. However, the leopard costume brings out something... fierce. It might reflect your boldness and independence."
Alara chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, Ava, who knew you'd be so insightful? You're right; both fit different moods. But tonight, I'm not dressing to impress anyone. I'm doing this for me. Just need something that screams Me, Alara."
"Understood, Lulu." Ava's metallic fingers gently adjusted a pillow on the bed. "Perhaps... the leopard, then? It's unique and captivating."
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