Everyone Is Connected

Wildflower chapter 13

From the darkness of the luxurious limousine, a shadowed figure pressed a finger to her earpiece. "I'm on the move. Over." The voice was calm, calculated. Papers were scattered on the seat next to her—documents, photos, all centered around one person: Elouise.

The woman's fingers traced the edge of Elouise's picture, a faint smile curling on her lips. "Soon," she whispered almost to herself, her voice filled with a haunting gentleness, "we'll be together again, my child."

The car continued to glide through the night, her eyes fixed on the blurred lights outside, lost in thoughts only she could understand.

Elouise's POV

With Leon's arm intertwined with mine, we made our way through the elegantly lit hall of the gala. The air was filled with soft classical music, and the chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd. As soon as we entered, Chris's eyes locked onto us, and with a mischievous grin, he approached. "Well, well... did you two come together? Looks like you've found yourself quite the stunning date, Leon."

Leon tilted his head slightly, that trademark smirk of his never faltering. "Heh, you know me, Chris—just can't stay out of trouble."

Chris chuckled, giving him a pat on the shoulder before turning to me. "Good luck keeping this one in line," he joked before heading off to mingle.

Leon and I made our way to our table, joining Kassandra, Claire, and Carlos. Across the room, Piers and Chris were seated with high-profile guests, likely discussing something serious. The President was also in attendance, accompanied by his daughter, Ashley Graham.

As Ashley approached our table, she looked radiant in her intricately patterned orange gown, the fabric shimmering under the lights. "Leon! It's been a while," she greeted warmly, her eyes darting between the two of us. "So... is this your girlfriend?"

Leon, without missing a beat, leaned back casually. "Just keeping her safe... as usual."

Elouise's POV

As the speech began, I tried to focus on the words being spoken from the stage, but I couldn't ignore the sensation of a warm hand brushing against mine under the table. Glancing down, I realized it was Leon's hand, inching closer, seeking mine. Without hesitation, I took it, intertwining our fingers. I glanced up to meet his gaze, and for a moment, the room around us seemed to fade away. There was something unspoken in his eyes—something both comforting and electric. I couldn't look away.

The applause of the crowd jolted me back to reality, but even then, my focus remained on him, the world around us reduced to a distant hum.

Suddenly, Kassandra's voice crackled through my earpiece, her tone low and serious. "All guests have arrived. From this point on, stay vigilant."

I squeezed Leon's hand one last time before we released each other, slipping into our respective roles. As the speech ended, we moved into action. The plan was simple: split up and blend into the crowd.

Leon made his way toward the bar, looking effortlessly calm as always, his eyes scanning the room subtly. Kassandra stayed near the dance floor, using the swaying couples as cover. Meanwhile, I positioned myself near the catering area, pretending to examine the trays of food while keeping a sharp lookout.

Tonight was more than just a gala—it was a hunt. And I had a feeling the prey was already among us.

Twenty minutes later, I was picking at various hors d'oeuvres, letting the taste distract me for a moment. But out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a face that seemed... familiar. My heart skipped a beat, but before I could fully register who it was, the person turned away, disappearing into the crowd.