Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 13: The Arlington Agenda

The Arlington Agenda

It's been three weeks since Champ and his entire group had lain in wait for the shipment, their patience finally paying off. Now, he had a different plan, one that required precision and finesse. He gathered his people in a vast, dimly lit warehouse, the echoes of their murmurs bouncing off the walls. Before him stood his all-armed men, their faces set with anticipation.

"Everyone, get ready," Champ declared, his voice booming across the space. "In two days, we'll be attending a high-stakes party hosted by a wealthy Russian millionaire. This is our chance to expand our operations, to make our business grow." The room hummed with excitement, the air thickening with anticipation. Maya and Hyunjie slipped in late, their presence barely noticed amidst the crowd. They hung back, observing from the shadows, their faces expressionless.

Champ's gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on each face. "I expect nothing but perfection. We'll be mingling with influential guests, and our reputation depends on it." There were men flanking Champ, their imposing figures accentuated by the armalites and pistols concealed in their pockets. Hyunjie's gaze swept the room, her eyes cataloging every detail. She noticed the way the men stood, their postures exuding confidence and menace.

She heard Maya smirk, the sound low and husky. "That's exciting..." Maya's voice trailed off, her attention fixed on Champ. When Hyunjie turned to Maya, she saw her smoking a cigarette again, the smoke curling lazily around her face. Maya's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I can't wait for that party to come," Maya murmured, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Hyunjie's brow furrowed. "It's another business negotiation?" she asked, seeking clarification.

But Maya didn't respond. She took a long drag on her cigarette, her eyes never leaving Champ's figure. The silence between them grew, heavy with unspoken understanding. Hyunjie's gaze returned to Champ, her mind racing with possibilities. What did Maya know that she didn't?

"Hey, what's about the party?" Hyunjie asked in surprise, trying to glean every single piece of information. Her curiosity was piqued, and she sensed something more complex at play.

Maya rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Not an ordinary party at all," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You know what our motive is with this group, Raven. We're criminals, a syndicate, and of course, Champ is always picking some business partners who're powerful and have a deal and agreement for illegal matters."

Hyunjie's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "What kind of partners?"

Maya's gaze swept the room, ensuring they weren't overheard. "The kind who'll stop at nothing to expand their empires. Politicians, underworld figures, corrupt officials... they'll all be there."

Hyunjie's unease grew. "And what's our role?"

"Well, let's see," Maya said.

Maya wasn't disappointed, nor surprised, when Champ summoned her and Raven to his office, just the two of them. She walked in with confidence, her smile radiant and her demeanor assured. "I know what you're thinking, Champ," Maya said, her voice husky and self-assured. "Giving me a special role for this big event. You know me for years; I'll never make a mistake in what I do that I know you'll expect."

"It's not just you, Maya; Raven will be with you as well," Champ said, but Hyunjie is still out of place. "Since you already know something about this matter, you will assist Raven in what needs to be done. And as for you, Raven..." Hyunjie looked up, and she and Champ looked at each other. "You need to follow all of Maya's orders."

"What's about the bigtime Russian millionaire then?" Hyunjie asked, her eyes locked on Champ, seeking clarity and trying to collect evidence.