Chapter 7: The Devil's Bargain
The silence in the VIP lounge was heavier than the thumping bass outside. I let go of Marcus's throat, and he slumped to the floor like a discarded rag. My eyes remained locked on Isabella Vane.
The Desire Syphon was still humming in my veins, making her violet eyes appear like swirling nebulas.
"You're tracking me," I said, my voice devoid of emotion. "You didn't just stumble into this club, Isabella."
She laughed, a sound like silver bells, and sat on the edge of a mahogany table, crossing her legs with a deliberate, slow elegance. "Tracking is such a crude word. I prefer 'investing.' I've been watching the Sterling Empire for years, waiting for a crack in the ice. I expected a rival CEO or a hostile takeover... I didn't expect a shadow."
[System Analysis...]
[Target: Isabella Vane]
[Hidden Attribute Detected: 'Information Glutton']
[Current Mood: High Curiosity / Cautious Admiration]
"I'm not a shadow," I stepped toward her, the red glow in my eyes fading, replaced by a cold, calculating blue. "I'm the one who owns the light now. What do you want?"
Isabella leaned in, the scent of jasmine intensifying. She reached out with a gloved finger and traced the line of my jaw. I didn't flinch. "Marcus was small fry, Fang Li. He was working for the Triad of Oakhaven. By crushing him, you've just tripped a silent alarm in the city's basement. They're coming for Elena. And they're coming for you."
She pulled a small, translucent data-drive from her cleavage and held it between two fingers. "This contains the names of the board members Marcus corrupted. It also contains the location of the warehouse where they're keeping the physical copies of those recordings you just destroyed."
I reached for the drive, but she pulled it back, her smile widening.
"Nothing is free in my world, King-maker," she whispered. "I give you this, and in return, you owe me a favor. No questions asked. One day, I will call, and you will answer."
[System Warning!]
[Contract Offer: 'The Shadow's Debt']
[Risk: High | Reward: Crucial Intelligence]
[Hidden Clause: Accepting this will initiate the 'Underworld' questline.]
I looked at the drive, then at her. Accepting meant stepping deeper into the abyss. But refusing meant Elena's downfall was inevitable.
"Fine," I said, my voice a dark vow. "I'll take your drive. But remember this, Isabella—I don't play by anyone's rules. Not even yours."
I snatched the drive from her hand. Our fingers brushed, and for a split second, the system flared.
[Desire Pulse Detected!]
[Isabella Vane's Curiosity has evolved into: 'Obsessive Interest']
[Progress: 12/100 toward Bond.]
"I'm counting on it," she said, standing up. She leaned closer, her lips almost touching my ear. "By the way, tell Elena I love her new choice in... staff. You have a much firmer grip than her previous assistants."
With a wink, she turned and vanished into the shadows of the stairs as if she were never there.
I stood in the center of the wreckage, the data-drive heavy in my pocket. I looked down at Marcus, who was still groaning on the floor.
"Clean this up," I told the club's security guards who were finally peeking out. My voice was a command they couldn't refuse. "And tell your owner... The Crown has a new silent partner."
As I walked out of the club and back into the rainy night, the system sent a final notification for the night.
[Ding!]
[Authority Level Up! You are now Level 2: 'Controller']
[New Skill Unlocked: 'Neural Command' – You can now issue one-word commands that must be obeyed by those with lower willpower.]
I looked at the black sedan waiting for me. I wasn't just Elena's protector anymore. I was becoming the architect of Oakhaven's new order.
"Drive," I told the chauffeur as I slid into the back seat. "We have a warehouse to burn."