The Veil of Darkness

llano estate's ballroom. The polished marble floors reflected the gilded edges of high-backed

raven-colored wig, its waves framing her cheekbones perfectly, and tightened the cuffs of her sleek black gloves. She hated every se

tellano family's annual masquerade gala, the kind of exclusive event that didn't show up on calendars but still managed to attract every dangerous power broker in t

the Castellano family to the string of high-profile murders that had rocked New York City's power el

t alone. She was a journalist, not a spy, and one wrong move could end her career or her life. But this wasn't

never seen in person but had spent sleepless nights researching. Ruthless, calculating, and untouchabl

interrupted her thoughts,

owd. Every moment spent here felt like walking a tightrope. She caught fragments of conversation as she passed-deals being

n she s

rity. His tailored black suit fit like a second skin, emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame. His jet-black hair was swept back, and his dark eyes glimmered like onyx beneath t

end her life with a nod. An

ightly, his expression unreadable, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. Lily's pulse quickened, and she felt an in

he enemy. A criminal. A killer. She shook her head and focused on her plan. She just needed to plant the flash drive hidden in her clut

he crowd, her heart skipped

ng so

llano. He was closer now, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. Up close, his sharp jawline and faint five o'cl

she lied smoothly, her voice steady

eople come here to bask in the crowd, not hide from it," he said, his deep vo

he made a mistake? "Maybe I prefer to observe," she replied, meeting his gaze wit

e," he remarked. "I like that. But tell me..." He stepped closer, his presence ove

her nerves. "The art," she said, nodding toward the oil paintings adorning the walls.

ernity, he nodded, his smile returning-this time with a faint edge of intrigue. "I hope the even

a smile. She turned to leave,

told me y

alias. "Elena," she said finally, th

his voice low and smoo

t of the ballroom, her heels clicking against the marble as she moved toward the hall leading to the Castellano fam

ch and tucked it into the pocket of her dress. This was it-the moment

or, she froze. A deep, familiar voic

again. Who are y

nding just a few feet away, his eyes sharp and unforgiving. The faint smile

me, there w