Chapter 3 Webs of Deceit

The warm hum of conversation and the smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted Jasmine as she stepped into The Maple Bean Café. It was the kind of place where sunlight filtered through large windows, casting soft patterns on the wooden floor. The air was rich with the scent of roasted beans and pastries fresh out of the oven.

At a corner table, Sophia Lane sat, waving eagerly. Her blonde curls caught the light, and her bright red lipstick stood out against the muted colors of the café. Jasmine plastered on a smile, walking over with practiced ease.

"Jasmine!" Sophia stood, pulling her into a quick hug. "You look amazing, as always. It's been way too long."

Jasmine returned the hug, trying to ignore the guilt bubbling under her skin. "You look great too, Soph. Thanks for meeting me on such short notice."

Sophia waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, please. You know I'll always make time for you." She gestured to the chair opposite her. "Sit, sit. Tell me everything."

Jasmine sank into the chair, smoothing her blouse as she tried to organize her thoughts. The barista arrived with their orders-a cappuccino for Jasmine and an iced latte for Sophia. Jasmine took a sip, savoring the brief comfort of the drink before diving in.

"I need your help," she began, her tone carefully measured. "There's this... event I'm trying to attend, and I need to make the right impression. It's a bit outside my usual circles, though."

Sophia tilted her head, a curious smile tugging at her lips. "Go on. What kind of event?"

"A high-profile networking scene," Jasmine said, choosing her words carefully. "Charity galas, fundraisers, that sort of thing. I've been looking to expand my horizons, and, well, I figured you might know a few people who could help me get my foot in the door."

Sophia's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Are we talking about making connections or catching someone's attention?"

Jasmine chuckled, feigning lightheartedness. "Let's just say I'm exploring all options. But yes, there's a specific crowd I'd like to... familiarize myself with."

Sophia leaned back in her chair, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the edge of her glass. "You've always been ambitious, Jasmine. I like that about you. So, who's the target? Or should I say, what's the target?"

Jasmine hesitated, taking another sip of her cappuccino to buy time. She couldn't afford to let too much slip, but she needed Sophia's connections.

"Let's just say it's someone who could open a lot of doors," she said vaguely. "I need to learn the ropes-how to navigate those rooms, how to make the right impressions. You're the expert, Sophia. Can you help me?"

Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile never faltered. "Of course I can help. There's a gala coming up next month-the Tech Horizons Benefit. It's exclusive, but I know people on the planning committee. If I vouch for you, I can get you in."

Jasmine felt a jolt of excitement. "You'd do that for me?"

"Please, it's a piece of cake," Sophia said, waving her hand dismissively. "But you'll need to look the part. No offense, Jaz, but you're more... understated than what they're used to."

Jasmine forced a laugh. "I'll take that as constructive criticism."

Sophia grinned. "Good. We'll start with wardrobe. I know a boutique that works magic. You'll be turning heads in no time."

As the conversation shifted to fashion advice and event etiquette, Jasmine let Sophia's words wash over her, nodding where necessary. Inside, her mind raced. The Tech Horizons Benefit was the perfect opportunity to get closer to Hayden Russwell.

Meanwhile, across town, Hayden Russwell paced the length of his office, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his tailored trousers. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyline behind him, the city stretching endlessly in every direction.

His father's voice crackled through the speakerphone on his desk, the tone as cold and authoritative as ever. "You've delayed this long enough, Hayden. It's time to make a decision."

Hayden stopped pacing, his jaw tightening. "A decision about what, exactly? Selling my soul or tying myself to someone I don't love?"

"You're being dramatic," his father snapped. "This isn't about love; it's about securing the future of this family. Do you think your grandfather built this empire by chasing romance?"

Hayden bristled, running a hand through his dark hair. "I'm not my grandfather, and I won't be bullied into a sham marriage for the sake of appearances."

"Then maybe you should step aside," his father said coolly. "If you're not willing to do what's necessary to protect this company, perhaps someone else should take the reins."

The implication hung heavy in the air. Hayden's fingers curled into fists at his sides. He had worked tirelessly to distance himself from the reckless legacy of his twin brother, Jayden, and to rebuild the family name. And now, his own father was threatening to strip him of it all.

"This isn't about the company," Hayden said evenly. "It's about control. You want me under your thumb, and you'll use any excuse to make it happen."

"You're paranoid," his father replied, though his tone didn't deny the accusation. "This is about preserving what we've built. The Russwell name carries weight, but it won't last if you refuse to play the game."

Hayden walked to his desk and leaned on it, his blue eyes dark with frustration. "I've built more for this company in five years than you ever did. Don't lecture me about what it takes to protect it."

His father's sigh crackled through the line. "Think about what I've said. The shareholders are watching, Hayden. They won't tolerate a leader who can't manage his personal life."

The line went dead, leaving Hayden alone in the silence of his office. He stood there for a long moment, his fists braced against the desk, his mind racing.

Marriage. That was the solution his father had fixated on-a way to solidify alliances and soothe the whispers of the boardroom. It was a cold, calculated strategy, one that made Hayden's stomach turn.

But as much as he hated the idea, he couldn't deny the pressure mounting around him. If he didn't act, his father would seize the opportunity to undermine him.

Hayden straightened, his expression hardening. If marriage was the only way to hold onto the empire, then he would make it on his terms.

But who could he trust to play the role without entangling him in even deeper chaos?

As he gazed out the window at the sprawling city below, a thought crept into his mind, unbidden and unwelcome. He needed someone who could match him, someone who understood the stakes but wouldn't expect anything beyond the arrangement.

Someone who could walk away when the deal was done.

He didn't know her yet, but he would find her.