Chapter 5 Secrets in Silk

The ballroom glittered like a scene from a dream-or a trap. Aria adjusted the sleek black gown that hugged her curves, feeling like a pawn dressed for sacrifice. The Cole Foundation's annual charity gala was one of the most exclusive events in New York, filled with CEOs, politicians, influencers, and the kind of wealth that moved governments.

And tonight, Aria Blake walked into it on the arm of Damian Cole.

Their entrance caused a ripple. Photographers clicked madly. Whispers followed them. To the world, it was a stunning couple's debut. To Aria, it was the beginning of a deeper infiltration.

"You clean up well," Damian said smoothly as he offered her a flute of champagne.

"You clean up secrets," she shot back with a smile.

His grin was subtle, but his eyes didn't leave hers. "You promised to follow my terms. That includes playing the part."

Aria's lips curled. "Fine. But only for tonight."

As they wove through the crowd, Damian introduced her to board members and foreign dignitaries. She listened carefully, catching references to international partnerships and investment groups-most of which she had seen in files connected to the Zurich account.

But her real focus was upstairs.

Earlier, while pretending to touch up her makeup, she'd noticed a private hallway on the surveillance screens leading to Damian's personal study-a room rarely visited during events. She just needed a window of distraction.

As if reading her mind, Damian leaned down. "Planning something, Miss Blake?"

"Just wondering where you hide the skeletons," she said sweetly.

He chuckled under his breath. "Not here. Too many eyes. But if you're so curious... there's a locked door on the second floor. Third room on the left. If you can break in, maybe you deserve the answers."

She blinked at him, surprised. Was he challenging her?

A few minutes later, while Damian was drawn into a conversation with a senator, Aria slipped away. She moved fast but quiet, weaving through staff corridors until she reached the staircase. The second floor was eerily quiet, the music below now muffled.

She found the door.

Third room on the left.

Locked.

She pulled a thin blade from her clutch-hidden inside the seam. A gift from a former source who'd taught her how to pick basic locks. Within seconds, the door clicked.

Inside, the room was dim and minimalist. Dark wood. A leather chair. A desk with a biometric scanner.

But what caught her attention was the painting on the wall.

She stepped closer.

It was a portrait of a young boy sitting on a man's lap-smiling. The man was Damian's father. The boy was Damian.

She touched the frame, and the wall slid open slightly with a mechanical click.

Behind it was a small vault.

She reached out-only to freeze at the sound of a voice behind her.

"You're braver than I thought."

She turned sharply.

Damian stood in the doorway, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a tumbler of scotch.

"How long have you been watching me?" she asked.

"Long enough to know you'd try this. Long enough to let you."

Aria's heart pounded. "Why? Why let me in?"

He took a slow sip. "Because if you're going to write the truth, you should know just how dangerous it is. The vault doesn't just hold secrets. It holds the truth that can destroy everything-including me."

Her eyes narrowed. "Then open it."

He stepped forward, scanned his thumb, and the vault clicked open.

"Are you sure you want to see what's inside?" he asked.

"Yes," she whispered.

Damian looked at her, eyes unreadable. "Then remember... you can't unsee the truth."