Beneath the Gilded Veil

ont of him felt substantial. Years of dishonesty, shady dealings, and illicit activities that would topple Sebastian's empire were portrayed by every page. Sifting through

ebastian, but it also made him a target. From now on, every action needed to be planned.

time in years that he felt in control. But conceit was not an option. He had to gently release the information. Sebas

erything would be decided in the next several

nd his thoughts were constantly racing. The only sound in the room was his fingertips tapping the polished wood from time to tim

essionless as ever. Sebastian did not lose any time. He pointed at the TV and stated bluntly, "Archer's behind this." "I want him

ving. Our contacts are monitoring him. He's been

want things to get out of hand. He's dangerous

ith a flip of the page, Sebastian looked through it. With a threatening undertone,

lone with his thoughts. Although Archer initiated the ac

lved in this.** She understood its meaning. He desired for her to make a decision and side with him in opposition to Sebastian. The thought made her heart accelerate and her terro

. He had not been in the least concerned. However, something about his poise

y. She agreed to meet with Archer, typing a response with quivering fingers. She sensed her sur

lights of the city flashed back at her, dismal and aloof. She felt caught between two worlds, one

. Standing close to the fountain, the archer's hands were stuffed into his pockets as the cool night air caused his bre

he lamplight casting a shadow over her face. She had a determined yet anxious gaze. She came to

ebastian has been concealing this information. I want you to carefully go over it.

pale face after reading every word, she opened it and scanned the pages. She said,

rstand what this means. I need your assistance, but we c

wn on her, compelling her to make a decision. For the first time in years, she

ce, she affirmed,

uld have wanted in their meeting with Elena, something wasn't quite right. He cautiously stepped inside af

e scattered all over the floor, and furniture was moved. As he hurried to the secret chamber holding the documents, Archer's

ere. His thoughts raced, attempting to piece together the possible identity. Was it

ter the stakes were elevated. not in his flat. Not even his meticulously designed p