Chapter 5 The Mask (and the masquerade)

The Grand Veridian Hotel was hopping at Veridian's annual Gala of the Century. Shiny chandeliers lit up a crowd dressed in sparkly outfits and fancy suits. Ava tugged at her green silk dress – it used to be her mom's, but now, it's balled up in her closet. She checked out the scene.

You look like you'd rather be at a funeral, Kane said, fixing his tie.

I'd rather be anywhere else, Ava said quietly. Julian's throwing this party. If he spots us–

He'll think we're here to beg. But really, we're here to get what we want.

Here's the plan: sneak into the gala, plant a bug in Julian's office (way up in the penthouse), and find proof that he's been stealing from the shelter's funds. First, they gotta get through Veridian's big shots.

Smile, Kane said, linking her arm with his. We're a thing tonight, remember?

Ava faked a smile as a photographer snapped a photo. The flash messed with her eyes. Ava Locke and Mystery Guy Spark Dating Buzz! That's what the headlines would say.

Chill, Kane whispered. We're just two people who hate each other, pretending to be nice.

Speak for yourself, Ava said.

A server walked by with bubbly. Ava grabbed two glasses and chugged one. Where's his office?

32nd floor. Penthouse. But it's locked down. We need a distraction.

Ava saw Julian across the room – smirking in his white tux, surrounded by people kissing up to him. She felt sick. I'll handle it. Stay put.

Before Kane could say anything, she strolled over to Julian, swinging her hips and dangling her champagne glass.

Julian, she said sweetly. Nice party.

He turned, squinting. Ava. Didn't think I'd see you here. Not after you... turned on me.

She laughed a little. Turned on you? I'm a lawyer. I defend people. Even the bad guys.

Julian's jaw tightened. You're embarrassing yourself. Your dad's here, you know. He's furious.

Ava glanced at the other side of the room. Her dad was standing at the bar, his back to her. Let him be mad. I'm just here for the champagne. She stepped closer, whispering, But between you and me? I've been dying to ask... How's your lab security? After that... awkward break-in?

Julian's face turned red. You think you're so smart? That little stunt with the footage? It didn't work. The judge tossed your evidence. Voss is done.

Ava kept smiling. Is he? Or are you scared he'll tell everyone more than just a break-in?

Julian grabbed her wrist. You have no clue what you're messing with, Ava. Walk away. Now.

She yanked her arm back. Or what? You'll leak more lies? Go for it. But remember – everyone has secrets. Even you.

As she turned to leave, she bumped into a waiter holding a tray of caviar. The tray crashed, and everyone scattered.

Clumsy fool! Julian snapped at the waiter.

Perfect. Distraction time.

32nd Floor – Penthouse

Kane picked the lock with a credit card (a trick he picked up in college) and slipped inside. Julian's office was all about showing off: awards on shelves, framed magazine covers everywhere.

Looking for something?

Kane turned around. A guy in a dark suit stood by the desk – Julian's security boss.

Kane put his hands up. Wrong room. Obviously.

The guard jumped at him. Kane dodged, grabbed a paperweight, and threw it at the guard's head. He missed, and it broke a vase.

Alarms started blaring.

Kane ran for the door, but the guard tackled him. They fell into a bookshelf, sending papers flying.

Stop!

Ava stood in the doorway, holding a fire extinguisher.

The guard turned. What the heck–

Ava sprayed him in the face. He stumbled back, blinded.

Go! she yelled.

Kane rushed to the desk, yanking open drawers. In the third one: a book. Hart Media Shelter Fund – 2024. He paged through it – numbers crossed out, money moved to secret accounts.

Got it!

Ava grabbed his arm. Security's coming. Let's go!

They ran down the service stairs, Kane clutching the book.

Back at Ava's Place

The book was open on the kitchen table.

$2.3 million, Kane said, his voice tight. Given to the shelter, but only $200k got there. The rest? Julian stole it.

Ava paced, her dress torn. We can use this. Tell the press he's been stealing. His 'charity' is a joke.

Kane shook his head. It's not enough. The judge already rejected the lab footage. This? He'll say it's not enough to convict him. We need solid proof.

Ava stopped, looking at the last page. A name caught her eye: L. Voss – $500k donation.

L. Voss, she said. Your sister's shelter?

Kane froze. No way. She never got that much. Julian only gave her $50k last year.

Ava's heart was racing. Then who's L. Voss?

Kane pulled out his phone and searched. There's no 'L. Voss' connected to the shelter. But... my sister's name is Lila Voss.

Ava grabbed the book. Julian said your sister's shelter got $500k, but she only got $50k. He stole the rest. And if we can prove this book is real...

Kane's eyes lit up. We can show he's been stealing from the shelter he claims to support. It's more than just fraud – it's a lie. The press will eat him alive.

Ava fell onto the couch, exhausted. We did it. We got him.

Kane sat next to her, closer than before. We're a good team, Counselor.

She laughed, tired. Don't get used to it.

His hand touched hers. Too late.

For a second, the crazy stuff outside – the headlines, the threats, the gala's aftermath – disappeared. There was just the hum of the fridge, the laptop's light, and his warm hand.

Ava's phone buzzed. A text from her mom:

Your father's cutting you out of the will. You've ruined us.

She ignored it.

Kane cocked his head. You okay?

Ava looked at him. Never better.