The Sterling Charity Gala was the most anticipated social event of the season.
Politicians, business leaders, celebrities, and wealthy families gathered at the Sterling Grand Hotel to raise money for children's hospitals and educational programmes.
Davis arrived shortly before eight.
He wore a tailored black suit, a white shirt, and a simple silver watch.
His appearance was elegant without being excessive.
As he entered the ballroom, conversations began to shift.
Several guests recognized him from the news.
"Is that Davis Blackwood?"
"The man who bought Sterling Tower?"
"I heard he acquired a major stake in Nexora Systems."
"Where did he get his money?"
Davis ignored the whispers.
He had learned quickly that wealth attracted attention, but not all attention was worth having.
Near the entrance, Isabella stood beside her father, Edward Sterling.
She wore a beautiful midnight-blue gown.
When she spotted Davis, her expression brightened.
"You came."
"I said I would."
She smiled.
"Most people say things they don't intend to do."
"Then you should meet better people."
Isabella laughed and introduced him to her father.
Edward Sterling was a distinguished man in his early fifties. His hair was beginning to turn grey, but his eyes remained sharp.
"So you're the young man who purchased Sterling Tower."
"Yes, sir."
"An impressive acquisition. What are your plans for it?"
"To modernize the building, attract high-quality tenants, and turn it into one of the most successful commercial properties in the city."
Edward nodded.
"Practical. I like that."
A woman entered the ballroom wearing a striking red dress.
She had long dark hair, pale green eyes, and an expression that suggested she was accustomed to getting exactly what she wanted.
She moved through the crowd with effortless confidence.
Several men turned to look at her.
A woman standing nearby whispered, "Victoria Ashford."
Davis's attention sharpened.
Victor Ashford's daughter.
Victoria approached the Sterling family.
"Edward. Isabella."
"Victoria," Isabella replied politely.
Victoria's gaze moved to Davis.
"And who is this?"
"Davis Blackwood," Isabella said.
For the first time, Victoria's confident expression faltered.
"Blackwood?"
Davis extended his hand.
"Pleasure to meet you."
She shook it.
"Likewise."
Her eyes lingered on his face.
"My father mentioned your name recently."
Davis smiled faintly.
"Did he?"
"Yes. He seemed very interested in your family's business history."
"Then perhaps your father and I have something to discuss."
Victoria's smile became more guarded.
"Perhaps."
A waiter passed with a tray of drinks. Find the original chapter at g.com.
Victoria picked up a glass.
"Tell me, Mr. Blackwood. Are you always this confident?"
"Only when I have a reason to be."
"And what reason do you have tonight?"
Davis glanced around the ballroom.
"I'm standing in a room full of people who believe they know everything about money, power, and influence."
He looked back at her.
"I find that amusing."
Victoria studied him for several seconds.
Then she laughed.
"You're either very intelligent or very foolish."
"Those possibilities aren't mutually exclusive."
For the first time that evening, Victoria appeared genuinely entertained.
But her amusement disappeared when she noticed the message arriving on her phone.
FROM: VICTOR ASHFORD
Stay away from Davis Blackwood.
Victoria read the message twice.
Then she looked at Davis again.
What exactly had her father discovered about this young man?
And why was he so concerned about him?
Across the ballroom, Davis's system chimed quietly.
[NEW CHARACTER INTRODUCED: VICTORIA ASHFORD.]
[RELATIONSHIP STATUS: UNKNOWN.]
[FAMILY AFFILIATION: MERIDIAN CONSORTIUM.]
[WARNING: THIS CHARACTER MAY POSSESS INFORMATION CONNECTED TO THE HOST'S FAMILY LEGACY.]
Davis raised his glass.
The evening had only just begun.
And somewhere in the ballroom, the first pieces of a dangerous game were falling into place.