The mansion stood transformed, a gleaming palace of glass, white silk, and fresh white orchids. Outside, massive marquee tents stretched across the manicured lawns, and thousands of fairy lights twined through the ancient oaks, casting an ethereal glow over the estate.
Tomorrow, two hundred of the nation’s most powerful figures would flood the grounds. Millions of dollars were on the line. But inside the dark walls of the main house, the tension had nothing to do with the charity.
It was the final night of the summer.
At 1:00 AM, the mansion was entirely silent. Javed slipped through the heavy mahogany doors of Martin’s master suite. He didn't knock. He didn't hesitate.
Martin was standing by the glass doors leading to his private balcony, a glass of bourbon in hand, staring out at the
