The flames hadn't even cooled before the media began spinning lies.
"An unfortunate accident during a high-profile gala," the headlines said. "One dead, no suspects."
But Jade knew better.
So did Kelz.
They stood across from the De-Light estate—now cordoned off by yellow tape and guarded by hired men in black. The air reeked of ash and secrets. Smoke still curled from the ballroom windows like ghosts refusing to leave.
"This isn't just about revenge anymore," Jade said. "It's war."
Kelz didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the second-floor balcony where Laurenz used to smoke cigars like a prince watching his kingdom burn. That same balcony now sagged, blackened with soot.
"We need information," he finally said. "If Victor's behind this, we can't keep reacting. We strike first."
Jade turned. "And how do we do that?"
Kelz's jaw clenched. "We go to the one place even Victor won't expect."
She stared at him. "Where?"
He looked at her, eyes full of buried rage. "My father's office. Light Enterprises."
Her stomach dropped. "You're insane."
"He keeps records. Ledgers. Footage. If Victor's been using family assets to move through the shadows, we'll find it there."
Before she could protest, Mira's voice cut through the cold.
"You won't make it through the front doors. But... there's a way in."
They turned to her. She tossed a security badge onto the hood of the car. It bore the Light Enterprises logo—and a dead man's name.
"How did you—?"
"Don't ask," she said. "You'll need new faces. New gear. And nerves of steel."
Jade gripped the badge. "Then let's burn their secrets like they burned our lives."
—