The reception was a whirlwind of champagne, laughter, and music. Mo Chen played her part, dancing, smiling, the perfect hostess. But her eyes constantly tracked Julian.
As twilight began to fall, he made his move.
" My love," he said, taking her hand, his grip just a little too tight. "I have a surprise for you. A fireworks display, just for us. But we need to get a better view from the west terrace. It's more private."
The words were a perfect echo of her nightmare. This was it.
She let her smile widen, layering it with a feigned excitement. "A private show? How romantic!"
She allowed him to lead her away from the crowd, towards the older wing of the estate. As they walked, she activated her [Thermal Sense]. She could see the dense, cold cloud of gas already building up in the pipes around them. She could see the heat signatures of three of Julian's men waiting in the shadows, armed.
Her heart hammered, not with fear, but with anticipation.
They stepped onto the deserted terrace. The sun was a bloody orange sliver on the horizon.
" Julian? What are we doing here?" she asked, playing her part.
His charming smile vanished, replaced by the cold emptiness she remembered. "I'm claiming my inheritance, my dear. The entire Yun-Mo empire. It's a pity you have to be part of the collateral damage."
He shoved her hard against the wall next to the gas meter, just as before. He pulled the small detonator from his pocket.
" The Thorne family doesn't do mergers. We do acquisitions."
This time, Mo Chen didn't wait for him to press the button.