Chapter 4: Mission and Mansion Secrets
Rain still clung to the mansion windows as Catty moved quietly down the corridor, balancing a tray of tea. The mansion was alive with murmurs, the soft click of shoes on marble, the faint hum of whispered strategy. Even after a week, Catty felt like she was walking through a world of shadows she didn't fully understand.
"Morning, Catty!" Sofia chirped from the stairwell, her cheerful tone a beacon in the cold halls. "Looks like you survived last night. Barely."
Catty managed a small smile. "I… I think so."
Sofia nudged her shoulder lightly. "Just remember, this place watches everything. Even when you think no one's looking."
Before Catty could reply, a hush fell over the main wing. The senior staff were gathering in the strategy room — Logan's team. He sat at the head of the table, silent, amber eyes scanning each of them with precision. His twin sister's room, still behind closed doors, hummed faintly with the soft mechanical sounds of her monitoring equipment. Even in her coma, Logan's protective instincts kept her close.
"Reports on the Crimson Lotus?" Logan asked without looking up.
Mikhail, fingers flying across a holographic display, replied, "We tracked a financial chain from Gavrilenko's remnants. One lead goes to a businessman tied directly to them — has been laundering funds through local fronts. He'll be our next target."
Selena leaned forward, voice low and calculated. "We'll need entry points. Security is heavy, but his routine is predictable. The team can move quietly; Ethan and Dante handle muscle, Kai provides support on the perimeter, I infiltrate with stealth, and Isabella—" Her eyes flicked toward Isabella, "—you know your role."
Isabella smirked, knife glinting in the light. "Of course. Just don't mess it up." Her gaze briefly met Catty's as the maid passed by, bringing a tray of drinks. A faint spark of jealousy burned in her eyes — nothing spoken, but Catty felt its weight.
Logan's voice cut through the murmurs. "Move quickly, efficiently, and leave no trace. Make it precise. Remember: every action has consequence."
---
By mid-afternoon, the mansion had emptied of most of its staff. Catty remained behind, tidying the study and hallways, trying to ignore the sense of foreboding settling in her chest. Sofia trailed behind her, humming lightly, carrying extra tea.
"You hear that?" Sofia asked suddenly, tilting her head. "I think someone's moving near the west wing. Could just be the wind… or ghosts. We've got plenty of those here."
Catty laughed nervously. "Ghosts?"
Sofia grinned. "More like secrets. You'll learn soon enough."
Meanwhile, the team moved into position. The businessman's mansion sat on the edge of a quiet street, guarded by cameras, dogs, and a small private security force. Dante crouched by the gate, signaling Ethan.
"Route clear," Dante muttered.
Ethan's fists clenched. "No mistakes. Not tonight."
Selena slipped through the shadows, a silent wraith. Mikhail, monitoring feeds, whispered directions. Isabella, poised and ready, scanned the room like a predator preparing for the kill.
Inside, the businessman entertained guests with forced smiles and empty speeches. His laughter echoed through high ceilings, oblivious to the storm brewing in the darkness outside.
"Timing," Logan's voice echoed briefly through earpieces. "Wait for the toast. That's when he's most distracted."
And then it happened. A crash, a muffled scream, the briefest flicker of chaos — then stillness. The businessman slumped in his chair, life snuffed quietly, efficiently. The team melted into the shadows, leaving the scene pristine enough that it would take hours for anyone to suspect the truth.
---
Back in the mansion, Catty felt unease gnaw at her. Even though she had not left the grounds, her eyes were drawn to shadows and movement. Isabella had returned slightly ahead of the others, expression tight as though displeasure clung to her skin.
"What did you see?" Sofia whispered, curious and cautious.
Catty shook her head. "Nothing. I… I just feel like… someone is watching."
Sofia gave her a quick pat on the shoulder. "Welcome to the mansion. Always someone watching."
In the distance, Logan's silhouette appeared in the study doorway. Amber eyes met Catty's briefly, and for a fraction of a second, she felt the weight of his gaze press against her chest. He didn't speak, didn't approach, merely observed — assessing, calculating.
Then he disappeared, leaving Catty with a pulse racing far faster than any of the day's work should have warranted.
---
As evening settled in, the team gathered to debrief.
"Clean hit," Dante said, voice low but satisfied. "No trails, no mistakes."
Selena frowned slightly, scanning the room. "Keep monitoring. The Crimson Lotus will respond eventually."
Isabella's eyes darkened. Her rival, Valeria Korsak, was not just a name on a message. The woman had influence, reach, and a venomous intent. "Let her try," Isabella whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
A ping echoed across the room. Mikhail opened it, revealing a short, chilling message:
> To Logan Dragunov: You remove a man who stood in power. We will watch what you value next. — Crimson Lotus.
Logan crumpled the note in his hand, amber eyes flashing. "They've noticed," he said, voice calm but edged with steel. "So we move faster. We remember. We make them remember us."
Even Catty felt the chill of that moment, the quiet weight of a world she did not yet fully understand.
Sofia nudged her gently. "See? You didn't need to be out there. You're safe… mostly."
Catty nodded, but her hands were shaking slightly. Even behind the safety of the mansion walls, danger pressed close. And somewhere, beyond the walls, the rival group watched, waited, and plotted their next move.
The game was far from over, and the mansion — with all its secrets, tensions, and shadowed corridors — had only just begun to pull Catty in.