## Chapter 3: Making a Splash
The week following her performance at Lee Garden passed in a blur of preparation for Jane. The Johnson family's charity gala was her gateway into their world, and she intended to make the most of it.
Standing in her small apartment, Jane surveyed the elegant evening gown she had purchased for the occasion—a deep emerald that complemented her complexion perfectly. It had cost nearly a month's rent, but appearances were crucial for what she had planned.
Her phone buzzed with a message from her contact:
[All set for tonight. Remember, get close but not too close. We need information, not suspicion.]
Jane typed a quick acknowledgment before setting the phone down. Her friend meant well, but he didn't understand that half-measures wouldn't work against the Johnsons. To expose them, she needed to be at the center of their world.
As she applied her makeup with practiced precision, Jane's thoughts drifted to Payne. He was an unexpected complication. Initially, she had seen him merely as a means to an end—his connection to the Johnson family and his ownership of Lee Garden made him useful. But there was something about him that unsettled her, a perceptiveness that threatened to unravel her carefully constructed plans.
The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. She wasn't expecting anyone.
Cautiously, Jane approached the door and peered through the peephole. A delivery man stood outside with a large box.
"Delivery for Miss Jane," he announced when she opened the door.
Inside the box was a stunning diamond necklace nestled on black velvet, accompanied by a simple card: "To complete the look. —P"
Jane stared at the jewelry, her heart racing. The necklace was exquisite—and worth more than she would earn in years. Payne was either being incredibly generous or marking her as his in some way. Neither option sat well with her.
After a moment's hesitation, she clasped the necklace around her throat. She couldn't afford to offend Payne, not when she was so close to infiltrating the Johnson circle. Besides, the diamonds would certainly help her look the part of someone who belonged in their world.
At precisely seven o'clock, a sleek black car arrived to collect her. To her surprise, Payne himself was inside.
"I thought you weren't attending," Jane remarked as she settled into the seat beside him.
"I reconsidered." His eyes lingered on the necklace at her throat, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "It suits you."
"Thank you for the loan," she replied carefully. "I'll return it after the event."
"It's not a loan." Payne's tone was final. "Consider it payment for your performance."
Jane knew better than to argue. Instead, she changed the subject. "Have you known the Johnson family long?"
"Long enough." His answer was deliberately vague. "Our businesses occasionally intersect."
The rest of the ride passed in silence, but Jane could feel Payne watching her, assessing her. It was unnerving.
The Johnson estate was exactly as ostentatious as Jane had expected—sprawling grounds, a mansion that could house dozens, and security that rivaled government buildings. Guests arrived in expensive cars, dressed in their finest, all eager to be seen supporting the Johnson family's latest charitable endeavor.
As Jane and Payne entered, heads turned. They made a striking pair—she in her emerald gown and diamonds, he in an impeccably tailored suit that emphasized his powerful build.
Johnson Sr. spotted them immediately and hurried over, his smile wide but his eyes calculating.
"Payne! You came after all. And Miss Jane, you look absolutely ravishing." His gaze lingered a moment too long on her necklace before returning to her face. "I'm so pleased you could join us."
"I wouldn't miss it," Jane replied with a practiced smile. "Your family's philanthropic work is admirable."
Johnson Sr. beamed. "We believe in giving back to the community. Now, come meet my son. He's been eager to make your acquaintance since I told him about your performance."
He led them through the crowd to a younger man who shared his features but lacked the veneer of warmth. This was Johnson Jr., the heir apparent to the family empire and, if Jane's information was correct, the one who handled the family's more unsavory business dealings.
"So you're the performer my father hasn't stopped talking about," Johnson Jr. said, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. "I'm disappointed I missed your show."
"Perhaps another time," Jane suggested. "I perform regularly at various venues."
"I'd like that." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Perhaps a private performance?"
Jane felt Payne stiffen beside her. Before she could respond, he placed a possessive hand at the small of her back.
"Jane will be quite busy in the coming weeks," Payne interjected smoothly. "I've arranged several exclusive engagements for her."
The tension between the two men was palpable. Johnson Jr. looked from Payne to Jane, his expression hardening slightly.
"I see. Well, I wouldn't want to interfere with existing arrangements." He turned to Jane. "But do keep me in mind if your schedule opens up."
As the evening progressed, Jane managed to separate herself from Payne, circulating among the guests and gathering snippets of conversation. She was particularly interested in a closed-door meeting scheduled for later that week, mentioned in hushed tones by two Johnson associates who didn't realize she was within earshot.
She was making her way toward Johnson Sr. when a firm hand caught her elbow. Payne had found her again.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked, his voice low.
"Very much," Jane replied. "The Johnsons certainly know how to host an event."
"And you certainly know how to work a room." There was a hint of admiration in his tone, mixed with suspicion. "I've been watching you."
"Have you?" Jane met his gaze steadily. "And what have you observed, Mr. Payne?"
"That you're not what you appear to be." He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "You're playing a dangerous game, Jane. The Johnsons aren't just wealthy philanthropists. They have secrets—dark ones."
"Don't we all?" she countered softly.
Payne studied her face, his expression unreadable. "What happened to your family, Jane? What really brought you to Cloud City?"
The question caught her off guard. How much did he know?
Before she could formulate a response, the orchestra began playing, and Johnson Sr. announced it was time for Jane's performance.
Saved by the bell, she thought, excusing herself from Payne's presence.
As she took her position on the small stage set up for the occasion, Jane surveyed the audience. The most influential people in Cloud City were gathered here, hanging on every word from the Johnson family, blissfully unaware of the blood on their hands.
Her gaze found Payne, standing apart from the crowd, his eyes never leaving her. Was he an ally or an enemy? She still couldn't tell.
Then she began to sing, a haunting melody about loss and vengeance disguised as a love song. Her voice filled the room, silencing all conversation. Even the servers stopped to listen.
When she finished, there was a moment of complete silence before the room erupted in applause. Jane had made her mark.
As she stepped down from the stage, Johnson Jr. intercepted her, offering a glass of champagne.
"Breathtaking," he complimented. "You have a remarkable talent for captivating an audience."
"Thank you," Jane replied, accepting the drink. "Music has always been my passion."
"I'd like to discuss a potential ongoing arrangement," he said, guiding her toward a quieter corner. "My family hosts many events, and having someone of your caliber as our regular performer would be... advantageous."
This was exactly what Jane had hoped for—a legitimate reason to be close to the Johnson family.
"I'd be interested in hearing more," she said, careful to sound professionally enthusiastic rather than eager.
"Excellent. Perhaps we could discuss the details over dinner tomorrow?" Johnson Jr. suggested. "Just the two of us."
Jane was about to accept when Payne appeared at her side, his timing impeccable—or intentionally disruptive.
"I'm afraid Jane has prior commitments tomorrow evening," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Business matters."
Johnson Jr.'s expression hardened. "Another time, then."
As he walked away, Jane turned to Payne, unable to hide her irritation. "That was unnecessary."
"On the contrary," Payne replied calmly. "It was very necessary. Johnson Jr. isn't known for his respectful treatment of women, especially those he sees as beneath his social standing."
"I can handle myself," Jane insisted.
"Can you?" Payne's gaze was intense. "You don't know what you're getting into, Jane. The Johnsons aren't just another wealthy family. They're dangerous."
"Why do you care?" she challenged.
For a moment, Payne seemed genuinely surprised by the question. Then his expression closed off again.
"I don't like seeing talent wasted," he said finally. "And you have talent, Jane. Don't throw it away on whatever vendetta you're pursuing."
Before she could respond, he was called away by another guest, leaving Jane to wonder just how much Payne had figured out about her true intentions.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of conversations and connections. By the time Jane left—in Payne's car again, despite her protests—she had secured an invitation to the Johnson family's private art exhibition the following week and gathered several useful pieces of information about their business dealings.
As they drove through the quiet streets of Cloud City, Payne broke the silence.
"You made quite an impression tonight."
"That was the goal," Jane replied.
"The Johnsons are interested in you now," he continued. "That can be both an opportunity and a threat."
Jane turned to look at him. "Which is it for you, Mr. Payne? An opportunity or a threat?"
Payne's lips curved into a slight smile. "I haven't decided yet."
When they reached her apartment, Payne insisted on walking her to her door—a gesture that seemed both protective and controlling.
"Thank you for the ride," Jane said, keys in hand. "And for the necklace."
Payne reached out, his fingers lightly tracing the diamonds at her throat. "Keep it close. Like everything else valuable in this city, it might attract unwanted attention."
The warning in his words was clear.
"Goodnight, Mr. Payne," Jane said, stepping back from his touch.
"Goodnight, Jane." He waited until she was safely inside before leaving.
Alone in her apartment, Jane removed the necklace and placed it in a secure hiding spot. Then she took out her phone and sent a message to her contact:
[I'm in. The Johnsons have taken the bait. Phase one complete.]
The reply came almost immediately:
[Be careful. If they discover who you really are, what happened to your family will seem merciful compared to what they'll do to you.]
Jane stared at the message, determination hardening within her. She had made her splash in the Johnson family's world. Now it was time to dive deeper, no matter the risks.
For her family, for justice, she would see this through to the end—whatever that might be.