Alex stared at the invitation in his hand as the elevator began its smooth ascent.
The card felt heavier than it should have. The thick, expensive paper with clean edges and understated elegance. Sugar and Vance had always preferred subtle displays of wealth. Nothing loud. Nothing careless. Everything calculated.
That alone set his nerves on edge.
The mirrored walls of the elevator reflected his image back at him, and Alex barely recognized the man staring back. His suit was immaculate, dark and tailored to precision, but his expression was anything but composed. His jaw was tight, his brows drawn together as his fingers curled slowly around the invitation.
A party.
On the surface, it was harmless, social and predictable.
But Alex had learned long ago that nothing involving Sugar and Vance was ever just what it appeared to be.
Especially not now.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached Scott's floor.
Alex exhaled once, steadying himself, and stepped out.
