CHAPTER THREE: THE COST OF LIVING

I should have realized that tonight wouldn't be easy.

I felt like a deer next to a wolf when I stood next to Jeo Donald in the opulent ballroom. Even though I could hear the music, the chitchat of affluent people, and the clinking of champagne glasses, the anxiety inside of me continued to rise.

I didn't come here to have fun.

Joe had told me to be here, so I was.

I also had a feeling that I wasn't just arm candy.

A World In Which I Have No Place

The chamber was bathed in golden light from the chandelier overhead, which glistened like a thousand little stars. The visitors' wealth was sewn into their bodies, and every step they took was dripping with silk, jewels, and conceit.

I didn't live in this world.

I fiddled with the strap of my black dress, feeling vulnerable to their attention. However, Jeo stood tall next to me, totally relaxed, as though he owned everything, which in a sense, he most likely did.

His breath was warm on my ear as he came slightly closer. "Calm down, Telsa. You're attracting notice.

I pushed my shoulders to relax and swallowed hard.

"Why am I here at all?" I muttered the question.

Joe grinned. "You'll learn soon enough."

Naturally. This was not going to be made simple by him.

I was about to press when a man came up.

His hair was streaked with silver, and he was older, and his presence made my skin crawl. Like a dagger concealed in silk, his smile was razor keen.

"Jeo," he said with ease. "At last, you decided to be here with us."

Joe didn't grin. "Some events are worth attending."

The man glanced at me, evaluating. "And this has to be."

"Telsa Reed," Jeo stated in a composed yet strong tone. "I have her with me."

They shared something, something heavy yet unsaid. The man's mouth twisted a little.

"Interesting." He held out his hand to me. "My name is Victor Langston."

After a moment of hesitation, I shook it. His fingers were chilly and his grasp was tight.

With a tone of amusement dancing, Victor remarked, "She doesn't look like your usual type."

"She isn't," concurred Jeo. "That is the reason she is valuable."

My stomach turned over. In Jeo's world, I wasn't sure if I appreciated being referred to as valuable.

Victor laughed. "Well, I'm excited to see how valuable she is."

My heart raced because of the way he said it.

After a final look at me, Victor walked off and vanished into the crowd.

I looked across at Jeo. "Who was that?"

He clenched his jaw. "Someone you should stay away from."

"So why did you present me?"

Dark and inscrutable, his eyes met mine. "Because, Telsa, you're already involved in this game. And you will have to play whether you like it or not.

An Agreement With the Devil

As the night wore on, I remained vigilant. Jeo hardly moved from my side, but I could sense that everyone was watching me. observing. judging.

Even though I was aware of Jeo's strength, I witnessed it for myself tonight. The moment he walked in, every discussion ceased. There were secret implications in every handshake. There was a goal behind every grin.

It was more than simply a gala.

It was a battleground.

And I stood squarely in the center of it.

After what seemed like hours, Jeo guided me to a dimly lit hallway in the ballroom, which was a calmer area.

He said, "You're holding up well."

I folded my arms. "I don't know what I should be able to withstand."

After examining me for a while, he pointed to a table close by. There was an expensive whiskey bottle sitting there, unopened.

"Get a drink."

I paused. "Why?"

As he poured himself a glass, he said, "Because the night isn't over." "And now is the time to get... interesting."

A quiet voice spoke up behind me before I could ask him a question.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

My breath caught as I turned.

It was Victor Langston again. However, he wasn't alone himself this time.

Beside him was a tall man wearing an all-black suit. His eyes were piercing, his face blank, and he appeared to be a shadow.

Joe put down his glass. "Victor, what do you want?"

Victor's smile remained unwavering. "Just a brief conversation. Something relating to business.

Jeo gave me a quick look and let out a breath. "Go wait by the car, Telsa."

I tensed up. However—" "That wasn't a request."

His voice was low and menacing.

I wanted to protest, but I was stopped by something in his face.

I turned and left as a result.

Dark Secrets

The crisp night air was a stark contrast to the ballroom's warmth as I went outdoors.

What on earth was going on?

Victor Langston was more than simply a wealthy entrepreneur. He had some knowledge. Joe also did not want me to become involved.

Thus, I had to be aware.

I looked around and saw a side door. I inhaled deeply before slipping inside.

The hallway was deserted and dark. However, I could hear voices.

I took my time and stopped right in front of a partially open door.

"Your new toy?" Victor asked.

"You shouldn't worry about her," Jeo said.

A low laugh. Joe, hurry up. We both understand that until someone has a purpose, you can't keep them around.

Not a word. Then—

"She is helpful."

I felt sick to my stomach.

Beneficial.

Not significant. Not reliable.

Simply helpful.

Victor hummed. "Then I hope she stays that way for her own sake."

There was a clang. I winced.

"Don't interfere with my affairs, Victor," Jeo cautioned. "Or you'll be sorry."

I missed Victor's response.

Because my mouth was squeezed by a hand at that very time.

I felt a wave of panic as I was thrown back. My heart pounded against my ribs as I fought.

A recognizable voice then murmured in my ear.

"Telsa, you shouldn't be here."

I went cold.

Victor wasn't the one.

Ava was the one.

I whirled around, gasping for air. "Ava? What the devil—

She took hold of my wrist, holding it too tightly. "Time is not on our side."

"What are you—"

She growled, "You must listen to me." "You're in danger."

My blood froze.

"What?"

Ava quickly glanced to the entrance where Victor and Jeo were. "You believe you understand what's going on, but you're not. And you won't get the opportunity if you don't go now.

A caution. An appeal.

Then— A silhouette passed behind us.

Through the darkness came a low voice, one I knew all too well.

"Telsa, are you going somewhere?"

With a racing heart, I turned slowly.

Jeo.

Observing.

Awaiting.

And he had heard it all, judging by the expression in his eyes.

It's getting tighter, this web of falsehoods. The game is only getting started. What about Telsa? She will soon discover the real cost of surviving.