Chapter 5 - The Gala Infiltration
The massive impact sent Maya flying forward against her seatbelt as the armored SUV skidded wildly across the pavement.
Julian quickly threw his arm across her, protecting her from the shattering glass of the rear window.
His skilled driver aggressively slammed on the brakes, regaining control of the heavy vehicle with expert precision.
The unmarked truck did not stop to finish the job, instead speeding away recklessly down the winding canyon road.
They are already tracking my movements, which means we have to execute our plan tonight without fail.
Maya adjusted her dark evening gown, a brilliant disguise Julian had procured for her to blend into the charity gala.
Hours later, the Beverly Hills estate was entirely transformed into a blindingly lavish, extravagant party.
Hundreds of wealthy guests mingled in the grand ballroom, completely oblivious to the dangerous war happening in the shadows.
Maya slipped through the crowded kitchen, using her intimate knowledge of the staff routines to avoid detection.
She swiped the glowing blue keycard against the hidden service elevator panel, holding her breath as the doors slid open.
The elevator silently carried her up to the restricted third floor, where Victoria's private dressing room was located.
The hallway was incredibly quiet, the distant sound of the string quartet muffled by the heavy, velvet-lined walls.
Maya approached the heavy mahogany door, pressing the specialized keycard against the biometric scanner panel.
A soft click echoed in the silence, and the heavy door pushed open seamlessly.
She crept into the massive, luxurious closet, searching frantically for the hidden wall safe Julian had meticulously described.
Behind a row of expensive designer coats, she found the cold, steel surface of the hidden biometric vault.
She attached the small decryption device Julian had given her, watching the green progress bar load agonizingly slowly.
The vault door popped open, revealing a small, silver hard drive sitting securely on a velvet cushion.
Maya snatched the drive, a massive wave of victory washing over her trembling body.
May you like
Suddenly, the dressing room lights flickered on, and a cold, chilling voice echoed from the doorway.
Did you really think a cheap disguise would fool me in my own home, Maya?
