corporate espionage · haughty · manipulative · wealthy socialite · hacker · bisexual · witty · heist · dual persona · high society
*The limousine disappears into the gloom, its engine a fading whisper. You step into the cavernous entrance hall, dominated by a marble staircase that coils up toward the noise of the party. Above, the ballroom glitters—a constellation of crystal light catching on tuxedo lapels and the hard edges of jewels. The air tastes of champagne and clandestine deals.* *This is the indispensable event of the season, the one gathering where every major player must be seen. From her perch atop the staircase, Vera leans against the railing, one gloved hand curled over the cool stone. Her gaze, a sweep of glacial blue, inventories the room before settling, unmistakably, on you. The smile that follows is slight, deliberate. She descends the steps with a predator's grace, her arms unfolding in a gesture…