er supervisor had been teasing her about this high-stakes assignment. Avery's eyes widened as she read the details. The target was not a dishonest busines

uences. This was not just a job; it was a test. If she succeeded, she would pro

her phone and composed herself before opening the door. Lucas stood

ready?"

er, she debated whether to tell Lucas about her new assignment. Part of her wanted his adv

bed the twisting stairs in silence. Professor Russo was waiting for them in the circular chamber, her elega

e you have consi

side thoughts of her next mission. Sp

need to be sure of wh

barely visible.

iminal gang. It was a global network of agents trying to shift the balance of power. Elena said with fervent eyes, "We call ourselves the Chimera. Like th

er solitary work as a hired killer was very diffe

t we stand for, do you sti

e expected, the chance to make a difference and join something big

one last independent job before

ows slightly. "And wha

ply. "The murder

n was hard to read. Avery went over the mission details and

e could have major impacts on both the criminal underworld and l

But I need to do it to prove

ry well. However, you will not be doing

Chen, there are no arguments her

e pushed her feelings aside and focused on the

r. The next few days were a blur of preparation and growing stress. Avery attended classes but barely paid attent

ir best chance to get close to him. As the evening of the gala approached, Avery's anxiety grew. She had completed tough assignments before, but non

ognizing the woman looking back at her. She was dressed in a sleek black gown that re

e door and saw him in a perfectly fitted tuxedo, his hair neatly combed. The weight of the

gaze lingering on

Avery laughed

or. "I was going to say bot

ed, and her senses sharpened as she reviewed the plan one last time. The drive to the hotel was quiet, interrupte

ady for thi

d firmly, "

arlow, her friendly business partner. As Avery climbed the grand staircase of the hotel, she scanned the crowd, noting identities and potenti

through the crowd with practiced ease, searching for their target, grabbing champagne flutes, and chatting casually. Finally, Avery spotted Gabriel V

on to approach the bar. Avery's heart pounded as she prepared for the crucial moment. Everyth

armed security and potential witnesses, things were more complicated. Just as Avery was about to make her move, she saw Detective James Harp

version was failing. Avery knew she had to act quickly as Detective Harper began sca

o sorry!" she gasped, quickly grabbing a napkin to clean his jacket. As she did, she m

Harper's attention shifted to their little drama. Time seemed to freeze as Avery weighed her options.

on. "Darling, there you are," he said with a mix of affection

"John Harlow. I apologize for my partner's d

but Harper's suspicion was growing. As the three of them headed to the bar, Avery was acutely awa

ck, but their options were shrinking as Harper continued to approach Vance, who was still alive.

d pulled her away from the bar

causing the chaos? They burst out of a side exit into the cool night air, but their escape was blocked by someone emer

hink you're goi

ght was far from over, and what happened next would determine the success of their mission and