Chapter 14 - The Venetian Mask
Forty-eight hours later, under the cover of forged diplomatic passports provided by Julian's remaining underground contacts, Anaëlle and Julian stepped off a private boat onto the fog-shrouded docks of a grand estate just outside Paris. Clara had been transferred to a secret, heavily guarded safe house in London with federal agents assigned to guard her around the clock.
Before them rose the Chateau de L'Ombre—a massive, Gothic castle hosting an exclusive, invitation-only masquerade auction. Billionaires, illegal arms dealers, and corrupt politicians filled the courtyard, wearing ornate Venetian masks.
Anaëlle wore a sweeping emerald silk dress, her face concealed by a delicate filigree gold mask. Julian stood beside her in a tailored black tuxedo, a silver Venetian wolf mask covering the top half of his face.
"Remember the plan," Julian whispered, his arm linked with hers as they walked up the grand staircase. "The auction features rare antique instruments. The Imperial Steinway is the centerpiece item tonight. Victor Sterling will be watching the stage from the VIP balcony."
"How do I get to the piano?" Anaëlle asked, her heart hammering against her ribs.
"Victor Sterling is obsessed with musical perfection," Julian explained. "He challenges guest pianists to play the Imperial Steinway before bidding begins. If you play the score correctly, the internal mechanism will release the final ledger drive—and the formula for the antidote to Clara's poison."
As they entered the opulent ballroom, surrounded by crystal chandeliers and velvet drapes, a hush fell over the crowd. Centered on the main stage sat a breathtaking, dark mahogany grand piano inlaid with real gold leaf.
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"Go," Julian murmured, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I’ll watch your back from the floor."
Anaëlle took a deep breath, smoothing down her dress, and walked toward the stage. Every eye in the room turned toward her.
