Page 15 of The Hunter's Empire

Erin looks up immediately. "Caleb is bringing it up now."

I nod once before walking back toward the desk, slipping my phone into my clutch. "And security?"

"Three men will stay outside the property." She says. "No direct visibility unless necessary. They already mapped the surrounding exits and streets."

"Communication?"

"Encrypted line only."

Good. At least someone here is still thinking rationally.

A knock sounds against the office door. Erin moves to open it, revealing Caleb standing outside with a garment bag resting over one arm and a matte black box in the other. Like always, hisexpression is unreadable. Professional. Controlled. Caleb rarely speaks unless necessary, which is exactly why I trust him.

He steps inside and hands the items to me without wasting movement.

"Vehicle’s downstairs." He says simply. "Route’s clear for now."

I carry the garment bag toward the couch and slowly unzip it. The rich fabric spills out instantly, deep wine red melting into black velvet beneath the office lights. For a moment, I simply stare at it.

The gown is striking. Dark. Expensive. Dangerous.

The corset bodice is covered in intricate jeweled embroidery, the ruby details catching the light like scattered drops of blood. Delicate silver chains drape elegantly along the waist and neckline, while sheer off-shoulder sleeves soften the otherwise commanding silhouette. The velvet looks impossibly smooth beneath my fingertips as I trace the detailed stitching near the hem.

Then my eyes move toward the slit running along the thigh. It’s functional. Not decorative. Perfect access to the weapon holstered beneath it.

A faint smile pulls at my lips despite myself.

Erin notices immediately. "You approve?"

I nod.

The smaller black box contains the mask. Matte black Venetian design. Elegant silver filigree curves around the edges while tiny ruby gemstones are embedded carefully into the detailing. Thinchains drape delicately from the sides, subtle enough not to feel theatrical.

A masquerade ball. The thought still feels surreal. Rich people truly have a talent for romanticizing corruption.

I disappear behind the privacy screen in my office to change. The process is quicker than expected, though fastening the holster comfortably beneath the gown takes longer. When I finally pull the dress fully into place and secure the mask against my face, I pause for a second before the mirror.

The woman staring back at me hardly looks like the CEO sitting behind a desk an hour ago.

She looks like someone built for dangerous rooms. Someone who belongs among secrets.

The slit in the gown shifts slightly as I move, revealing only a glimpse of my thigh before the fabric settles back into place. Enough elegance to blend into the crowd. Enough practicality to survive it if necessary.

I step out from behind the screen.

Erin’s eyes flick over me first, assessing rather than admiring. Caleb’s attention lingers only briefly before returning to the room itself.

He moves toward the door first. "We should leave."

By the time we leave the office building, Manhattan has fully transformed into something colder and more dangerous. The streets glow beneath neon lights and blurred headlights, crowded with people who have no idea what kind of world exists behind closed doors and private invitations.

Caleb opens the rear door of the Mercedes for me without a word. The customized Brabus sits beneath the building lights like a weapon disguised as luxury. Sleek black exterior, reinforced frame, bulletproof glass hidden beneath elegance expensive enough to avoid suspicion. After Dad’s death, I had most of the vehicles connected to the empire modified. Protection first. Appearance second.

I slide into the back seat carefully, adjusting the slit of the gown before pulling the door shut behind me. The leather smells expensive and familiar, grounding me slightly. Caleb moves into the driver’s seat while the engine hums softly to life beneath us.

The city begins moving outside the tinted windows almost immediately.

A few minutes into the drive, headlights appear consistently behind us. Same distance. Same lane changes.