Page 17 of The Hunter's Empire

Stefano hands over two black invitation cards between his fingers like he owns the place. Maybe he does.

The guards scan them quickly before stepping aside at once.

"Enjoy your evening, Mr. Rinaldi." The change in attitude is immediate enough to be almost amusing.

We move past them into the estate and warmth immediately spills over my skin along with the sound of music and conversation.

I glance sideways at Stefano. "You neglected to mention invitations."

"I assumed it would be easier if I handled it personally." He replies calmly, adjusting the cuff of his suit. "Events like this tend to have… particular entry requirements."

I look ahead as we continue through the entrance hall. "That would have been useful information."

"You still got in."

I exhale softly through my nose. "Fair enough."

We move deeper into the mansion as waiters carrying champagne disappear between guests dressed in velvet, silk, diamonds, and expensive anonymity. The ballroom is alive with quiet conversation, the music weaving effortlessly through the crowd.

Everywhere I look, I recognize power. Politicians. CEOs. Investors. People who smile publicly while destroying lives privately. A masquerade ball truly is the perfect setting for them.

Stefano reaches into his jacket and briefly holds up my invitation card again.

Only then do I notice the embossed number pressed subtly into the corner.

11.

My brows pull together faintly. "What’s the number for?"

"Access." He slips the card back into my hand. "The party is open to more people. The auction isn’t."

"So not everyone here gets invited to the auction."

"No." His gaze drifts lazily across the crowd. "Only the interesting ones."

I look down at the number again. Eleven. For some reason, it feels less like an invitation and more like being selected. Before I can think about it longer, movement near the center of the ballroom draws attention toward a raised platform.

A man in his late fifties lifts a champagne glass with practiced ease. Victor Langford.

Even behind the mask, I recognize him instantly. Founder of Langford Global Investments. Public philanthropist. Ruthless businessman. Apparently auction host too.

"Ladies and gentlemen." He says smoothly, voice carrying across the ballroom. "Tonight is about connection. Influence. Opportunity."

Soft laughter spreads through parts of the crowd.

"To powerful partnerships."

Glasses rise around the room.

The music swells again afterward, louder this time, and conversations resume almost immediately.

I watch the crowd carefully. "Interesting guest list."

"That’s one way to describe it."

"You sound unimpressed."

Stefano takes a drink from a passing tray before answering. "I’ve learned wealthy people become significantly less fascinating once you know what they do in private."