“Are you sure this is necessary?” she asked, turning to face Lucas, who was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.

“If you want Valeria to notice you, yes,” Lucas replied, his tone flat but eyes intense. “She’s all about power and appearance. You need to walk in there like you own the place.”

Jade turned back to the mirror, her pulse quickening. She wasn’t used to playing this part—dressing up and blending in with the elite. She’d spent her life dodging trouble, not stepping directly into it.

“I feel ridiculous,” she muttered.

Lucas walked up behind her, placing his hands lightly on her shoulders. Their reflection in the mirror made her heart skip. “You don’t look ridiculous,” he said softly. “You look like you belong.”

Jade bit her lip, meeting his gaze in the mirror. The weight of his words lingered, giving her a strange sense of confidence. If they were going to pull this off, she had to trust him. He knew this world better than she did.

She nodded, steeling herself. “Alright, let’s do this.”

Lucas stepped back, his eyes hardening as he shifted back into mission mode. “We’ll enter separately. I’ll be watching your back the entire time, but you need to approach Valeria on your own. Get close, start a conversation, and find out where her loyalties lie. Whatever you do, don’t mention Damon until she does.”

Jade turned toward him, her stomach twisting with nerves. “And if she doesn’t?”

“We improvise,” Lucas said, slipping a small earpiece into her hand. “Wear this. I’ll be listening, and if anything goes wrong, I’ll get you out of there.”

Jade nodded, slipping the earpiece into place. “Got it.”

The drive to *Le Mirage* was quiet, the tension between them growing with each mile. The city lights blurred past as they neared the high-end club, its sleek exterior and flashing lights signaling the kind of place where power players made deals under the table.

Lucas parked a few blocks away, and they both sat in silence for a moment before he turned to her. “You ready?”

Jade exhaled, nodding. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

They stepped out of the car, and Jade immediately felt the weight of what they were about to do. This wasn’t just about finding answers—it was about survival. If Valeria didn’t play along, they were done for.

As they approached the entrance of the club, Jade’s heart raced. *Le Mirage* was buzzing with activity—expensive cars lined the street, and a steady stream of well-dressed people filed in and out. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filtered through the air as the bouncers eyed her and Lucas.

Lucas leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “I’ll go in first. Wait a few minutes, then follow. Remember, confidence.”

Jade nodded, watching him disappear into the crowd. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and approached the entrance. The bouncers gave her a once-over but said nothing as they waved her inside.

The inside of *Le Mirage* was even more overwhelming than she expected. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the plush velvet seating and marble floors. The scent of expensive perfume filled the air, and the sound of jazz music drifted from the corner stage.

Jade moved through the crowd, scanning the faces for Valeria. It didn’t take long to spot her—seated at a corner table, dressed in a sleek red gown that screamed power and elegance. A glass of champagne was in her hand, and she was surrounded by men who hung on her every word.

Jade’s stomach flipped. This was it.

She squared her shoulders and made her way toward Valeria, every step feeling heavier than the last. As she neared the table, Valeria’s eyes flicked up, landing on Jade with a sharpness that sent a chill down her spine.

Jade forced a smile, her heart racing. “Mind if I join you?” she asked, keeping her tone light but steady.

Valeria’s lips curled into a small, calculating smile. She tilted her head slightly, appraising Jade for a long moment before speaking. “Depends,” she said, her voice smooth and cool. “Do I know you?”

Jade felt Lucas’s voice in her ear, calm but urgent. “Careful.”

“I’ve heard about you,” Jade replied, leaning in just enough to keep Valeria intrigued. “And I think we have a lot to talk about.”

Valeria arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Is that so?”

Jade’s pulse quickened, but she kept her gaze steady. “Yes. I think you’ll find I’m more useful to you than you might expect.”

Valeria’s smile widened, and she gestured to the empty seat beside her. “Well, then. Let’s see what you have to say.”