Chapter 353 All Eyes on the Prize

Isaac’s eyes widened behind his mask as he watched Baron Gideon Vayner retreat from the balcony, disappearing through a side door that led to his private quarters. His posture stiffened, and his voice, usually calm and measured, cracked slightly with urgency.

“What? He’s leaving? To his quarters?” 

His fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table.

 “He was supposed to come down and join the ball. Why would he retreat now unless…”

His breath hitched as realization struck.

“Does he plan to escape? Did he notice me? Damn it—he must have known! I was careful, but he must have figured out I bought the invitation. Of course he’d be on high alert; he knows I’m onto him!”

Isaac’s jaw clenched, and his voice dropped into a tense growl.

“If he slips away now, I’ll lose him—and his trail—for good. I can’t let that happen. I need to act now, before it’s too late.”

Suzuka stepped closer to Isaac. She placed a hand on his arm, leaning in just enough to speak softly.

“Calm down, Prince Charming,” she whispered, her lips curving into a sly smirk.

 “Look closer. His precious guards are still here. See them? They’re coming down to the ballroom. Do you really think Baron would tuck his tail and run alone, leaving them behind? Without his muscle? I don’t think so.”

Isaac blinked, his panic subsiding just enough to follow her gaze.

Olivia joined them, a faintly amused smile playing on her lips. 

“Helen got a point. If I had to guess, he’s up in his private room, getting himself ready. And his guards? Well… They’re probably under orders to do a little scouting. You know, find him some lovely company for the evening. The kind of company these events are famous for. No need to panic. He’s not going anywhere—yet. But we need to stay sharp. If this man as paranoid as you say, he won’t make it easy for us when the time comes.”

“We can’t just wait for him to finish having his fun. But if we try to force our way through, things will get messy. He might slip away in the commotion, and I can’t afford that. I’d lose him for good."

He let out a frustrated sigh before continuing, running a hand through his hair. 

"Sneaking’s not much of an option either. I doubt any of us are any good at that. And with people everywhere, we'd be noticed right away. We can’t risk blowing our cover."

Isaac’s tone grew more serious, his eyes narrowing. 

"Blasting our magic around willy-nilly isn’t an option either. We can't risk injuring anyone in the process. The last thing we need is to make a scene. I was expecting to confront him face-to-face, in a place where he wouldn’t have time to run… but now it feels like my plan’s completely falling apart. We need another approach. Something less risky."

Olivia smiled, her voice lowered, taking on a flirtatious, teasing tone as she glanced at Isaac and Helen.

"So, how about this? What if we approach the guards, make ourselves... appealing enough, and try to get upstairs to 'entertain' Mister Baron? We could get really close—closer than anyone else would dare."

She let the suggestion hang in the air for a moment before continuing, her voice now soft but with a hint of excitement.

"And once he's in our sight, well, we can make all the fuss we want. He won’t be able to run away from us, and when he’s distracted, you can do whatever you need to."

"Hey, that's a good idea," Suzuka said with a playful laugh, "If we’re in the same room as him, he’ll have nowhere to run. Just need to get these guards to take us there, and maybe convince them a little..." She made a fist and mimed punching the air, her grin widening.

 "After that, we can beat their butts and make it all look easy. Like a walk in the park."

"Are you two really going to do this? For me, I mean? I know the Baron needs to be dealt with, and I won’t back down from that. But this plan... It’s risky, and you’d be putting yourselves out there—for my fight," Isaac asked, his tone genuine and a little uncertain.

He paused, his gaze dropping briefly before returning to theirs, "I’m not sure I deserve that, and I don’t want either of you getting hurt because of me. So, are you sure you want to go through with it? I can find another way if this feels like too much."

"Isaac, you’re seriously underestimating us," Suzuka teased, her tone light but brimming with confidence.

 "Do I look like the type to let some sleazy Baron or a couple of glorified doorstops scare me off? Please. If anything, this is going to be fun. Besides, you’re not dragging us into this—we jumped in headfirst, remember? So, relax, Prince Charming. We’ve got this."

Olivia leaned closer to Isaac, "Aw, that’s adorable. Are you really so worried about little old me? I’m touched, really. But listen, sweetheart, I’ve talked my way out of tighter spots and charmed my way into worse dens of scum. If I can handle all of that, getting past some stiff-necked guards and cornering an overindulged Baron will be easy." 

"Thank you. Really. Both of you."

The two guards descended the stairs, their leering eyes scanning the room for potential 'entertainment.' Olivia didn't waste a moment. With a flick of her hair and a sultry sway to her hips, she strode forward, Suzuka following close behind with her own confident smirk.

"Ara, ara. You boys look like you’ve been working so hard tonight. Must be exhausting keeping everyone in line. Someone ought to reward such hard work." Olivia purred, her voice dripping with flirtation as she stopped just short of the guards. 

The taller guard, a scarred brute with a crooked grin, looked Olivia up and down, his interest piqued but not entirely convinced. 

"Reward, huh? You volunteering for the job?"

Before Olivia could answer, the shorter, stockier guard’s gaze shifted to Suzuka, who stood just behind Olivia with her arms crossed, exuding an air of cool confidence. His eyes lingered on her long, toned legs and striking features, his grin widening.

 "Forget this one, she's way used to flirting. Baron’s got a taste for wild ones," he said, nudging his partner and gesturing toward Suzuka. 

"Bet she’s more his type."

The taller guard squinted at Suzuka, his gaze becoming more appraising.

 "Yeah... you’ve got a point. Classy, athletic—Baron’ll go wild for her."

Olivia blinked, momentarily caught off guard. 

"Oh? Well, that’s flattering," she quipped, recovering quickly and shooting Suzuka a sly grin.

 "Guess you’ve got a fan club forming already."

The shorter guard shrugged, turning his attention back to Olivia with a leer.

 "Don’t get me wrong, hot stuff, you’re a knockout. But Baron’s a man of...particular tastes. You? Let’s just say we’d be happy to keep you company ourselves."

The taller guard nodded eagerly, gesturing to Suzuka.

 "Alright, you’re coming with me. The Baron’s in for a real treat tonight." 

He turned to Olivia, his grin sly. 

"You, though—how about we make the wait worth your while, sweetheart? I just escort your friend and be back in a sec."

Olivia laughed softly, "I would love to, boys. Try not to take too long."

With a roll of her eyes and a smirk at Suzuka, Olivia watched as the guard escorted her friend up the grand staircase.

The guard led Suzuka through the lavish halls, finally stopping at an ornate double door. He knocked twice.

 "Boss, I’ve brought a lady you’ll want to see."

From inside, a voice called out, "Come in!"

The guard opened the door and gestured for Suzuka to enter. The Baron, a portly man with graying hair and a taste for luxury evident in his rich attire, turned to face her. His eyes widened as he took in Suzuka’s appearance.

Her black ball gown, adorned with intricate dark red rose patterns, clung perfectly to her athletic yet curvaceous figure. Her hair, shimmering with violet undertones, cascaded down her back like silk, and her golden eyes sparkled with a mysterious allure. The room seemed to pause as her presence took Baron's breath away.

The Baron gasped audibly, his mouth falling open for a moment before he recovered. His voice came out eager and almost reverent.

 "You may leave," he told the guard without taking his eyes off Suzuka.

 "She is perfect. Make sure no one interrupts our little fun!"

The guard smirked, giving a quick bow before retreating. As the guard closed the door behind him, a sly grin spread across his face. He muttered under his breath.

"Heh, old fool," he sneered, adjusting his belt as he began to walk back down the hallway. 

"Who's gonna sit around and waste time playing guard when a hot girl’s waiting downstairs? Have fun with your 'perfect' prize, Baron. I’ve got better ways to spend my night."

As the heavy door clicked shut behind the departing guard, the Baron’s room seemed to grow even quieter, the only sounds being the faint crackling of the fireplace and the Baron’s own labored breathing. His eyes, wide with admiration, roved over Suzuka’s figure as she stood confidently in the dimly lit room.

Her black ball gown clung elegantly to her form, the dark red rose patterns accentuating her every move like petals blooming in the night. Her black hair, with its subtle violet sheen, cascaded over her shoulders, catching the firelight like a silken waterfall. But it was her eyes—those piercing yellow eyes—that truly ensnared him. They shimmered like molten gold, simultaneously mesmerizing and intimidating.

"Ah," the Baron finally managed, his voice thick with eager anticipation. 

"You’re... exquisite. The gods themselves must have labored to craft such perfection."