Matteo stepped out of the sleek black car that had brought him to the Leroy estate. The imposing mansion loomed ahead, its grandeur overshadowing the subtle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the estate's sprawling grounds.

Dressed in a tailored, full black tuxedo, he approached the entrance with a casual stride. As he got closer, a staff member in a fancy uniform with a clipboard asked for his invitation.

Matteo flashed a charming smile, "Matteo Marchesi. I believe I'm expected." he said handing him the VIP invitation that Sophie had forged.

The attendant checked the invitation, scribbled something in his clipboard and nodded, "Certainly, Mr. Marchesi. Welcome, please, enjoy the evening." and he gestured as if inviting Matteo inside.

Entering the estate, Matteo found himself in the midst of a cocktail reception in full swing. Waitstaff glided effortlessly through the crowd, offering trays of champagne and exquisite hors d'oeuvres. The air was filled with the hum of conversation accompanied occasional bursts of laughter.

Matteo checked out the guests, keeping an eye out for Ludovica Ferrari, the woman with the black rose corsage. He motioned to a waiter and grabbed a glass of bubbly, and blended in with the lively crowd.

And there she was, Matteo was momentarily captivated by Ludovica's stunning appearance. She was donning a gown that seemed to flow like liquid midnight, accentuating her graceful movements. Her dark hair, arranged in waves, added an air of mystery, and her deep, brown eyes sparkled with a blend of sophistication and curiosity.

Her dark hair, arranged in waves, added an air of mystery, and her deep, brown eyes sparkled with a blend of sophistication and curiosity [https://img.wattpad.com/dd4a0cea938a575b372c4847cb976431fa2a9b94/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c6d6237536a76443441535964413d3d2d313432333630343838382e313762343931373136353032303135383138393730303036393532332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(Ludovica Ferrari)

Matteo activated his street sense. 'An adept viable, huh?'

Approaching her with a confident stride, he couldn't help but appreciate her beauty. "Good evening, I couldn't help but notice how gracefully you carry yourself. I must say, your choice of corsage is quite exquisite tonight."

Ludovica acknowledged his compliment with a gracious smile. "Thank you. The beauty of a black rose always captivates my attention."

"Indeed, it holds a unique charm. May I inquire about the bloom's significance for you?" Matteo smoothly inserted the coded phrase into their conversation.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"It symbolizes mystery and death. A language understood by those who appreciate the intricacies of the night," Ludovica replied, maintaining the façade while subtly signaling her understanding of the covert exchange.

Meanwhile, Ludovica was discreetly assessing Matteo. Dressed in a classic black tuxedo, he presented a polished appearance, yet she found his taste in fashion a bit bland and he also didn't seem all that special, he wasn't even a viable. I mean sure he was a bit handsome but as their conversation progressed, she couldn't shake the impression that Matteo lacks the typical bearing of someone from the high society.

Ludovica was accustomed to the refined tastes of the elite. 'Is he a dud? Couldn't the Abyss have sent a more competent operative?' she wondered. She couldn't resist a sly remark, her eyes appraising Matteo's classic black tuxedo, "Going for the timeless look, are we? A bit safe, don't you think?"

Matteo, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected comment, raised an eyebrow, "Safe is reliable. I like to stick with what works."

Ludovica, with a subtle smirk, teased, "Well, reliability can be dull. This is an art gala, not a funeral."

Matteo, interpreting her remark as unnecessary attitude, thought to himself, 'What's with the attitude? It's just a tuxedo.'

Undeterred, Ludovica continued, "But, who am I to criticize? I'm sure it has its own... charm."

Matteo couldn't help but feel a subtle challenge in her words. Deciding to play along, he responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Charm is overrated. Substance is what matters."

Ludovica, maintaining her composed façade, merely nodded, "We'll see if substance can carry the night."

Ludovica couldn't help but roll her eyes internally at the prospect of spending the night with this seemingly unremarkable plus one. His attire, the sarcasm in his replies - everything screamed mediocrity for her. Despite her initial judgment, Ludovica knew she had a purpose for the night, a mission to accomplish.

Ludovica was actually an assassin who was impersonating as a black market dealer. The offer was 80000 Alpenas - To kill Leandro Moreau. The allure of such a substantial sum was too enticing for Ludovica to resist. 80000 Alpenas could be monumental for her future plans.

But Ludovica was wise enough to recognize the fact that she won't be able to do it without help. I mean sure, killing Leandro was within her capabilities, but getting out of the gala after killing him would be an impossible challenge.

Recognizing the need for strategic assistance, Ludovica hatched a cunning plan, to become a anonymous tip for the Abyss by posing as a someone from the black market and then manipulating their original capture order into a kill order - the perfect crime.

And it looked like Matteo could be easy to manipulate. She reminded herself that Matteo was merely a means to an end, a tool. Suppressing her distaste for the situation, Ludovica decided to endure the night with this 'dud' as her companion.

Matteo offered Ludovica his arm with a charming smile, "Shall we, my dear?"

Ludovica smirked, "Only if you can keep up, darling." she 'accidentally' stepped on Matteo's foot. Matteo winced but managed to keep his composure, "Watch your step, love."

Ludovica chuckled, "Just checking if you're on your toes, sweetheart." she smiled at him.

Matteo, annoyed by Ludovica's subtle provocations, concealed his irritation with a forced grin. The playful banter disguised an underlying tension, leaving Matteo frustrated by Ludovica's persistent attempts to berate him.

As they exchanged glances, the unspoken challenge hung in the air, setting the tone for their uneasy partnership. Little did they know, this initial banter was just the beginning of a night filled with unpredictable twists and turns.