Chapter 6: Meeting Victor Kane
The name Victor Kane hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy with unspoken warnings. Yelena could tell by the way Ethan said it that this man was not to be taken lightly. But she wasn’t about to back down. If Victor Kane held the answers she was looking for, she was willing to face whatever danger came with meeting him.
“Who is Victor Kane?” Yelena asked, her voice steady despite the unease creeping into her chest.
Ethan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Victor was our father’s closest ally—and sometimes his biggest rival. He’s the kind of man who knows everything about everyone. If there’s information to be found, Victor has it. But he’s not exactly… approachable.”
Yelena raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean he doesn’t do favors,” Ethan said. “If we want his help, we’ll have to give him something in return. And Victor doesn’t deal in money. He deals in secrets.”
Yelena frowned. “What kind of secrets?”
Ethan hesitated, his gaze flickering to Martha, who was quietly sipping her tea by the fireplace. “The kind that could get people killed,” he said finally. “Victor thrives on power, and the best way to gain power is to know things others don’t. If we’re going to him, we need to be prepared to play his game.”
Yelena’s mind raced. She didn’t have any secrets to offer—at least, none that seemed valuable. But she wasn’t about to let that stop her.
“When can we meet him?” she asked.
Ethan studied her for a moment, then nodded, as if he had expected her determination. “Tomorrow. He’s holding a gathering at his estate. It’s the kind of event where people go to make deals and exchange favors. If we’re lucky, we might be able to get a moment with him.”
Yelena’s heart pounded at the thought. A gathering of powerful, dangerous people—it sounded like something out of a movie. But this was real, and she was about to step into a world she knew nothing about.
“What do I need to do?” she asked.
Ethan smirked. “For starters, you’ll need to look the part. Victor doesn’t waste his time on people who don’t command respect. Lucky for you, I know a guy who can help with that.”
The next evening, Yelena stood in front of a cracked mirror in a small boutique on the edge of Phurg. The dress Ethan had procured for her was unlike anything she had ever worn—elegant, sophisticated, and just a little dangerous. It was a deep emerald green, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that shimmered as she moved. Paired with a pair of sleek heels and a simple silver necklace, she looked like she belonged in a world of power and intrigue.
Ethan stepped into the room, his own outfit a sharp black suit that made him look every bit the part of a man who knew how to navigate the shadows. He whistled low under his breath as he took in Yelena’s transformation.
“Not bad,” he said with a grin. “You clean up nice.”
Yelena rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. “Thanks. I think. Now, are you going to tell me what to expect at this gathering, or am I supposed to wing it?”
Ethan’s expression turned serious. “Victor’s gatherings are… intense. There will be a lot of powerful people there, all looking to gain something. Keep your head down, don’t draw attention to yourself, and let me do the talking. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a chance to speak with Victor privately. But if things go south, we leave. No questions asked.”
Yelena nodded, her stomach twisting with nerves. “Got it.”
Victor Kane’s estate was nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled on a hill overlooking Phurg, the sprawling mansion was a stark contrast to the poverty of the town below. The driveway was lined with expensive cars, and the air buzzed with the hum of conversation and laughter.
As Yelena and Ethan stepped inside, she was struck by the opulence of the place. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with expensive art, and the guests—men in tailored suits and women in designer gowns—moved through the rooms with an air of confidence and power.
Ethan leaned down to whisper in Yelena’s ear. “Stay close. And remember, don’t trust anyone.”
Yelena nodded, her eyes scanning the room. She felt out of place, like a stranger in a world she didn’t understand. But she kept her head high, her expression calm, as she followed Ethan through the crowd.
They hadn’t gone far when a man stepped into their path. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with sharp features and a cold, calculating gaze. His presence commanded attention, and Yelena knew instantly who he was.
Victor Kane.
“Ethan,” Victor said, his voice smooth and low. “It’s been a while. I see you’ve brought a guest.”
Ethan nodded, his expression carefully neutral. “Victor, this is Yelena. She’s… family.”
Victor’s eyes flicked to Yelena, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. His gaze was piercing, as if he could see straight through her.
“Yelena,” Victor said, her name rolling off his tongue like a secret. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Yelena’s heart skipped a beat. “You have?”
Victor smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, yes. Your father was a fascinating man. And you… well, let’s just say you’ve piqued my curiosity.”
Before Yelena could respond, Victor turned and gestured for them to follow. “Come. Let’s talk somewhere more private.”
As they followed him through the mansion, Yelena couldn’t shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap. But she didn’t have a choice. If Victor Kane held the answers she was looking for, she was willing to take the risk.