Story

The show continued on the stage. The sailor dancers were replaced by actors in elaborate sea-creature costumes, performing a romantic comedy centered on a pink potbelly starfish. Laughter rippled through the audience, who were bathed in a blue glow from the ocean-wave projectors. It was easy to get lost in the illusion of the deep…

A crimson carpet stretched across the front lawn of the Dressrious Salon, welcoming a parade of dignitaries in shimmering evening wear. They arrived for Connor Franco’s “Rebirth Celebration,” none of them realizing they were walking into the setting of a looming tragedy. Not even the team of detectives, currently finalizing their plan to dismantle Franco’s…

“Adams is in,” Patric texted the group. “Franco is hosting a party at the Dressrious Salon this Sunday. You’ve all been invited, which gives us our window. The evidence is likely on his private server, but it’s only accessible through the computer in his workroom.” “Excellent. Script’s done. I just need Sarah’s high-res photo to…

Seeing Adams nod in cooperation, Patric finally released his grip. Adams gasped. “Something hard in your clothes was digging into me,” he whispered, his face flushing a deep crimson. “What?” Patric stood up and looked down, quickly realizing what Adams meant. He reached into his long polo coat and pulled out a heavy wooden box.…

The banquet proceeded in a peaceful atmosphere. Though only four members of the Franco family sat at the table, they were all dressed in formal dinner attire and ate in practiced silence. Just as a noble family should be. To prevent any unpredictable outbursts, Adams had strategically seated Franco and Isabel on one side, with…

Adams was an honorable man—a quintessential gentleman of the Neverlands, should you care to categorize him. He was always impeccably dressed, wore a permanent smile, and spoke in soft, measured tones. He drank his tea with an innate elegance, but above all else, he took immense pride in his vocation. To Adams, the greatest legacy…

The following morning, the team and Patric gathered in a private dining room at the Dressrious Salon, which Lady News had secured for their meeting. Although Alisa had coordinated the session, her work obligations kept her from attending. “Do you actually have a plan to get those files?” Patric asked sharply. He sat back, sipping…

When the boss woke up in the dead of night, sleep became a luxury his staff could no longer afford. Franco immediately summoned his assistants for a briefing on recent operations and instructed Amelia to prepare a legal assault on Robin and Dan. He made brief, tense video calls to Isabel and Fiona and fielded…

“How…” Franco stared at Victoria, stunned. Then, the realization hit him. He let out a ragged sigh. “Robin and Dan. You bought them. That’s how you knew I was awake, and why they’re standing outside letting you eavesdrop on our conversation.” Victoria sneered, offering no denial. She turned her cold gaze toward Trevor and Spion.…

The team scrambled into a group call after Jimmy’s email hit their inboxes. “Franco must have realized the Tinderbox was a fake the moment he was shot,” Report Man’s voice crackled over the line. “We need to get to the hospital with Jimmy. This is our best shot at getting the truth out of him.…