The ballroom of the President's House was a shark tank disguised as a cocktail party. Crystal chandeliers dripped light onto men who controlled endowments and women who controlled the men.
Elena was holding court near the fireplace, laughing at a joke made by the Provost. She looked relaxed, but I knew better. Her hand was gripping her wine glass just a little too tight.
I stood by the bar, nursing a sparkling water. I needed a clear head.
A flashback hit me then—a memory from last night, right after I had left Sofia's penthouse, the scent of her perfume still clinging to my skin.
...
I was sitting in the back of the Uber, the city lights blurring past. The System interface was glowing in the dark cab, showing the rewards from the "Lover" encounter.
[Mission Complete: The Lover]
[Target: Sofia Aldridge]
[Status: Conquered]
[Reward: 500 System Points (SP)]
