The sun fought to pierce through clouds obscuring Washington D.C.’s skyline, casting muted rays over the Conrad Hotel.

  Inside the Grand Ballroom, the atmosphere thrummed with anticipation. Rows of plush chairs and gleaming crystal chandeliers framed the gathering of corporate titans and government officials. The pre-function gallery buzzed with conversation, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint notes of floral arrangements. The day carried layers of significance: the unveiling of the 5G and Edge Accelerator Alliance and the carefully orchestrated move to draw Talon Cloche into their web.

  Seven, under the alias Kieran Kavanagh, adjusted the cuffs of his immaculate charcoal gray Tom Ford suit as he ascended the stage. Each step was measured and confident, commanding attention. As he reached the microphone, the low hum of conversation in the hall faded into a charged silence. All eyes followed him, drawn to his presence, the air thick with expectation.

  “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” his greeting rang out, strong and charismatic.

  “Today marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of technology as we announce the formation of the 5G and Edge Accelerator Alliance. Together, we will drive the deployment of 5G and edge technologies, transforming sectors from military operations to smart cities, unlocking capabilities that will redefine government agencies."

  His ocean-blue irises swept over the crowd, pausing just long enough to let the gravity of his message land.

  “Our partners bring cutting-edge expertise to tackle mission-critical challenges,” he added, his voice measured. “Together, we will streamline the integration of 5G into government infrastructure, ensuring it is equipped for the needs of the country’s future.”

  The audience seemed to take a collective breath, absorbing the significance of what was unfolding. Then, in smooth succession, representatives from the Alliance took to the stage, their remarks layering insights, reinforcing the shared vision of national progress. Their delivery was varied yet passionate, amplifying the magnitude of the formation.

  As the last speaker stepped down, Seven allowed a pause to stretch, his composed demeanor reflecting the importance of this initiative. “And now, I’m pleased to invite you all to brunch,” he said, a faint smile touching his lips. “Let’s continue these conversations in a more relaxed setting and explore potential collaborations. Thank you.”

  A polite round of applause followed, but his mind was already elsewhere.

  Alain and Leona, seated in the audience, sported bewildered looks. Kieran Kavanagh, the man on stage, wasn’t just a dead ringer for Seven. His cadence, posture, and even the tilt of his head were unmistakable.

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  As the crowd began to disperse toward the brunch spread, Alain and Leona made their way through the throng, determined to get answers. They intercepted him just as he stepped down from the podium. A flicker of surprise crossed his face when he caught sight of the pair, but he quickly mastered it, concealing any trace of astonishment.

  “Grandpa Alain, Madam Leona,” Seven greeted, his voice warm but edged with firmness. “I’m sure you have questions, but now’s not the time. I’ll explain everything when I visit on Saturday.”

  Alain hesitated, about to protest, but the cold certainty in Seven’s gaze stopped him. Leona studied him, her curiosity tempered by an unspoken trust. With a final glance, they withdrew, leaving him to navigate the crowd.

  The moment they parted ways, his senses sharpened. The shift in the air was subtle but undeniable. Someone was closing in with purposeful strides. Then, he spotted the figure, a man whose nondescript appearance belied a palpable intent. The stranger finally stood before him, a slow smirk unfurling.

  “Dr. Kavanagh,” the man said, his French accent thick, almost predatory. “A pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand. “I’m Talon Cloche, founder of Cloche Enterprises. Knowing that you’d be hosting today’s event, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet Data Dynamics’ new VP.”

  Seven clasped his hand, firm but unreadable. “Mr. Cloche, the pleasure is mine. I’m glad the Alliance has caught your interest.”

  Cloche arched a brow. “The Alliance? No, Dr. Kavanagh, I’m here for you.” He let the words settle for just a fraction longer than necessary before continuing. “Data Dynamics is a force to be reckoned with, but innovation often flourishes best outside rigid, bureaucratic frameworks. At Cloche Enterprises, we’re pushing boundaries in the fintech space—high-frequency transactions, privacy solutions, tokenized assets. The regulatory environment is shifting, and those who adapt will shape the next frontier.”

  He came across as self-assured. “C-Tech, a subsidiary of Cloche Enterprises, is at the vanguard of this movement. We’re assembling a team of visionaries who can see beyond limitations and embrace true innovation. You strike me as a man who doesn’t settle for conventional paths.”

  Seven gave no reaction, letting Cloche’s pitch hang. The man was careful, enticing, but not explicit.

  Cloche pressed on, his delivery polished yet insistent. “I believe someone of your caliber belongs at the forefront of progress. Our work isn’t just about financial tools. It’s about reshaping the very fabric of fintech itself. With you on our side, nothing is impossible.”

  When he finally finished, Seven replied evenly, “Mr. Cloche, I’m flattered. However, today is about the Alliance, so it isn’t appropriate to veer into personal discussions.”

  Cloche inclined his head and took a step back. “I understand, Dr. Kavanagh.” Reaching into his jacket, he produced a business card and offered it with a flick of his wrist. “Here’s my card. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. I’d like to continue this discussion later.”

  Seven accepted it, his fingers brushing Cloche’s with just enough pressure to make a statement. “We’ll see, Mr. Cloche. If there’s nothing else, I’d like to return to my role as host.”

  Cloche’s eyes narrowed for the briefest instant, a trace of irritation passing before he masked it with a practiced smile. “Of course, Dr. Kavanagh. Until next time.”

  As Cloche turned and vanished into the crowd, Seven’s grip tightened around the card, its edges pressing into his palm.

  The bait was set, and Cloche was hooked.