Page 55 of Final Sins

Jason stood there, stunned. He and Alex weren’t ... they couldn’t be ... could they?

The thought sent a jolt through him, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

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Gilded cages comein many forms, Alex mused, and Charles Winthrop’s Pacific Heights mansion was perhaps the most beautiful prison she’d ever infiltrated. As she swept into the opulent foyer, her designer gown whispering against marble floors, she couldn’t help but admire the irony. Here, amidst crystal chandeliers and the city’s glitterati, lurked a monster with a taste for both fine art and insider trading.

The air was thick with perfume, pretension, and secrets—a heady cocktail that set Alex’s senses on high alert. Somewhere in this sea of silk and diamonds was her quarry, a man whose Midas touch left a trail of broken laws and shattered lives in its wake. As the string quartet’s melody wove through the low hum of socialite chatter, Alex allowed herself a small, predatory smile.

Tonight, Winthrop’s carefully curated world would begin to crumble, one champagne flute at a time.

This world of wealth and privilege was achingly familiar, a ghost from her past life before her parents’ untimely death. She remembered countless galas just like this one, where she’d stood awkwardly in corners, feeling like a misfit in her own skin. But now, years later, she felt a surge of gratitude for never trulybelonging. That disconnect had led her to a life of purpose, of making a real difference in the world.

She smoothed down her midnight blue gown, the silky fabric cool against her skin. But it wasn’t the breathtaking view of the bay or the elaborate floral arrangements that caught her eye. No, it was Jason in his perfectly tailored tuxedo that made her breath catch.

For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine reaching out, stroking his clean-shaven cheek. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly pushed it aside. Focus, Mendoza, she chided herself. You’re here on a mission, not a date.

He squinted at her. “What? Do I have spinach in my teeth?”

She laughed. “Relax, Army. You clean up nice.”

Jason’s lips quirked in that infuriating half-smile. “You sound surprised.”

She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t quite suppress her own smile. “Just don’t let it go to your head. We’ve got a job to do.”

Once they got their hands on Winthrop—or “The Winster,” as his ultra-wealthy friends so charmingly called him—it would all be over. He’d crack under interrogation, giving them the pieces they needed to dismantle Seven-Five’s operations.

And possibly save Gravy’s father. If it wasn’t too late.

The thought should have filled her with relief, but instead, a knot of tension formed in her stomach. What would happen after? Would she go back to her team, leaving Jason and Redemption Creek behind?

Alex glanced around, noting the positions of their team members. Tai, Fenn, and Kate were strategically spaced throughout the room, blending seamlessly with the high-society crowd while maintaining a vigilant watch. Their presence reassured her, knowing they had skilled backup if things went sideways.

Meanwhile, outside in the nondescript van parked a block away, Cody sat hunched over an array of monitors, his fingers flying across multiple keyboards. Beside him, Paige’s eyes darted between screens, her voice a constant, soothing presence in their earpieces as she relayed information.

Alex knew Cody’s role was crucial, yet he couldn’t risk being seen. As a former deep cover agent within the Consortium, his knowledge of the organization’s history and its evolution into Seven-Five was unparalleled. But that same expertise made him a prime target—his face was likely burned into the memory of every Seven-Five operative.

“There’s our target,” Jason’s low voice interrupted her thoughts. “Two o’clock, by the ice sculpture.”

Alex followed his gaze, spotting Winthrop holding court with a group of adoring socialites. The man exuded confidence, clearly reveling in his status as the evening’s host.

She wondered how many of the smiling guests were Seven-Five agents.

“Ready to make his acquaintance?” Jason asked, offering his arm.

She took it, ignoring the spark that shot through her at his touch. “I guess we don’t have a choice.”

Alex marveled at the seamless communication flowing through their earpieces. The tech was impressive, leagues beyond what she was used to working with. Gratitude washed over her—for this team, for the circumstances that had brought her here. Even if those circumstances had initially made her want to throttle Jason for derailing her carefully laid plans with Gravy.

“Everyone in position?” Paige’s voice crackled in her ear.

A chorus of affirmatives followed. Fenn effortlessly charmed a group of silver-haired socialites near Winthrop, his easy smile masking his true intentions. Kate, resplendent in a curve-hugging gown, sauntered up to their target. Winthrop’s eyes locked onto her, completely captivated.

Alex tugged Jason towards a cluster of familiar faces, plastering on her best society smile. “Jason, darling, you simply must meet the Vandermeres. They throw the best summer soirees in the Hamptons. Seriously outstanding.”

As she made introductions, she maneuvered them into position, blocking Winthrop’s path to the nearest exit.

“Ready for some fireworks?” Paige’s voice held a hint of mischief.

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