ASSESTS DON'T LIE

FORT'S POV

I watched Elon from across my office, trying not to let my amusement show. The young con artist was clearly nervous, shifting his weight from foot to foot while Dimitri outlined the Chen job.

It had been two days since Elon had signed the contract. Two days of him being sullen and silent, doing exactly what was asked but with all the enthusiasm of a cat being given a bath. I found it entertaining.

"The gala is black tie," Dimitri was saying. "You'll pose as an investor from out of town. We've created a whole identity for you—"

"I know how to build a cover story," Elon interrupted.

"Not like this, you don't." Dimitri pulled up photos on his tablet. "This isn't some drunk tourist you're pickpocketing. Douglas Chen is connected, paranoid, and very, very careful. If he suspects for one second that you're not who you say you are, he'll have security on you before you can blink."

"I can handle it."

"Can you?" I finally spoke up. "Because your track record suggests otherwise. How'd that briefcase job work out for you?"

Elon's jaw clenched. "That was different."

"How?"

"I was—" Elon stopped, clearly struggling with his pride. "I was overconfident and I made mistakes. It won't happen again."

"It better not." I stood, moving around the desk. "You fail this job, it reflects on me and I don't accept failure."

"No pressure or anything," Elon muttered.

I grabbed his chin, forcing him to meet my eyes. Elon went rigid at the touch. "Listen to me very carefully. Douglas Chen is dangerous. He's suspected of trafficking, money laundering, and at least three murders. If he discovers you're working for me, he won't just kill you. He'll make it slow."

I released his chin. "So you need to be perfect. Can you do that?"

Elon rubbed his jaw, glaring at me. "Why do you care if I die? You could just find another con artist."

"Because I invested time in you already. I don't like wasting investments." I returned to my desk. "Besides, you signed a contract. You dying would be a breach of contract."

"How inconsiderate of me."

I bit back a smile. The kid had spirit, I'd give him that. "Dimitri, show him the wardrobe."

Dimitri led Elon to the attached dressing room. I heard his sharp intake of breath when he saw the clothes laid out.

"This is all for me?"

"Custom tailored," Dimitri confirmed. "Boss spares no expense for his employees."

Elon emerged a few minutes later in the fitted tuxedo. My breath caught slightly. Cleaned up, properly dressed, Elon was striking. The tuxedo emphasized his lean build, the sharp lines of his face. His dark hair had been styled. He looked like he belonged at a society gala.

"Well?" Elon asked, sounding defensive. "Do I pass?"

"You'll do." I kept my voice neutral. "We need to work on your cover story. Sit."

We spent the next hour drilling Elon on his fake identity. I played Douglas Chen, asking probing questions, watching how he responded. The boy was quick, I had to admit. He adapted his story on the fly, building details that made his cover more believable.

"Where did you attend university?"

"Oxford. Economics degree. Though I spent more time at parties than lectures."

"Who's your biggest investor?"

"My family. Old money. Import-export business. Very boring."

"Why are you interested in my business?"

Elon leaned forward, all seduction and charm. "Because I hear you know how to show a man a good time. And I'm very interested in having a good time."

I felt something stir in my chest. This was why I didn't usually mix business with pleasure. Elon was my employee, my asset. Nothing more.

"Better," I said roughly. "Drop the eye contact by about twenty percent. Too intense reads as desperate."

"Noted." Elon sat back. "Anything else?"

"Yes." I pulled out a small box. Inside was a signet ring. "Wear this."

"What is it?"

"GPS tracker and a panic button. If things go wrong, press the stone twice. My men will be there in under five minutes."

Elon slipped on the ring, looking at it carefully. "You're very prepared."

"I'm always prepared. That's why I'm still alive." I checked my watch. "The gala starts in three hours. Dimitri will drive you. Remember—"

"Get close to Chen. Gain his trust. Find out who his supplier is for the shipment coming in next week." Elon recited it like a grocery list. "I've got it."

"And Elon?" I waited until he met my eyes. "Don't get yourself killed. I have plans for you."

Something flickered across his face—fear? Curiosity? Then it was gone, replaced by that cocky smile. "Aw, Boss. I didn't know you cared."

"I don't. You're an asset. I protect my assets."

"Right. An asset." Elon's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll try not to depreciate in value."

---

ELON'S POV

The gala was exactly what I expected—overpriced champagne, fake smiles, and people with too much money pretending they cared about whatever charity was being honored tonight. I fit right in, which was both gratifying and disturbing.

The tuxedo Fort had provided fit like a second skin. The fake identity rolled off my tongue like truth. I was Julian Hartford, wayward son of British aristocracy, looking to invest my trust fund in something more exciting than stocks and bonds.

I spotted Douglas Chen across the room. Mid-forties, expensive suit, surrounded by sycophants. He looked bored, which was good. Bored people were easier to intrigue.

I made my approach slowly, carefully which caught his eye then I looked away. Let him come to me.

It took twenty minutes, but he did.

"I don't recognize you," Chen said, his accent vaguely European. "I know everyone here."

"Julian Hartford." I offered my hand. "Recently arrived from London. Friend of the host's nephew."

"Ah." Chen's handshake was firm, assessing. "What brings you to our humble city?"

"Boredom, mostly." I accepted a champagne flute from a passing waiter. "London's terribly dull this time of year. Thought I'd see what opportunities the New World had to offer."

"Opportunities in what field?"

"Whatever's interesting." I met his eyes, letting a hint of recklessness show. "I'm not particularly interested in legitimate businesses, if you take my meaning."