chapter 1 : Mole

Emily POV

Staring out the window of my car, I admired the beauty of the Moreno estate. It is such a shame that a family of this calibre is involved with so many illegal activities.

"Emily!" I heard my name through the earpiece. "This is Adam, remember the plan, do this once and get out immediately. You are Lena Grant, a high society event planner, don't forget that."

Every single instruction he had dished out, I made sure to pay close attention. Being an undercover agent for the Central investigative office for several years comes with a lot of experience. 

I am not new to the task, but for some reason, I have an odd feeling about this operation. This is the third week that I  have been rehearsing for the role after the case was brought before my desk, so the execution was never going to be a problem.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and stepped out of the vehicle onto the lawn of Moreno estate. The urge to just stand in awe and admire the beautiful piece of construction was heavy, but I knew I had work to do.

Adjusting my designer dress, I looked up with confidence and walked towards the entrance of the mansion.  No one will ever suspect that I am a top undercover agent because of my look and elegance as well, and this was my biggest card.

As I entered the mansion, my eyes looked across the room, searching for potential exists and also surveillance cameras.

"Remember, stay alert," Adam spoke through my earpiece. 

Suddenly I found my target; Dominic Moreno, the custodian of Moreno's empire. His features were impressive, he was quite taller than I had seen him in photos and his piercing green eyes landed on me.

"Hello, my lady." His voice was deep and his eyes, although still intimidating, were also welcoming as well.

"Lena Grant," I say, extending my hand.

He hesitated, but eventually shook my hand firmly with a smile on his face. 

"Welcome Lena, you are right on time for dinner." He responded. "Allow me to be your host for the dinner, so come with me." I smiled, taking his offer and walking beside him.

My eyes were always scanning every part of the hallway that we walked upon. I noticed the paintings on the wall, a clear indication that he loves art.

When we arrived at the dining table, several members of the Moreno family and their associates were so engrossed in conversations that they seemed not to have noticed our presence.

Dominic sat right next to me and for some reason, his closure made me uncomfortable. I did not like people breaking into my space, but this is what I had signed up for anyway.

As the main course arrived, my phone began to ring beneath the table. I noticed Dominic was distracted by a conversation with a man. I used the opportunity to check to find a notification coming from Adam.

'Moreno's financial record is a major clue that we need for this money laundering operation. Get close to him.'

My eyes moved to Dominic, and he appeared to still be engaged in the intense conversation. 

"..... The Lucchesi family is making serious moves," The man speaking to Dominic tries to be as discreet as possible, but I hear everything he is saying. "We cannot let them enter our territory."

I noticed Dominic's face darkened and he glared at the man. "How many times do I need to inform you that there is time for everything Alessandro? Now is not the time for business, let's eat and discuss later."  I looked away, seeing he stopped the conversation.

My heart was racing with different thoughts, this was more than a family dinner. It will be interesting to see his face when the CIO catches up with him.

While everyone was busy eating their meal, I took time to look at every single one of them. The only person not part of my report is Alessandro, the rest are people I have read about.

Once the main course was over, the dessert was served and I heard Dominic clear his throat beside me.

"So tell me Lena, what brings you to this humble city?" He asks, breaking the abrupt silence at the table.

"I am expanding my event business here in this city, I heard about your family's great philanthropy and it caught my attention." My response has been something I practised before coming to this estate.

“Philanthropy?" I turned to Dominic, as his eyes narrowed mine with suspicion.

Maybe I overplayed that part, my mind raced with other options I could use.

"Don't worry, I was just kidding." He says, breaking the tension between us. "You and I should discuss business over a cup of wine, don't you think?"

"That will be perfect." I smiled back at him, trying to mask the anxiety that nearly took over me. "I would like to use the restroom," I announced and one of the maids came over to my side and helped me out of the table.

“Be careful Emily, Dominic is a man who is quick to find loopholes, you cannot mess this up," Adam spoke through the earpiece this time.

We stepped down the staircase, my heel making noise on the marble floor. The estate is huge and I doubt if we could explore the whole place. 

Dominic stopped by the bar, filling his glass with scotch. While he sipped from his glass, his eyes were fixed on my body.

"I have to say, you look very stunning." He admits, dropping his glass to the table.

"Thank you very much, Dominic, you are also a great host as well," I responded. 

This isn't the first time I get complimented for my looks, it is the card I held to the heart of several criminal minds that we caught in the past.

Dominic offered a glass of wine and for a moment I looked at the cup; I do drink when I am alone, but not around people.

'Ignore your principles and take the damn drink!' Adam yelled through the earpiece, making me grab the drink from him.

"Your family's history of giving out to people has impressed me a lot. I am sure we will be great partners to that effect." I mentioned, sipping from the glass.

"I am sure we will be great partners." He responded, taking a few steps forward. "I cannot help but be charmed by your beauty. It is rare to see your type across the country these days, it almost makes me...." He leaned closer and I knew what he wanted to do, but did not move from the spot.

His lips brushed against mine, but the moment was interrupted by his phone ringing. He chuckled and excused himself to answer the call. 

'This is your chance Emily, go for it!' Adam ordered.

I looked around the rooms,  spotting an open door behind the bar. I looked back to see he was still on the phone and realised this could be my only chance.

Without hesitation, I slipped through the doorway, arriving at an office which I presumed belonged to him.

My eyes landed on several files and documents scattered across his desk, but my eyes spotted a peculiar folder which is labelled "Lucchesi Deal." 

Pulling out my phone, I snapped photos of the document and right when I finished, placed them back neatly.

"What are you doing in my office?" I froze, hearing Dominic's voice echoed through the doorway.