Jaiden reclined in his seat. He handed them three ear pieces, round compact.
"We'll communicate using these," Jaiden explained. "It's a secure channel. Not even the FBI can access it."
"Jaiden, what's the purpose of this mission?" Ciema asked, inserting the device in her ear.
"To prove to everyone that I'm alive," he answered grimly.
"So a nothing burger?" Laila frowned.
"No," Jaiden replied, fixing a purple top hat to his head. "Aleen Leon will be present."
"What?" Jada breathed. "Why?"
"She's Hexcorp's patron," Jaiden frowned.
"My God," Laila groaned. "Is there anyone in this party that isn't involved with a criminal?"
Jaiden's deadpan stare said a million words.
"Oh..." Laila grinned.
_______
Out on the Hexcorp stairs, Maya Natsume tugged at her short brown skirt. She clenched her mic tightly in her right hand.
Her dress, a medium thin string halter neck, glimmered brightly. Her blonde hair with brown roots was styled in an elegant French Twist.
"Maya," Wyatt, her loyal cameraman, whined. He wore a simple black tuxedo. "Do we have to be outside? Why can't we join the other rich people? You know, inside the building."
"Jaiden Maximoff is coming," Maya said, turning to him. "And I refuse to miss it."
"Such a shame," Cornelia's voice purred.
The elderly woman, around eighty-five, descended the steps. A white shawl hooked on her elbows. Her gold maxi dress, an off shoulder with long sleeves and sheer overlay, sparkled like diamonds.
Her chandelier earrings shimmered. Her white hair, voluminous despite her age, was worn in a Fishtail braid that hung on her left shoulder. Her lips were pink, lathered in glitter.
She held a glass of champagne in her right hand, delicately taking a sip.
"Cornelia De France," Maya said, crossing her arms. "Drowning away your sorrows already?"
"Of course not, honey," Cornelia smirked. "I'm getting a head start on Jaiden. You know how he loves the bottle."
"Do I, Cornelia," Maya said, frowning. "It was the reason we broke up."
"To be honest, he could do better," Cornelia snidely replied.
Maya glared at the older woman.
"Nice dress," Wyatt spoke hurriedly.
"Thank you, dear boy," Cornelia smiled, patting his face. "You're so cute."
She tugged on his cheek while Maya slowly turned around, her eyes searching for Jaiden.
Bowman lingered inside the Gala, tapping her heel impatiently. On another street, a black van was parked.
"He has to make an appearance," she murmured. She pressed her ear piece, "Anything yet?"
"Why can't we arrest him?" Agent Woodson complained. "This seems like a waste of manpower."
"I'll waste it to catch him," she gritted out. "My father did arrest him once. Unfortunately, he walked out with a slap on the wrist and a warning. There was no punishment."
She began to pace to and fro. "To put Mr. Maximoff for good, I need evidence. Not a hunch."
An agent spotted a black limo pulling in front of Hexcorp. "He's here."
Bowman froze. A smug smile tugged at her lips. "Finally."
Jaiden emerged from the limo, greeted by a camera flash. "Mr. Maximoff," Maya spoke up. "There've been rumors you've started the Amazon Initiative, Is that true?"
"夏目さん," Jaiden greeted flatly. "こんにちは.Is this the only way to contact you."
Maya smiled, hiding her annoyance. "ジェイデン君. You're still a smug, uncaring asshole."
"It's part of my charm," he said, turning to offer a hand to Ciema. Ciema took it and was hoisted to her feet.
"And who's this?" She asked, as Laila and Jada exited the limo.
"Your replacement," Jaiden whispered smugly. He pushed past, dragging Ciema behind him.
Maya turned, her teeth gritted angrily. Wyatt snapped a few shot, smirking behind the lens.
Jada blew a kiss Maya's way, irritating the reporter even more.
"Jaiden!" Cornelia called, arms outstretched. Jaiden curtly nodded her way.
"Who's that?" Ciema whispered to Jaiden.
"An associate," Jaiden replied. "She was a close friend of my father. She's been trying to change my bachelor status to married for years"
"You look well," she smiled. "And healthy, that's good."
She pointed at Ciema. "You brought a lady friend? How terrible! I wanted you to meet my grand niece and grand-daughter."
"I'll meet them inside," Jaiden said. "They're inside, right?"
"Yes, yes," she said, offering her wrinkled hand.
Jaiden took it, pressing his lips to her soft skin. Cornelia smiled at the action.
"I'm happy you came out today," she added. "Such a young man you've become. Your father would be proud."
"Cornelia," he began, straightening. "I'm thirty-seven. I'm far from young."
"Nonsense," Cornelia laughed. "Come, come. I must introduce you to them."
Jaiden followed her up the stairs, into the thriving building.
_______
The bright lights and soft classical music reminded Ciema why she hated public gatherings.
There were so many people!
The room was massive. Silver streamers hung on the ceiling. There was a bar in the corner where others gathered. On the far right were numerous dining tables that dotted the floor. A towering stage loomed before the tables.
Cornelia beckoned two women to hurry to her. Abandoning the men they were speaking to, they rushed over to her.
"Jaiden," Cornelia turned, smiling. "This is Ophelia and Olivia."
Jaiden nodded at them. "Hello."
"Wow," Ophelia grinned, twirling her hair before letting it fall. "You really are British. I love the accent."
"Thank you," he replied politely. "Did you assume I wasn't?"
"Jaiden," Cornelia hissed. "Don't be like that."
He clenched a fist.
"With all due respect, Cornelia," he turned, smiling sweetly. "I don't need your help in finding a partner."
"I'm not trying to replace Thea," Cornelia groaned, taking another sip. "I hate seeing you alone. With no one at your side."
"I don't need anyone at my side!" Jaiden snapped. "Not even you!"
Cornelia, mouth open, stared at him.
Ciema glanced at him, stunned. Ophelia and Olivia's smiles faded.
"Grandma?" Olivia whispered.
Jaiden, his jaw clenched tight, marched off with Ciema in tow. Cornelia wiped her eyes, fighting back tears.
"He didn't mean it, my darlings," she smiled sweetly at the girls. "He clearly hasn't had anything to drink. I'll get him a glass."
She quickly turned on her heels, heading off into the distance.
Jada and Laila turned, realizing they were ahead of Jaiden.
"Whoever Thea is," Ciema wondered. "He gets agitated when he hears her name. Either she divorced him or she died. I'm suspecting it's the latter."
Jaiden pulled away from Ciema's grasp.
"Amazons," he said, pressing his ear piece. "Divide and conquer. You see Aleen Leon, you take her down."
"Roger that, Boss," Jada smiled, finger pressing hers.
"Very good Jada," Jaiden replied. "Codenames from now on. Go."
"I hear you," Laila replied. "Penthesilea, copy?"
"I copy, Hippolyta," Jada answered. "You copy, Antiope?"
"I copy," Ciema said, glancing at Jaiden. She lowered her hand. "Remember. One glass only."
"I will," Jaiden smiled. "Now excuse me as I work the Maximoff charm."
Ciema watched as Jaiden headed into a milling crowd. Ciema turned, her steps taking her into unknown territory.
_________
Jaiden, glancing around, smiled at the sight of Henry Hexington. Blonde hair paired with blue eyes. He wore a green suit with a pink tie.
"Jaiden," Henry grinned.
"Henry," Jaiden said, adjusting his top hat.
"I didn't think you'd make it," Henry laughed. "Considering you've adopted the hermit lifestyle."
"Well I've decided to stretch my legs," Jaiden replied.
"Don't hurt yourself while doing it," Henry joked.
Jaiden nodded, his smile fading. "Are you aware one of your employees are missing?"
"Jeez, Jaiden," Henry winked. "News travels. That is all a misunderstanding."
"Did Aleen tell you those words?" Jaiden glared.
"Like I said, rumors. Aleen has never funded my company," Henry assured him. "Of course, there are rumors about you. That you started a secret spy service. Like me, it's all talk. Not remotely true."
Jaiden smiled, chuckling lightly. "Yes, not remotely true."
Suddenly, a woman snagged Jaiden's arm. Jaiden glanced to be met with fiery eyes.
"Special Agent Bowman," he thought. "Just like her father: a pest."
"Jaiden Maximoff," she purred. "A moment?"
Excusing himself, Jaiden was hoisted away by Bowman.
"Here to arrest me?" He asked, smirking.
"You read my mind," she gasped sarcastically. "I'm just here to warn that if you're doing a mission, you will be detained."
Jaiden's gaze wandered to the front door.
In walked Aleen Leon, her white hair fashioned into a braided crown. Her pink dress: a satin strapless drop waist dress. Opera length gloves clutched her purse.
She waved at passer-byes, smiling cheerfully.
A smile tugged at Jaiden's lips.
Finally.
"Excuse me, Bowman," Jaiden said, pulling free. "We'll talk later."
"Jaiden, get back here!" She hissed. Jaiden advanced towards Aleen, ignoring her,
"Amazons," he said, pressing his ear piece. "I've got eyes on Aleen. I repeat, I got eyes on Aleen."
"Jaiden!" Cornelia said, stepping into his path
Jaiden halted, hiding his annoyance.
"I got you a Bloody Mary," She cooed, raising the drink to him.
"Cornelia," he said, his voice tight. "This is not a good time..."
"Really?" She frowned, lowering the glass. "When is it a good time? You're all alone in that house of yours. No one visits you. I finally see you after all this time, and you're focused and distant. Where's the Jaiden I know?"
Jaiden groaned, snatching the drink out of her hand. "I promised a friend one drink."
"One drink?" Cornelia laughed. "What's wrong? Your liver's inflamed?"
"No, Cornelia," Jaiden grimaced as he took a sip.
"Jaiden? Jaiden!" Ciema called. The sudden applause from the crowd silenced her concerned cries.
"Please miss," an usher urged. "Please be seated, it's about to begin."
"What? Wait a minute," Ciema protested as she was guided to a table.
Jada and Laila sat down at a table then were joined by a mysterious man and woman.
The man was bald, had a jagged scar on his right eye, rendering it blind. He wore a black suit. Several rings dotted his fingers.
His lady friend wore a yellow midi tube dress, her straight black hair were braided with a ribbon entwine.
Both were Asian, namely Chinese.
Jada and Laila exchanged concerned looks.
"Hi," Jada waved.
The woman merely smiled. "哈囉."
"Ooh! Cantonese! Um... 你叫咩名?" Jada asked.
" 陳秋月, " she said.
" 聽落好正 ," Jada smiled. Qiu Yue nodded. Laila mirrored Jada's smile, her gaze locked on the scarred man.
"Uh...What about this guy?" Laila asked.
"黃永強," he replied.
" 好高興認識你 ," Jada nodded.
Qiu Yue smiled.
Henry walked on stage, clearing his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen. I welcome to the 40th Annual Hexcorp Charity Gala."
Applauses echoed the quiet halls.
"I thank you for coming," he smiled. "Especially Jaiden Maximoff. He's probably off drowning in the bar. A great man he was. Well, we'll find him in the pond."
Laughter erupted. Ciema bowed her head, clenching her fists tightly.
Jaiden, finishing the Blood Mary, glared at the comment. His pulse increased.
"Forget him," Cornelia slapped his arm. "I'll get you another drink."
Jaiden didn't even acknowledge she had left his side.
"Enough about Jaiden," he smiled. "How about our dinner? The food is to your left and your right."
People rose, picking up their plates.
"Should we go?" Jada whispered, eyeing the pair.
Laila nodded vehemently and the two rose to their feet. Qiu Yue and Yongqiang turned to each other before rising.
Jaiden grimaced as Cornelia handed him another glass.
"No," he said politely. "Only one."
"Please Jaiden," she begged.
Jaiden let out a relenting sigh. Taking the glass, he gingerly takes a sip.
"I'll get you another one, darling," Cornelia cooed, heading towards the bar.
______
Ciema, looking around, glanced over to Aleen Leon. She sat alone at her table, drinking a glass of water.
Ciema rose, and approached the woman calmly. Sitting down, she smiled.
Aleen watched her cautiously.
"Hello. Are you Aleen Leon?" She asked.
Aleen smiled, setting it down. "Of course. Why do you ask?"
"I'm curious, that's all," Ciema answered.
"Interesting..." Aleen said. "What's your name?"
"Katie Harrison," Ciema answered. "They call me Sugar."
"Well, Sugar," Aleen leaned in her chair. "What do you want to know?"
"Why are you here?" Ciema asked gingerly.
Aleen's eyes found Jaiden. Her gloved finger was jabbed in his direction. "See that man?"
Ciema turned, staring at her boss. Then turned to Aleen. "Yes?"
"I'm going to kill him," Aleen admitted.
Ciema's smile fell. The tightness in her throat making it hard to swallow.
"With his vice," Aleen chuckled.
Ciema nodded carefully. "That's terrible."
"Yes, it is," Aleen answered, taking another sip.
"Hurry up, Ted," Cornelia cooed.
Ted smiled as he filled up the glass. He dropped two pills, that began to dissolve. Then decorated it with a lemon. He slid the drink over to the waiting woman.
"Tell Mr. Maximoff, I said enjoy," Ted grinned.
Cornelia blew a kiss as she took the glass.
Ciema got up, excusing herself, "I have to go."
"Oh, of course," Aleen said. "But you won't be able to save him, Katie."
Ciema bowed. "I won't get in your way."
She turned, pressing her ear piece. "Hippolyta. Penthesilea. I'm heading to foil a murder plot. You cover me."
At the catering table, Jada and Laila froze.
"What?" Laila said, her tone worried.
"No time," Ciema said, tearing the fabric to grab her gun.
Jada glimpses behind them, spotting the pair from the table.
"Behind you," Jada whispered.
Yongqiang produced a knife. He advanced towards them.
Laila flipped the plate in her hand. "Divide and conquer," she replied.
Jada slipped out of the line, heading towards the bathroom
Qiu Yue, spotting her, exited the line to follow.
As he raised his knife, Laila spun around. "Bring it on mother—"
She smashed the plate on his face, evoking cries from the shocked crowd.
Ciema pulled out her gun, leveling the barrel at Jaiden. It then flickered to the glass.
Cornelia handed him the glass, her face out of shooting range.
Jaiden rose it to his lips.
Ciema pulled the trigger.
Bang!