Coraline had intended to be on patrol as the Vulpes tonight, not picking out a dress for what promised to be a dreadful evening hobnobbing with the sorts of people her mother would have adored. She was more her father’s daughter when it came to the company she preferred to keep. Her father’s side of the family were self-made—new money, as some snobs would sneer. Her grandfather had always kept her father, uncles, and aunts grounded, despite their comfortable wealth. Her mother, though, was another story entirely: old money, a socialite from a West Coast family that had struck it big during Canada’s gold rush.

Her mother had been a natural at charity galas, effortlessly charming and commanding attention. Coraline, by contrast, had to summon every ounce of patience to endure these events. She would much rather spend the night with a small group of friends or lost in a personal project than play the role of a wealthy heiress in public. But her grandfather had also taught her that being a master thief meant using everything at her disposal. That included the ability to move seamlessly through social circles with political and monetary power—a skill she was reluctantly putting to use tonight.

She adjusted her red dress in front of the mirror, ensuring every detail was flawless. The deep crimson fabric hugged her frame elegantly, the neckline striking just the right balance between bold and tasteful. Her makeup was impeccable, understated but enough to make an impression. Her auburn hair was swept into a sleek updo, showcasing her sharp features.

With a final once-over, Coraline sighed. Show them what they expect to see, she told herself. It was one of her grandfather’s lessons. The wealthy and powerful had their own version of a poker face—an unflappable confidence that could disarm even the most shrewd adversaries. Tonight, Coraline would play her part, not just for appearances, but because she had a job to do.

The gala, hosted by Martha Vanhorn, was a cornerstone of the city’s high-society calendar. It was the perfect setting to rub elbows with politicians, philanthropists, and the type of corporate elites who liked to think their money gave them power over everything. Among the attendees would be Jason Wright, the heir to Wright International and, hopefully, someone who could help her decipher the strange Psi-Tech devices she and John had discovered. But getting close to him in a room full of social sharks was going to be a challenge.

Coraline slipped into her heels, each step testing her balance and patience. She grabbed her clutch, double-checking that her phone, lipstick, and a compact camera for any on-the-fly evidence gathering were all inside. Her grandfather’s voice echoed in her mind: Adaptability is key. Never let them know your true game until it’s too late.

With one last look in the mirror, she smirked at her reflection. “All right, let’s go play the part,” she muttered, heading out into the night.

The venue for the gala was a sprawling estate on the edge of the city, its grand ballroom glittering with chandeliers and filled with Toronto’s elite. Coraline’s arrival was met with polite nods and smiles from familiar faces, the kind of acknowledgment that came with being a Penrose. She returned the gestures with practiced ease, every inch the poised and confident socialite.

The evening would be long, no doubt filled with empty pleasantries and feigned interest, but Coraline wasn’t here for the canapés or the conversation. Somewhere in this sea of wealth and influence, she would find Jason Wright—and with any luck, answers.

Coraline busied herself with small talk that felt as empty and shallow as the crystal champagne flute she plucked from a passing waiter’s tray. The bubbly drink sparkled under the light of the chandeliers, but she had no intention of doing more than nursing it throughout the evening. It was all about the illusion—appearing to participate without losing focus. The laughter and polished conversations around her blended into a dull hum, the kind of atmosphere she’d endured countless times growing up.

This gala, like so many others, was exactly what she had expected: lavish, ostentatious, and entirely disconnected from the real world. Yet, as much as Coraline wanted to roll her eyes at the pomp and pretense, she couldn’t bring herself to hate the event entirely. After all, if it hadn’t been for one such gathering years ago, she might never have met one of her dearest friends—the evening’s host, Martha Vanhorn.

If Coraline’s mother’s family was considered old money, the Vanhorns were practically aristocracy. Descended from some of the earliest Dutch settlers in Ontario, the Vanhorns had staked their claim in the Niagara region long before the idea of Canadian wealth had even solidified. Their beginnings as winemakers had blossomed into an agricultural empire that touched nearly every corner of Ontario’s business world. Vanhorn Wines remained their crown jewel, but their influence extended far beyond vineyards. It was often joked—though with more than a hint of truth—that a Vanhorn dollar could buy an entire block of Toronto without anyone noticing.

Coraline couldn’t help but admire Martha, though. Despite the staggering wealth and power her family wielded, Martha had always carried herself with a disarming charm and a genuine kindness that was rare in these circles. The Vanhorn heir had a way of making anyone feel seen and valued, whether they were a fellow socialite or a waiter passing out hors d’oeuvres. It was a skill Coraline envied and respected, even if she could never fully emulate it.

As Coraline navigated the room, she exchanged pleasantries with familiar faces, flashing polite smiles and deflecting the more probing questions with practiced ease. Her thoughts, however, remained fixed on the task at hand. Somewhere in this glittering ballroom, Jason Wright was mingling, and she needed to find him. But she also knew that to approach him too quickly might raise eyebrows. Patience was key, as her grandfather would have reminded her.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Martha in conversation with a small group near the grand staircase. The Vanhorn heiress was, as always, the picture of effortless elegance in a flowing dark purple gown that complemented her black hair. Coraline decided that greeting Martha would be a reprieve from talking to people with personalities as dry as burnt toast and if anyone knew where Jason Wright was it would be the stunning hostess. 

Gliding through the crowd, Coraline navigated the sea of eager networkers with grace and the kind of skill she was loath to admit she had perfected in this environment. With practiced ease, she sidestepped attempts to hook her into dull conversations, making a near B-line for Martha. The heiress was busy playing the role of the perfect, demure, and mindful lady, charming her audience with just the right blend of wit and humility.

Coraline almost smiled at the act. She had known Martha since they were children, and this wasn’t the real Martha—this was the mask her parents demanded she wear for occasions like this. Beneath the flawless makeup and practiced poise was a woman who lived for the thrill of adventure, who wanted to feel the wind on her skin as she hiked uncharted trails, climbed perilous rock faces, and dove headlong into whatever daring challenge caught her fancy.

That was the Martha who was Coraline’s best friend, her partner in crime in every way that mattered. The woman who had once dared Coraline to sneak out of a gala to race bikes through the city streets at midnight, the woman who never hesitated to dive into the unknown with a wicked grin. But tonight, as always, that side of Martha was hidden—kept a secret from the watchful eyes of her family and their expectations. Just as Coraline’s own double life as the Vulpes remained hidden from everyone in this room.

“Cora!” Martha exclaimed warmly as Coraline approached, her regal demeanor slipping just enough to reveal the genuine delight in her voice. She excused herself from the group with a few polite words and turned to greet her friend. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.”

Coraline smiled, leaning in for a quick hug. “I wouldn’t miss it, though you know this isn’t exactly my scene.”

“Not your scene? I thought you thrived on navigating a room full of insufferable egos,” Martha teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Only when I have to,” Coraline replied dryly. Her gaze flicked toward the room at large. “Speaking of insufferable egos, have you seen Jason yet?”

Martha raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Ah, the real reason you’re here. He’s around somewhere, probably charming someone’s grandmother or arguing quantum physics over champagne.”

Coraline chuckled. “Sounds about right. Do you know where I can find him?”

Martha tilted her head in thought. “Last I saw, he was near the gallery, talking to some of the tech crowd. You might catch him there if he hasn’t wandered off yet.”

“Thanks,” Coraline said, taking a small sip of her champagne. “And hey, if you want to ditch this crowd for a while, you know where to find me.”

Martha’s smile softened, a flicker of longing crossing her face before she masked it with practiced ease. “Don’t tempt me. If I disappear for too long, my parents will have half the board searching for me.”

Coraline gave her a knowing look but didn’t press. “Catch you later, then.”

As she made her way toward the gallery, Coraline’s thoughts lingered on her friend. Martha’s secret yearning for freedom was as palpable as the weight of Coraline’s own hidden life. In a room full of people playing roles, they were perhaps the only ones who truly understood what it meant to wear a mask.

Jason Wright was, by any measure, someone who consistently exceeded expectations. Young, handsome, charming, and insufferably intelligent, he had a knack for turning heads and commanding attention wherever he went. As the son of the CEO of the world’s largest tech-based megacorp, Wright International, he was born into a legacy of innovation and influence. But Jason was more than just a name—he was a recognized super genius in the fields of medical cybernetics and the applications of nanosciences, carving out a reputation that stood on its own merits.

Coraline had known Jason for years; it was impossible not to, given the circles they both moved in. In Ontario, any party or event that drew the rich and powerful invariably included the Wrights. And Jason, with his boundless energy and eccentric quirks, had always stood out. Perhaps it was his family’s down-to-earth, hard-nosed work ethic, or perhaps it was simply that people with minds like his didn’t see the world in the same way as everyone else. Either way, Jason was undeniably memorable.

He was also, much to Coraline’s chagrin, someone her and Alice’s friends had spent years trying to matchmake with one of them. Jason was the kind of guy who ticked all the right boxes: kind-hearted, socially conscious, and dedicated to using his genius for good. Stories about him personally repairing broken toys to donate to children during the holidays weren’t rare—they were just who he was.

Of course, Jason wasn’t without his flaws. His brilliance often bordered on arrogance, and he had a habit of assuming he was the smartest person in the room—which, Coraline grudgingly admitted, was often true. But for all his quirks and occasional overconfidence, Jason was likable to a frustrating degree. Even Coraline, who wasn’t easily impressed by wealth or intellect, couldn’t deny that he was, at his core, a good man.

He wasn’t really her type or Martha’s, for that matter, but that didn’t stop him from being the kind of person who could make anyone feel at ease. His charm was genuine, his laugh infectious, and his determination to help others unwavering. Coraline often wondered if that was why he stood out so much—because, in a world where so many were self-serving, Jason was unabashedly sincere in his desire to make a difference.

It was exactly that quality that had brought her here tonight. If there was anyone who could help her make sense of the strange tech she’d discovered, it was Jason Wright. As much as she hated to admit it, he was precisely the kind of genius she needed right now.

Coraline approached as Jason yammered on about the latest advancements in affordable cybernetics and Wrights Internationals Goal to see Canada have the first public healthcare system to offer fully functional cybernetic replacement limbs by two thousand twenty. Coraline waited for him to finish, she knew Jason well enough that if he didn't finish a tangent he might explode from pent up genius energy or something. When an opportunity for her to slip a word in edgewise finally came up she moved with the precision and grace of a pouncing fox and from Jason's blind spot ambushed him.

“Who let the nerd in?” She quipped loud enough to get Jasons attention.

Jason spun around at the sound of Coraline’s voice, his expression shifting from confusion to delight in an instant. “Coraline Penrose! Who let you in? I thought this event was for respectable members of society.”

Coraline smirked, folding her arms as she leaned slightly into his space. “Guess they lowered the bar for entry this year”

Jason grinned, the easy banter lighting up his face. “Touché. But for the record, I’m here on official business—looking for investors in the company's next big project. What’s your excuse?”

“Oh, you know,” Coraline said, waving a hand nonchalantly. “Mingling with the elite, looking fabulous, maybe saving the world a little myself. The usual.”

Jason chuckled. “Glad to see your sense of humility hasn’t changed. So, what brings you to this particular party? Don’t tell me you’re here for the speeches.”

“Hardly,” Coraline replied, her voice dropping slightly as she leaned in. “Actually, I was hoping to have a word with you in private. Got a moment to step away from your adoring public?”

Jason’s eyebrows raised slightly, curiosity piqued. “Intriguing. I can spare a moment for one of my favorite people. Lead the way.”

Coraline guided him toward a quieter corner of the venue, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. Once they were out of earshot of the main event, she turned to him, her playful demeanor giving way to something more serious.

“All right, Jason,” she said, her tone dropping into the no-nonsense territory she reserved for important matters. “I’ve got something I need you to take a look at. And before you ask, no, it’s not just me being nosy.”

Jason crossed his arms, leaning against the wall with an amused glint in his eyes. “You’ve got my attention. What’s so important that it dragged you into this crowd?”

Coraline reached into her bag and produced the foam case, setting it down on a nearby table and unlocking it with a deliberate click. She opened the lid to reveal the strange headset and control box inside.

Jason’s expression shifted immediately. The lighthearted charm was replaced with the sharp focus of a man who lived and breathed cutting-edge technology. “What is this?” he murmured, reaching out to examine the device but stopping short, as if afraid to touch it without understanding what it was.

“That’s what I was hoping you could tell me,” Coraline said, crossing her arms again. “It’s...well, let’s just say it’s not something you’d pick up at the local electronics store. I need to know what it does and where it might’ve come from.”

Jason frowned, his fingers hovering over the device as he examined the crystalline components. “This is...incredible. But it’s also dangerous. Where did you get it?”

“That’s classified,” Coraline replied smoothly. “What matters is that I need answers, and I need them fast. Think you can help?”

Jason frowned, his fingers hovering over the device as he examined the crystalline components with the precision of a jeweler appraising a diamond.

“This is...incredible. But it’s also dangerous. Where did you get it?”

“That’s classified. Legal matters,” Coraline replied smoothly, folding her arms as she watched him work. “And I hate to stroke your ego, but you’re the one of the few people I know smart enough to tell me what it is. So, as an under-the-table favor to an old friend, think you can help me out?”

Jason grinned faintly, his curiosity overcoming his initial caution. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Penrose.” He flipped the headset over, examining every angle and tool mark with a discerning eye. “It’s definitely Psi-Tech. But it’s a lot smaller and more compact than the stuff typically used in suppression rigs and field generators. Whoever made this knows their craft. It’s elegant in design, almost artful.”

He paused, tapping the edge of the control box thoughtfully. “The hallmark of Macentyre Systems is all over it, though. I’d bet my lab this came out of one of their facilities.”

Coraline’s expression tightened, but she didn’t interrupt as Jason continued his assessment.

“I can also tell you this is beyond my depth and expertise,” he admitted, carefully placing the headset back into the foam case.

Coraline’s frown deepened. “You? Out of your depth? That’s a first.”

Jason raised a finger, his grin returning with a touch of dramatic flair. “However, you came to the wrong super genius. There’s someone far better suited to unraveling this particular mystery.”

Coraline tilted her head, a name already forming in her mind. “Alice?”

Jason nodded, tapping the tip of his nose. “Exactly. This is her wheelhouse. Psi-Tech—integrating technology with psionic resonance—that was what her big thesis was about back in college. This device practically screams Alice Little. If anyone can tell you exactly what this is, it’s her.”

Coraline let out a slow breath, nodding. “You think this could’ve been stolen from her?”

Jason’s jaw tightened. “If someone’s using Psi-Tech like this, it’s a strong possibility. And if that’s the case, I hope you throw every patent law, legal precedent, and corporate regulation at them so hard they don’t know what hit them.”

Coraline smirked, her confidence returning. “That’s the plan. Thanks, Jason.”

He leaned back, watching as she closed the foam case. “Be careful with this, Coraline. And let Alice know if you need to—she’ll want to be in the loop on this. Trust me.”

“I’ll handle it,” Coraline said, tucking the case under her arm. “I know Alice will appreciate your help.”

“I’ll handle it,” Coraline said, tucking the case under her arm. “I know Alice will appreciate your help.”

Jason nodded, his expression shifting from his usual confident demeanor to something softer, more somber. “You know I’d do anything for Alice.”

Coraline paused for a moment, her sharp instincts picking up on the weight behind his words. She’d known Jason long enough to understand what he wasn’t saying. Jason Wright, for all his bravado and genius, had always carried a quiet, unspoken admiration for Alice Little—an admiration that went far deeper than mere respect for her intellect.

The corners of Coraline’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile, though she chose her words carefully. “She’s lucky to have you, Jason. You’ve been one of her biggest supporters since college.”

Jason glanced away, his hands finding the pockets of his jacket as his shoulders tensed ever so slightly. “Yeah, well, Alice has always been...special. She doesn’t even realize how incredible she is. That’s what makes her...”

He trailed off, the words hanging in the air between them. Coraline resisted the urge to fill the silence, instead letting it settle. She’d always admired Jason’s brilliance, but moments like these reminded her that even the brightest minds carried their own vulnerabilities.

“I know,” Coraline said softly, breaking the silence with a tone that was both understanding and reassuring. “Alice doesn’t have many friends, but you’ll always be one of the most important to her.”

Jason’s lips quirked into a faint, bittersweet smile. “Thanks, Coraline. That means a lot.”

She nodded, her gaze steady. “You’re a good man, Jason. And for what it’s worth, I think Alice knows how much you care. Even if she’s too shy to say it outright.”

Jason chuckled softly, though the sound carried a trace of sadness. “Maybe. But she’s happy, and that’s what matters, right?”

Coraline gave him a supportive smile. “Yeah. That’s what matters.”

As she turned to leave, Coraline couldn’t help but reflect on the unspoken feelings lingering between her two brilliant friends. Jason Wright, the man who could change the world with his inventions, was helpless in the face of his own heart. And Alice Little, who could unravel the mysteries of the universe, remained blind to the quiet devotion of someone who saw her as more than the shy, brilliant woman she thought herself to be.

Coraline tightened her grip on the foam case as she walked away. There was a bittersweet beauty in it all, but tonight wasn’t the time for meddling. She had a mission to complete and a mystery to solve. Still, as she stepped into the bustling crowd, she couldn’t help but think: If only they’d been brave enough to say to each other what everyone else already knew.