Solace pulled up to the gates of Senator Moore's house. Her palms were sweating on the wheel, and suddenly, there wasn't enough air in the car to feed her lungs.

It wasn't like she was about to smuggle drugs across the border. Yet, it felt that way with the scandalous photographs in a manila envelope sitting in the passenger seat.

A day after their exhausting stalking fiasco, she had spent eight hours at the internship doing the usual. All the memories of breaking in had flashed in her eyes, and she couldn't help but smile when she peered through Moore's office. Where the Servus Autem Fortuna once hung was now a basic painting of a sunset. He replaced a 100 million dollar painting with something that resembled a dollar store purchase.

The senator had left early to help his wife, Collette, plan the New Year's Eve party. Solace was sure he had no interest in discussing the four-course meal or what centerpiece would best suit their theme, but he would do just about anything to avoid his actual job. But Collette took her event planning seriously with everything from the silver cutlery to the hors d'oeuvre's. Solace had even heard that last year, she hired a ballet company to perform the Nutcracker. The rich did not come to play when it involved polishing their appearances and accentuating their wealth in society.

With the mansion they lived in, there was no need. From her position behind the licorice-black gates and stone walls that surrounded the estate, she was already in awe.

"Can I help you?" demanded a voice from the intercom when she pressed the button.

She ignored the callous tone of the man. She leaned out of the window and spoke with conviction. "Hi, I'm Solace Laurent, an intern for Senator Moore. I have some important work to drop off."

"Does Mr. Moore know you're stopping by?" demanded the man.

"No, but it's important. Can you let him know I'm here, please?" she asked politely, smiling through gritted teeth because she knew she was being watched right now.

It was quiet through the intercom, her fingers tapping the steering wheel in anxious beats. If the gates didn't open, she would drive through them. Okay, that was an overstatement. She would do no such things. Solace simply lacked the spunk to do such a thing, but a girl could dream.

There was static projected from the machine until the gates squeaked open. "Follow the pathway to the house. Elmas will meet you out front."

She muttered a quick thank you and drove forward. A small gasp left her lips as she gawked at her surroundings. The estate was bathed in snow, but she had no doubt that during the spring, the grass was so lush, it almost looked fake. A koi pond was frozen with scrapes and grazes as if it was used as a skating rink. The mansion itself was made of opulent stonework, rounded vinyl windows, and accented balconies. It spread out for what seemed like acres. Two sets of marble staircases curved towards the thick cedar doors.

A woman in a grey dress and apron waited patiently with her hands behind her back along with a man in a security uniform. Solace assumed the woman was Elmas as she parked the car. She seized the envelope and stepped out. The guard eyed her carefully, and she forced herself to meet his gaze confidently. She wasn't doing anything wrong.

"Please follow me, Ms. Laurent. Mr. Moore is in the sitting room," said Elmas kindly as she began walking up the stairs speedily.

Solace nodded and trailed behind her, sparing one glance at the car. The guard peeked in the back seat, and it seemed he was satisfied when he stepped back and stalked off to the gardens. The worse of the plan was over, and she exhaled in relief. Now that her worries decreased a notch, she allowed herself to take in the beauty of the mansion.

She felt small amid such elegance. A brass lion door handle hung in glory as they entered the house. The inside was even prettier as Elmas led her past the grand foyer with an aurous statue as the centerpiece that glittered from the light peering through the glass dome. Shades of blue and gold were painted around the ceiling, depicting the ethereal heavens. As an artist, she gawked at the brushwork and the celestial feeling it elicited.

But her mind caught her distracting thoughts, and she reminded herself to keep an eye out for the painting, but it was nowhere to be seen. She would have to ask Elmas to show her later as a cacophony of voices was perceptible when the sitting room came into view. A man with a bun displayed a seating chart on the flat-screen television as he moved names around on his tablet. Collette with her elegant bob and pantsuit sipped on a cup of tea as she ordered the event planner to switch a guest's seat to the very back because she didn't like looking at his face. Moore, on the other hand, took no interest as he scrolled through his phone.

He looked up at the patter of footsteps. Solace glanced at Elmas, but she merely nodded and scampered off. She swallowed her nerves and spoke. "Hi, Senator Moore. I apologize for disturbing you at home, but I have something of interest for you."

Moore raised a brow disbelievingly. "And what might that be?"

Solace now had the attention of the event planner and Collette on her. They had curiosity etched on their face as to why a random girl that wasn't wearing designer was doing in their house. She offered them a polite smile and handed the senator the envelope.

His curiosity only piqued as he pulled out a picture with his slender finger. Immediately, he slipped it back inside, away from straying eyes, and stood up. A smirk curled at his lips. "Let's go talk in the study." Moore turned to his wife and promised, "I'll be back in a few minutes. I have some things to discuss with my hard-working intern."

Collette waved absentmindedly, her attention drawn back to the chart. "Don't take too long, Samuel. We must discuss where to seat the Gates. I want to keep him far away from the Bamford's and their sniveling children."

"How about we place them in the center, near the performers and the bar?" suggested the event planner.

Their conversation died out as Moore led her through the sparkling hallway that looked as if it was scrubbed down daily. She could almost see her reflection. Neither of them said a word as they entered his home office that was similar to his work one: a chestnut desk, expensive computer, a row of bookshelves, and an embroidered carpet to add a pop of colour.

Moore leaned against his desk, slipping out the pictures and inspecting them closely. She stiffly stood there like she always did, but this time around, Solace had photographs of a politician doing unbecoming things with his hands and mouth. Her cheeks burned at the thoughts that must be going through the senator's mind as he went through each photo. He must think I'm a total creep.

"How did you get these?" asked Moore amusedly.

She cleared her throat, fighting the embarrassing heat the flooded her skin. "I was at a friend's house who lives in the Lighthouse apartment complex across Oxford. We were on the balcony when I saw that," explained Solace, her voice quiet and meek.

He tilted his head and chuckled. "And you decided to take photographs of them? I'm not one to shame others for what they do in their free time, but it is a tad odd."

His indication was gasoline to the flames that licked at her cheeks and neck. Now, her boss thought she was a nutcase with a fascination of taking pictures of people as they got down and dirty. Kill me now.

"I knew they would come into use, especially for the re-election. Harrison Davis is well-liked and popular with voters, but not even he can bounce back from infidelity. You, on the other hand, have the perfect family with loving children." With each word, her confidence grew, and Moore's smile brightened.

He laughed his rich laugh as he shook the pictures in his hand happily. She joined him with an awkward chuckle. "I have to say, Ms. Laurent. I am very impressed."

Solace's lips tugged up in a relieved smile.

"Your determination and enthusiasm shows me how loyal you are to my team. And for that, I am lucky to have you," he complimented as the idea of destroying his enemy fed his hunger.

"Thank you for the kind words, Senator Moore."

He heaved out a large sigh, giddy off the upcoming destruction. "Ms. Laurent, as you know, I believe in rewarding my employees." Now, that was true. That was exactly what Sage and she were betting on. "Tell me, how can I show my appreciation?"

Solace pretended to ponder the question. "I know interns aren't invited to your New Year's Eve party, but I would be honored if I could attend," she said, her words dripping with fake sincerity.

Moore's brows rose. "That's it? You would like to come to my party?"

She nodded excitedly. "I have heard wonderful things about it. It would be a dream come true." Her teeth were going to hurt with all the sweetness pouring out of her mouth. Ass kissing had become a skill under her belt with all the arrogant personalities she worked with. Watching Wyatt and Miles gave her some good material.

"Done. I believe I have an extra invitation somewhere," he murmured as he searched his desk to pull out an emerald green envelope with gold accents. Solace grabbed it eagerly. "However, I can't give you a plus one," Moore said firmly. "I'm already breaking the rules by doing this for you."

Solace hid her frown. She was rooting for the plus one to take Sage with her. But they would figure something out. As long as one of them was inside, it wouldn't be too difficult to help the other gain access. "That is not a problem," she assured.

"Perfect. Now, I should get back to my wife, or she'll have my head. Elmas will show you out."

She said another thank you and turned around to leave the office. It was as if the maid had a sixth sense that she was needed when Solace saw her waiting by the door. Elmas began walking, headed back to the exit, but she needed one more thing before she left.

"Elmas, I saw that Mr. Moore moved the Servus Autem Fortuna here. Would you mind if I took another peek? It is absolutely beautiful," she asked hopefully.

The maid shook her head apologetically. "I cannot do that. My orders were to take you to your car."

Desperation clawed at her. She needed Elmas to show her where it was. They couldn't waste time looking for the painting on the day of the mission. Solace was already in the mansion. This was the perfect opportunity.

"Please, I would be so thankful," she urged with a smile. "I'm an art major, and the Servus Autem Fortuna is my favourite painting. I'll be quick. I promise."

Elmas pursed her lips and eyed her carefully. Solace batted her eyelashes and smiled brightly. "Only because Mr. Moore seems to like you."

A laugh threatened to escape at the hilarious words. He liked that she gave him power. An advantage. It had nothing to do with her. But Solace didn't deny it as Elmas speedily led her around a marble staircase. Solace ignored the beautiful architecture and memorized the turns they took. Right. Left. Another Left. Right.

And there it was. The art room resembled something out of a museum with its red walls, the colour of strawberries. Several other paintings that she recognized hung on the four walls, but her eyes were fixated on the Servus Autem Fortuna that furnished the center. She had never felt so excited to see the painting. The golden woman and the raging sea and the violent sky.

"That's enough. Let's go, Ms. Laurent," hurried Elmas as she guided her by the elbow. Solace ripped her gaze away reluctantly.

We'll be coming back for you.