Undercover heartbeat

Chapter 4: Playing Hard to Get

Capital Police Headquarters, L State

Secret Conference Room

When Blanche and Dana finally returned, Captain Dixia exhaled in relief, her tense expression easing for the first time that evening.

“Back so soon? Looks like tonight went smoothly,” Dixia said, already turning to a stack of files. “Now, for our next step—”

“Hold on,” Blanche interrupted. Her voice was calm, steady.

Dixia raised her eyebrows. “Go on.”

“By tomorrow, I want to see my own face on the front page of every newspaper,” Blanche said, her tone unwavering.

The room fell silent. The officers stared, exchanging confused glances.

Blanche leaned forward, speaking evenly. “The charge will be for kidnapping Quintina Fitzroy and impersonating her at the Stanley banquet.”

Dana looked stunned. Her face paled as she stammered, “What? What happened tonight? You came back early, and now… this? This is reckless, Blanche.”

Blanche offered a faint, reassuring smile. “Trust me. I have a plan.”

Dixia’s sharp gaze didn’t waver. “Explain,” she commanded.

Blanche straightened, her gaze focused. “I realized tonight that the only way to get close to the heart of the Stanley family’s secrets is not as an aristocratic socialite, but as a lone wolf, a daring outlaw.”

“But this is beyond risky,” Dixia replied, frowning deeply. “We selected Quintina’s identity after considerable deliberation. As a respected family member, you’re shielded. This plan you’re suggesting—Blanche, it could expose you to unimaginable danger.”

“Yes, but it will get me closer, faster. I guarantee that within three days, I’ll be inside their ranks.” Her eyes gleamed with determination.

“This isn’t some game!” Inspector Eik’s voice was harsh as he snapped at her. “We can’t just abandon your cover story on a whim.”

The room erupted in a heated discussion. Officers argued back and forth, some questioning the drastic measure, others wary of the risks, and a few—Dixia among them—contemplating the potential advantages.

Finally, Dixia held up a hand to silence everyone. After a long pause, she said, “All right, we’ll proceed as you suggested, Blanche. We’ll do everything possible to protect you.”

---

**The Next Morning**

By dawn, news of the scandal spread like wildfire. Headlines blared the shocking revelation: *Imposter Disguised as Quintina Fitzroy at Stanley Family Banquet!* Screens flashed photos of the real Quintina, accompanied by grainy security footage of Blanche at the party, captioned with rumors and speculations.

Lambert Stanley sat back in his leather chair, his expression unreadable as he watched the news report on his laptop. Reports poured in about Blanche’s supposed history as a notorious rogue who had been active along the F State and J State regions, now wanted for kidnapping and fraud.

He remembered her face—her fierce, unflinching gaze, and the way she had confidently adjusted his tie. He leaned back, eyebrows slightly raised. *So, she’s a thief after all,* he mused. *No wonder she made off with my tie clip.*

Just then, a notification popped up on his screen: a new email.

*Dear Mr. Stanley,

It seems you left something behind.

Feel free to retrieve it at CS Restaurant.

Yours,

Miss Fitzroy.*

A faint smile played on Lambert’s lips. So, she wanted to play. He shut his laptop, donned his coat, and headed for CS Restaurant, his mind already spinning with curiosity about this daring woman.

---

Blanche was waiting in the corner booth of the chic restaurant, her position strategic and her demeanor relaxed. The moment Lambert entered, her gaze flicked over to him, assessing his every move as he strode across the room with casual elegance. He looked every bit the part of a wealthy aristocrat, yet there was an intensity to his eyes that suggested much more.

As he neared, Blanche tilted her head, feigning surprise as she raised a glass of wine. “Mr. Stanley. I didn’t think you’d actually show up.”

Lambert chuckled, sliding into the seat across from her. “Miss Fitzroy—or should I say, Blanche—when someone invites me with such... boldness, I can hardly resist.”

She arched an eyebrow, swirling her wine glass. “And here I thought you might be angry, given the, ah, mix-up at the banquet.”

“Quite the opposite.” Lambert’s smile was cool. “I find audacity refreshing.”

“Then let’s put everything on the table, Mr. Stanley.” She leaned forward slightly. “You’re not here because you’re returning my invitation. You’re here because you want to know why.”

“Let’s say I am,” he replied, equally calm. “What, then, are you hoping to achieve?”

Blanche shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Call it curiosity. After all, if rumors are true, you might be the only man in L State who can see through masks. It’s fascinating.” She watched him carefully, looking for any reaction to her subtle hint.

Lambert smiled faintly. “You flatter me. But if this is about creating intrigue… then you’re succeeding.”

Just then, she reached into her coat pocket and set something small on the table between them. Lambert’s eyes flickered with mild surprise—it was his missing tie clip.

“I thought you might want this back,” she said, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Lambert’s hand closed over the tie clip, but his gaze stayed on her. “I’d assumed it was a memento.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll find another keepsake before long,” she replied smoothly, her tone tinged with playful challenge.

Lambert’s eyes narrowed, intrigued by the layers beneath her polished exterior. For all her easy confidence, there was something guarded about her, as though she were daring him to look further but refusing to let him see too much. He found it… compelling.

“Your wanted poster did catch my attention,” he said casually, leaning back in his chair. “Quite the notorious rogue, aren’t you? Though you’re more subtle than most.”

“Well,” Blanche smiled, “sometimes subtlety is what keeps people like me… in play.”

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, silence hung heavy between them, the restaurant around them fading into the background. She could feel his scrutiny, the intensity of his observation—both thrilling and unnerving. She knew she was walking a dangerous line, one that could end disastrously, but Lambert’s attention was the first step toward earning his trust, or at least his interest.

After a pause, Lambert broke the silence, his tone almost too casual. “And what makes you so sure you’ll get away with all of this?”

Blanche leaned back, giving a small shrug. “You’re the expert on getting away with things, aren’t you? Perhaps I’ll follow your example.”

Lambert’s expression shifted, an edge of wariness breaking through his amused facade. For a split second, she saw a hint of something darker beneath his charm—a reminder of the man she was truly dealing with.

“It’s a dangerous game, Miss Fitzroy.” His voice was barely above a murmur, yet there was a weight to his words.

Blanche smirked, brushing off his caution. “But that’s what makes it fun, Mr. Stanley.”

Lambert’s hand tightened slightly around his tie clip as he studied her with a glint of caution and curiosity. He wasn’t one to be taken in by appearances, and he recognized the risk she posed. But there was a thrill in this game, and he knew he’d just stepped onto an uncharted path, one that pulled him in as much as it unsettled him.

Finally, Lambert stood, extending his hand. “Until next time… Miss Fitzroy.”

Blanche took his hand, giving him a parting smile. “Oh, I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other very soon, Mr. Stanley.”

As he left, Blanche watched his retreating figure, her heart pounding. It had been a successful encounter, but she knew the risks had only begun to escalate.