## Chapter 2: The Bait
The performance at Lee Garden was about to begin.
Jane stood backstage, her heart racing not from stage fright, but from anticipation. Tonight was crucial to her plan—the first step in her journey for justice.
The Johnson family's patriarch would be attending tonight's show. This was her chance to get closer to the family that had destroyed everything she held dear.
"Five minutes!" called the stage manager.
Jane took a deep breath and checked her appearance one last time. The traditional opera costume fit her perfectly, accentuating her natural beauty while transforming her into someone else entirely. Tonight, she wasn't just Jane—she was the character she would portray, a woman seeking vengeance in ancient times.
How fitting, she thought with bitter irony.
As she stepped onto the stage, the lights dimmed. The audience fell silent. Among them sat several distinguished guests, including the Johnson family members and, as promised, Payne.
Their eyes met briefly across the crowded theater. His expression remained unreadable, but Jane could sense his intense scrutiny. She looked away first, focusing instead on her performance.
The music began, and Jane lost herself in the role. Her voice, clear and powerful, filled the theater. Every movement was precise, every emotion genuine. The audience was captivated.
When the final note faded and the curtain fell, the theater erupted in applause. Jane had succeeded in making an impression.
Backstage, she quickly changed into an elegant evening gown. As the star performer, she was expected to mingle with the guests at the reception.
"Magnificent performance," a deep voice commented from behind her.
Jane turned to find Payne standing there, a glass of champagne in hand. He offered it to her with a slight nod.
"Thank you," she replied, accepting the drink. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"I didn't say I enjoyed it," he corrected, his tone neutral. "I said it was magnificent. There's a difference."
Jane smiled, unfazed by his coldness. "And what might that difference be, Mr. Payne?"
"Enjoyment implies pleasure. Magnificence acknowledges skill." His eyes narrowed slightly. "You're very skilled at playing roles, aren't you, Miss Jane?"
Before she could respond, they were interrupted by an elderly man approaching them with a warm smile.
"Mr. Payne! What a pleasure to see you here," the man said, extending his hand. "And who is this enchanting young lady?"
Jane recognized him immediately—Johnson Sr., the head of the Johnson family. The man responsible for her family's destruction was standing right in front of her, smiling as if he hadn't a care in the world.
"This is Jane, tonight's lead performer," Payne introduced her, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. The gesture seemed possessive, almost protective.
"Absolutely breathtaking performance, my dear," Johnson Sr. praised, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. "You have a remarkable talent."
Jane forced herself to smile, fighting the urge to pull her hand away. "You're too kind, Mr. Johnson."
"Not at all! In fact, I'm hosting a charity gala next weekend. Would you consider performing? I would compensate you generously, of course."
This was exactly what Jane had hoped for—an invitation into the Johnson inner circle. She glanced at Payne, whose expression had hardened almost imperceptibly.
"I would be honored," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
"Excellent! My assistant will contact you with the details." Johnson Sr. turned to Payne. "You should come too, Payne. It's been too long since we've had a proper conversation."
Payne nodded curtly. "Perhaps."
After Johnson Sr. left, Payne leaned closer to Jane, his breath warm against her ear. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"I don't know what you mean," she replied innocently.
"Don't you?" His fingers tightened slightly on her waist. "The Johnsons aren't known for their forgiveness."
Jane met his gaze directly. "Neither am I."
For a moment, something like respect flickered in Payne's eyes. Then it was gone, replaced by his usual cold calculation.
"Be careful what you wish for, Jane," he warned softly. "You might just get it."
As the evening progressed, Jane circulated among the guests, charming everyone she met. But her mind was focused on one goal: infiltrating the Johnson family's inner circle.
By the end of the night, she had secured not only an invitation to perform at the charity gala but also several other social engagements where the Johnsons would be present.
The first part of her plan was in motion. Now she just needed to ensure that Payne didn't become an obstacle.
As she prepared to leave, Payne appeared at her side once more.
"My driver will take you home," he stated, not bothering to phrase it as a question.
Jane raised an eyebrow. "That's not necessary."
"It wasn't an offer." His tone left no room for argument.
During the ride, they sat in silence, the tension between them palpable. When the car pulled up outside her modest apartment building, Payne finally spoke.
"Whatever you're planning with the Johnsons, I advise you to reconsider."
Jane turned to him, her expression carefully neutral. "I'm simply accepting a performance opportunity, Mr. Payne. Isn't that what you arranged for me?"
"We both know there's more to it than that." His eyes searched hers in the dim light. "The Johnsons have powerful enemies. You wouldn't want to be caught in the crossfire."
Was that a threat or a warning? Jane couldn't tell.
"Thank you for your concern," she said, reaching for the door handle. "But I can take care of myself."
Payne caught her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "Can you?"
For a moment, they stared at each other, neither willing to back down. Then Payne released her, his expression unreadable once more.
"Goodnight, Jane."
"Goodnight, Mr. Payne."
As she watched the car drive away, Jane couldn't help but wonder if she had just gained an ally or made a powerful enemy. Either way, there was no turning back now.
The bait had been set, and the Johnsons had taken it. Now all she had to do was reel them in—and make them pay for what they had done to her family.