Page 55 of Villainous Rise

Valor just narrowed his eyes.

“When the interviewer asks about our relationship,” he continued, his voice taking on that lecturing tone that made me want to push him down the elevator shaft, “let me take the lead. Just smile and nod. If she addresses you directly, keep your answers brief and flattering.”

“I’m aware of how interviews work,” I said tightly. “This isn’t my first rodeo.”

“Yes, but it’s your first as my girlfriend. The optics are different. I’m not going to let a glorified secretary damage my brand.” He adjusted his already perfect cape. “Oh, and try not to fidget with your hands. It’s distracting.”

I took a deep breath. “Anything else?”

“Actually, yes. Your lipstick is a shade too dark for⁠—”

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, cutting him off mid-sentence. Instantly, Valor’s entire demeanor transformed. His shoulders relaxed into that camera-ready posture, and his critical expression melted into his trademark dazzling smile.

I braced myself for whatever awaited beyond those doors. At least Cipher would get a good show when I inevitably strangled my fake boyfriend with his own cape.

The maître d’ greeted us and we glided through Elysium’s main dining room, past tables where conversations paused and heads turned. The crystal installation above cast fractured rainbows across the white tablecloths, and the soft clink of expensive silverware created a symphony of wealth and privilege.

I’d been clinging to one small hope: that we’d be tucked into one of the discreet private booths near the edges of the dining room where I could hide my humiliation behind thick curtains.

But of course that wasn’t where we’d be seated.

The maître d’ led us straight to the center of the dining room, to a table so prominently positioned it might as well have had a spotlight and a neon sign reading “LOOK AT US.”

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I scanned the room. Every eye in the place seemed fixed on us, the other Supers pretending not to stare, the wealthy couples pausing mid-conversation.

That’s when I spotted him.

Cipher sat at a corner table across the dining room. He lifted his wine glass in greeting.

I’d been half-hoping he was bluffing about the reservation. Elysium’s waiting list was legendary. People waited years for a table. But apparently being a notorious Super Villain had its perks. Or maybe he’d simply hacked their system. Both seemed equally probable where Cipher was concerned.

I suddenly had the urge to bolt. I could fake an illness, claim food poisoning from lunch, anything to escape this elaborate torture session.

Valor’s hand settled on my lower back, steering me forward.

“Cassandra!” His voice carried as we approached our table.

The interviewer rose to greet us, and I immediately understood why the PR team had chosen her. Cassandra looked like she’d stepped out of a fashion magazine. Glossy black hair, flawless makeup, and a figure that probably made Valor’s ego purr with satisfaction. She wore a cream-colored dress that showed off her very generous curves.

Valor swept forward and kissed both her cheeks in a greeting that lasted just long enough to be inappropriate. Cassandra’s face flushed pink, and her laugh came out slightly breathless.

Oh, wonderful. She’s already half in love with him.

I settled into my chair. From this angle, I had a perfect view of Cipher’s table, which meant he had an equally perfect view of ours. The positioning felt deliberate, arranged for maximum psychological warfare.

The soft murmur of conversation and gentle classical music created an intimate atmosphere that would have been romantic under different circumstances. Instead, it felt like being trapped in a very expensive fishbowl while an apex predator circled outside.

Cassandra’s eyes kept drifting back to Valor as she arranged her recording equipment, her fingers trembling slightly.

This was going to be a long fucking night.

The sommelier appeared with a bottle of wine and poured for the table as Cassandra gave her opening question.

“And how are you finding your mentorship with Havoc?” Cassandra’s voice carried a breathless quality that suggested she was asking about something far more intimate than career development. “The public is absolutely fascinated by this passing of the torch, so to speak.”

Valor straightened in his chair, ready for the opportunity to discuss his favorite subject: himself.