“I love that,” Orion said quietly.
“Entertainment and experiences,” I continued, warming to the vision now. “Electric string quartet for arrival. DJ with a curated playlist for the main party. Aerialists or silk dancers will perform during the cocktail hour to provide visual drama. A celebrity MC to set up the announcement—someone Vegas loves, someone people trust.”
“Again, Frank. Make sure it’s on your list. You have a lot to discuss with him. For a host, I have in mind a former Cirque performer. He’s perfect.”
“Surprise cameo performance,” I added. “Pop diva, crooner, or illusionist. Something that makes this unmissable content.”
“I’ll work my contacts,” Leo promised. “We’ve got favors to call in.”
I flipped to the next page. “Technical and production. Full AV team. Multi-camera livestream for controlled media release. Projection mapping for the announcement backdrop. Wireless mics for all four of us. Backup generators.” I looked at Ares. “Andin-ear comms for the production team so I can command the night like a battlefield general.”
Ares actually smiled. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
“Mandatory NDA for all attendees,” I said. “Exclusive RSVP portal. Color-coded wristbands for access tiers—press, VIP, friends, and general admission.”
“I’ll have IT build the portal,” Orion said. “And have legal draft the NDAs.”
“Catering,” I said, moving faster now as the vision solidified. “The hotel handles food, of course. Interactive food stations. High-end hors d’oeuvres. Custom cake or dessert installation. Midnight champagne tower with synchronized lighting cue.”
“The champagne tower is iconic,” Leo agreed. “Very Vegas. Very us.”
“Fashion and beauty.” I looked down at my notes, feeling suddenly vulnerable. “I need a couture gown. Something that unifies our color palette. Additionally, I need a backup gown for the after-party. You three need coordinated looks—not matching, but complementary. The hair and makeup suites are reserved for touch-ups.” I hesitated. “Custom jewelry pieces would symbolize the structure of our relationship.”
“Four stones,” Orion said immediately. “One for each of us. Each of us will receive a different stone in the same setting. Rings or pendants. I’ll call my jeweler.”
“You have a jeweler?”
Orion’s face flushed. “I haven’t talked to him in a while?—”
“Not since his last girlfriend,” laughed Leo.
“That was a long time ago,” Orion said hastily. “But he does excellent custom work.”
“I love that,” I whispered.
“Security and logistics.” Ares took over. “Full hotel security plus a private detail I’m hiring personally. Guest check-in withID and NDA verification. Performers and vendors will have controlled entry. Red carpet barricades.”
“Press management and content capture,” I continued. “Photographer teams for the red carpet, event floor, and candid storytelling. Videography for highlight reel, full announcement video, and post-party montage. Social media control center on-site with editors, graphic designers, and moderators.”
“We’ll control the narrative from start to finish,” Leo said with satisfaction. “No one gets a story we don’t approve.”
“And post-event follow-up,” I finished. “Release official photos and videos. Thank-you gifts to VIPs?”
“I’ll get my assistant to check the promo closet for VIP gifts. We have stuff in there we haven’t given out yet,” said Leo.
I set down my pen and looked at the three of them. “That’s the plan. Twelve major categories. Hundreds of details and twenty-four hours to execute. And everything rides on us pulling this off flawlessly.”
Silence.
Then Leo started laughing. “You’re incredible. You know that?”
“It’s insane,” Ares said. But he was smiling. “Completely insane.”
“It’s perfect,” Orion corrected. “Strategic, comprehensive, and exactly the bold move they won’t see coming.” He stood up and crossed to me, taking my hands. “You realize what you’ve just proposed, right? This is a military operation disguised as a celebration. Sun Tzu would be proud.”
“Attack where they are unprepared,” I quoted. “Appear where you are not expected.”
“Henri expects us to hide,” Leo added. “Wilder expects us to show up at the hearing looking defeated. The media expects scandal and shame.”
