**Chapter 3: Smoke and Mirrors**

As Ian and Stacey chatted, the tension in the Vic seemed to dissipate, replaced by an air of anticipation. Denise, however, was not pleased with the development, and her eyes narrowed as she watched Ian and Stacey laughing together. Jack couldn't help but notice the way Ian was working his charm on Stacey, and he felt a pang of unease. He had a feeling that Ian was up to no good, and that Stacey was right in the middle of his sights. Phil Mitchell, sensing that the situation was still volatile, intervened, his voice firm but calm. "Alright, alright, let's calm down here. Ian, what brings you to the Vic tonight?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room. Ian flashed his famous smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just dropping by to see some old friends, Phil. I didn't realize there was a party going on." He glanced at Denise and Stacey, his expression neutral. "But I see I've walked into the middle of something. Care to fill me in?" Stacey, still chatting with Ian, seemed to have forgotten about her earlier argument with Denise. "Just a little disagreement, Ian," she said, her voice light. "Nothing to worry about." Denise, however, was not so easily placated. She stood up, her eyes blazing with anger, and stormed out of the Vic, leaving her friends staring after her in concern. Jack watched her go, feeling a pang of worry. He knew that Denise was still fuming, and he had a feeling that things were far from over. As the night wore on, Ian continued to work his charm on Stacey, regaling her with stories of his latest exploits. Jack couldn't help but feel that Ian was hiding something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Stacey, on the other hand, seemed completely taken in by Ian's charms, and Jack found himself feeling increasingly uneasy. Just as he was starting to think that things couldn't get any more complicated, the door to the Vic burst open and Denise walked back in, her eyes fixed on Stacey. "You're not going to get away with this, Stacey," she said, her voice low and menacing. "Not without a fight." The air in the Vic seemed to vibrate with tension as Denise and Stacey faced off, Ian watching the scene with interest. Jack knew that things were about to escalate, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for what was coming. As he watched, Ian stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Denise's. "Now, now, Denise, let's not do anything rash," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Why don't we talk about this like adults?" But Denise was having none of it. She took a step forward, her eyes blazing with anger, and Jack knew that things were about to get out of hand.