Noun
machinations - Crafty schemes or plots, especially intended to achieve something deceitful or underhanded; secret or complicated plans, often with a negative or manipulative goal.
The villain's machinations were finally exposed, revealing his plan to transfer other people's money into his own account.
semblance - The way something appears on the surface, often without revealing the true nature or reality behind it.
In spite of their their kids' constant uncontrolled behavior, when they were outside they managed to keep up the semblance of calm, even though things were not so calm inside their house.