The party began long before the official announcement.
Guests flowed into the grand hall in steady waves — leaders of industries, military officials, political figures, heirs of powerful families, and business elites whose names quietly shaped markets and governments alike.
The Hade family rarely hosted gatherings, which made tonight valuable enough for attendance to become a silent competition.
Crystal chandeliers scattered warm gold light across polished marble floors. Servers moved soundlessly between guests, balancing trays of champagne, aged wine, and delicate appetizers, their steps trained to never interrupt conversation.
Near the center stage, entertainers performed in soft rotation.
A live string quartet played slow classical arrangements, violin notes gliding smoothly beneath the murmur of conversations
. Not far from them, a pair of contemporary dancers performed controlled movements — elegant spins and measured lifts that drew polite applause without disrupting discussions. At intervals, a jazz vocalist replaced the instruments, her low voice blending into the atmosphere rather than dominating it.
Clusters naturally formed.
Older businessmen discussed investments over whiskey glasses, voices low but calculating. Military officials stood straighter than others, exchanging restrained greetings.
Groups of elegantly dressed women gathered near the floral installations, laughing softly as diamonds flashed beneath chandelier light, conversations drifting between fashion, alliances, and quiet judgment.
Some guests drank.
Some observed.
Most evaluated.
Every smile carried purpose.
After all, this was the Hade family's party — a place where opportunities appeared disguised as casual conversations.
The atmosphere shifted subtly when the representative of the Blake family entered.
Only a fraction of those present truly understood what that name meant. Members of ancient noble houses and hidden upper-tier families recognized it immediately, their expressions tightening before polite composure returned.
Others sensed importance without understanding why, noticing only how certain influential figures straightened or moved forward to greet the newcomer.
Whispers spread quietly.
Recognition traveled faster than introductions.
Luis walked forward alongside Neo, both ignoring the curious glances and measuring stares directed at them. Greetings attempted to intercept their path, but neither slowed. Their calm indifference created more attention than acknowledgment ever could.
They moved past the main crowd and ascended the staircase toward the rear balcony.
The balcony stretched wider than most private lounges, designed less as an extension and more as a second venue suspended above the hall.
Dark marble flooring softened into thick woven carpets beneath seating arrangements of low sofas and polished glass tables. Warm wall lamps replaced chandelier brilliance, casting a quieter, more intimate glow.
From the front edge, one could stand openly and overlook the entire hall below — watching guests circulate, alliances form, expressions change without being noticed in return.
Heavy velvet curtains divided the space.
Beyond them lay the outer section of the balcony.
The night air drifted in gently from the open side facing the city. From there, the illuminated hotel grounds spread outward — fountains reflecting light, luxury cars arriving in silent succession, security personnel moving like shadows along the perimeter.
Inside or outside, the balcony offered control.
A place to observe without participation.
Luis stepped forward, resting a hand lightly against the railing as the movements of the hall unfolded beneath him — conversations, laughter, calculated charm.
From above, everyone looked smaller.
Predictable.
"It's been a long time since I attended a party like this… sigh, the days," Neo said, settling himself on the railing as if several floors meant nothing. He pulled out his vape, lighting it lazily.
Luis kept his eyes on the hall below.
"Maybe because you're too busy ball deep in being a delinquent instead of a proper gentleman," he said calmly. " that no one invites you not that you had a choice to go Be clear about that."
Neo blew smoke toward him.
"You really enjoy acting like a jerk."
Luis smiled faintly.
"Yes. I need to maintain my reputation."
The curtain behind them shifted softly.
Both turned.
Kai stood in the outer part of the balcony.
Neo immediately walk to where Kai landed and leaned forward over the railing, looking down before looking back up at him.
"Jesus… did you just climb from how many floors to the top of this hotel?" he said,
clapping slowly. "Clear dedication."
Kai gave a graceful mocking bow.
"Thank you for the praise."
He stepped over effortlessly, pushing the curtain aside as he walked toward Luis.
"I came because someone promised me a show," Kai said, resting both hands on the railing as his gaze swept the hall. "Who would've thought the so-called show was at such a boring event?"
Neo laughed. "Finally, someone agrees."
Luis clicked his tongue.
"This is what I call dedication," he said. "I only mentioned a show. I didn't tell you the location or when it would start. So you could've rested after traveling."
He glanced sideways, amusement slipping through.
"If only your family could see their ruthless demonic heir who gives no fuck about them and do what ever he likes and still act like a saint climbing hotel walls for drama while pretending to be an innocent rabbit…"
Luis chuckled softly.
Kai looked wounded for exactly one second.
"You two only see this side of me because you're my lovers. I missed you terribly, so of course I came."
Neo grimaced. "Don't call me that. I get goosebumps."
"It wasn't difficult to find you," Kai continued smoothly. "I simply asked my men to find where the Blake branch representative appeared. It led me here."
He spread his hands lightly.
"And since I didn't have an invitation… I improvised."
He winked.
"I'm a genius, right?"
"More like a moron," Neo muttered, taking another drag.
Kai's smile deepened — gentle enough to fool strangers.
"It seems," he said softly, "you want the ten thousand snakes returned to your bed."
Neo froze.
"Or perhaps I should send another men again? The last group returned with broken bones. Even after I helped drug you so they can have easy access what a pity"
Luis let out a quiet laugh.
"I'll make it up to you," Kai added thoughtfully. "Muscular men this time."
Neo immediately raised both hands in a mock surrender.
"No thanks."
Luis laughed openly now.
"Right. I almost forgot," he said, eyes bright with amusement. "Neo nearly getting laid by men… then running off to sleep with that girl he called stupid."
Neo groaned.
"The one who faked pregnancy afterward," Luis continued, clearly entertained. "Such a shame I missed your expression. I would've taken photos and hung them in my room."
"Fuck you, Luis."
Neo rolled his eyes before turning toward Kai—
Neo rolled the vape slowly between his fingers before speaking, gaze still resting on the moving crowd below.
"Have you seen him?" he asked mildly. "Shadow is in this city now."
His voice remained gentle, almost casual. No pressure. No emotion. Just curiosity that felt a little too deliberate.
Luis glanced at neo.
Kai didn't react immediately. He only leaned further against the railing.
"Really?" Kai said after a moment, shrugging lightly. "I haven't kept contact with him."
Neo tilted his head slightly.
"Is that so? No contact… no updates?"
"Nope." Kai sighed. "That idiot disappeared and cut me off completely."
Neo snorted.
"You're really bad at lying."
Kai pressed a hand dramatically against his chest.
"I wasn't lying. Why would I keep tabs on him like some obsessive stalker? Honestly, what kind of person do you think I am?"
Neo took another drag from his vape.
"I thought after Shadow talked with Luis, he'd at least call you to complain. Or leave town."
Kai's brows lifted faintly as he looked toward Luis.
"You actually got him to make a deal with you?" he said, chuckling softly. "That couldn't have been easy."
Luis smiled.
"I don't take no for an answer."
"You really don't," Kai agreed lightly, already shifting his attention back to the hall as if the topic had lost interest.
Neo rolled his eyes.
Luis chuckled under his breath.
"Upset you didn't get anything from him?" he asked, glancing at Neo. "You forgot Kai is tight mouthed."
A pause.
"He never gives information talkess for free instead he would play u."
Neo only shrugged, unconcerned, smoke drifting lazily into the night air while music and laughter continued below them — unaware that conversations above carried far heavier weight than anything happening in the ballroom.
Aria and Prim entered, and the hall paused for a breath that no one dared take. First, it was their presence; second, it was obvious Aria had dragged Prim along against his will — though he didn't show it. Still, he looked untouchable, radiant in the way that made people hesitate before staring too long.
Ava moved like liquid gold.
Her satin gown clung perfectly, light catching every curve and ripple of the fabric. The slit traced just enough of her long legs to mesmerize without revealing everything, each step confident, almost predatory.
Her dark hair fell in soft Hollywood waves over one shoulder, exposing her collarbone and the delicate gold necklace resting there. Strappy gold heels completed the ensemble, clicking against the marble floor with a rhythm that demanded attention.
Prim beside her carried danger casually. Tailored trousers fit his long legs like they were carved for him, the crisp white shirt pristine but slightly undone at the neck, a loosened tie hinting at rebellion. Sleeves rolled just enough to show his wrists and faint veins — effortless elegance that could make anyone pause.
Together, she looked like a mixture of a goddess of beauty and sin .
People stared prim the same way sailor must have stared at siren knowing danger yet unable to look away like the tragic beauty of narcissus expect he was ithe one falling for himself but them.
Mothers subtly nudged their blushing daughters, satisfied smiles forming as calculations silently began.
They only needed the Carter grandparents to arrive before properly introducing their children.
Opportunities like this did not appear twice., while a few men's eyes lingered on Ava longer than decorum allowed.
At the bar side Ava twirled her wine in the glass. "Prim, if you dare sleep in the middle of the party, I will bathe you in this," she warned, a sly smile on her lips.
Prim glanced at her lazily, half-lidded.
"You're such a prude," he muttered, leaning back casually against the bar.
Milo approached, dressed in a sharply tailored one-piece ensemble — a deep midnight-blue suit with subtle embroidery along the seams, fitted perfectly without splitting into separate pieces, a modern take on aristocratic elegance.
"Mama," Milo said dramatically, taking Aria's hand and kissing the air above it. "You look hot. Damn."
Aria smirked. "Baby boy, I'm gorgeous. It's obvious."
Prim gagged loudly.
Milo burst into laughter.
"Seriously," Milo said, glancing between them, "you came this early? The real show won't start for hours."
Prim slowly turned toward Aria.
"…Didn't I ask why we were early?"
Aria smiled innocently.
"I told you. I needed to help Milo."
A sharp kick landed on her ankle.
"Idiot," Aria hissed.
She immediately dragged Milo away.
The moment they left—
—it felt like a treasure vault had opened.
Girls approached with their parents.
Businessmen walked forward with polite smiles. Invitations disguised as conversations formed instantly.
Prim froze.
Then calmly turned—
—and escaped straight toward the restroom.
Balcony
Luis, Neo, and Kai observed everything from above.
"Damn," Neo muttered, exhaling smoke from his vape. "That girl is hot."
Luis barely reacted.
His attention remained fixed on Prim disappearing below and Kai gaze followed Milo walking with Ava .
Kai leaned against the railing. "So what made you open a branch here?"
Luis smiled faintly. "Testing something."
He glanced sideways.
"I should ask you the same."
Kai blinked before sighing dramatically. "Family issues. Apparently I'm too young to rest."
Neo suddenly straightened.
"Oh. The star of tonight just arrived."
Downstairs, Mia entered.
Silence followed her like
Rumors about Atlas had already spread — how an eighteen-year-old girl had seized control of the atlas family.
Curiosity filled the hall.
Especially since word spread she had offended the Carter twins.
Mia casually took a glass of wine from a passing server—
—and then Daniel and Michael entered.
Both wore tailored trousers and white shirts similar to Prim's, yet unmistakably theirs as the three styles the same clothes in a way it suit them.
Michael's sleeves were rolled higher, tie loose and careless, confidence bordering arrogance.
Daniel's appearance was precise — tie perfectly aligned, cuffs secured with dark metal links, elegance sharpened into intimidation.
Same base.
Completely different dominance.
Mia stepped forward, blocking Michael's path.
"Looking for a partner?" she asked sweetly.
Michael laughed outright.
"I don't dance with clowns. Ask Daniel — you've already shared saliva he would not mind dancing with you."
He walked past her without slowing.
Daniel didn't spare her a glance before following him toward the bar.
Michael's texted prim they are here and he should come out of the bathroom since he is the one who called them here.
Testing.
Daniel lifted his wine glass, taking a slow sip
and briefly looked toward the balcony.
Directly.
As if aware of the three observers watching.
Then his gaze moved away, casual as if it was and accidental look
The party continued to swell. More guests trickled in, but only Grace and her husband had arrived at that moment, Grace presenting the Carter family with practiced elegance.
Conversations hummed politely around them, but attention still pulled toward the ones who held the room without effort.
Mia slipped away, walking toward the bathroom. Phone in hand, she answered smoothly.
"Yes, I'm posting the news today," she said, voice low, almost playful. "Who knows? Uncle Simon… he actually had a child from another wife. And it happens to be him." She laughed softly, a sharp sound that seemed to echo just enough in the sterile hallway.
"It'll be fun," she continued, tilting her head.
"I want to see their faces. After all, he ruined my plan — why should anyone be happy?"
She ended the call, placed her phone back in her purse, and washed her hands.
Ava stepped out at the same moment, frozen. Her lips parted, her thoughts scrambling.
"Fuck," she muttered, realizing what Mia had just done. Instantly, she ordered her assistant to run blood tests and destroy any trace of evidence Mia might have left.
From the opposite side of the hallway, Mia emerged again, chuckling lightly.
"Oh, sweet Ava," she said, voice smooth, teasing, and dangerous all at once.
"Sometimes being smart is a sin. Now I'm going to use you to , reveal the truth, and make you an enemy to your own friend family."
Her smile stayed perfectly calm as she walked. Hand in her purse, she pulled out a stack of bills and slid them onto a passing waiter's tray. The man moved quickly, pocketing the money without a word. He was the one who had tipped her off — told her Ava was in the bathroom.
Mia's laughter lingered softly as she disappeared into the hall, leaving a subtle trail of chaos in her wake.