"Did they really just kick us out like we're nobody? All because of Damon and Celia?" Serena's voice shook with anger. "Michael, you said your father's assistant has important friends. He's the one who got us into this gala. How could they throw us out like we don't matter?"Her face burned red. "They should treat us with respect. We deserve it because of your father's assistant."They had been walking back and forth outside ever since security dragged them from the fancy ballroom. Both were so angry they could barely think straight. If Damon and Celia appeared now, they wanted nothing more than to tear them to pieces."I'm confused too," Michael said with a bitter laugh that wasn't funny at all. He was filled with rage. "They acted like my father's assistant didn't matter. Like Damon is more important than him. What a sick joke."Serena's mind raced. "Maybe they don't know your father's assistant is the one who invited us. That's why they treated us so badly."She started pacing fast

Michael quickly dialed his father’s assistant, who answered almost immediately. “Mr. Thorne, I was just about to call you. There’s a problem,” the assistant said, his voice heavy with tension. Michael’s expression darkened, and Serena’s heart skipped a beat. “What? What problem? I called to tell you about the humiliation we just suffered at this event, so you could help us fix it. Now you’re saying there’s another problem?” Michael snapped, frustration clear in his voice. “Yes, Mr. Thorne. The problem is about the event itself. What happened to you tonight is spreading fast, and it’s getting out of hand,” the assistant said, fear evident in his tone.But when Michael and Serena heard that, they inhaled slowly, as if the assistant’s words no longer scared them. They believed they already had the right solution, and now they were certain they would find a way out.The assistant’s voice grew sharper. “Mr. Thorne, you don’t understand. This is serious. I think you should come back hom

Edward Sterling walked across the crowded ballroom with long, firm steps, his face dark with barely controlled anger, and his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He reached Lucas in the dim corner and leaned in close, his voice sharp but controlled, because he could not allow anyone else in the ballroom to hear their voice. “Lucas!” Edward hissed, his eyes burning with fury as he stared at his son. “Are you out of your mind? Do you want to ruin this family completely? Do you want to destroy everything I have worked for with your foolishness?”Lucas tilted his head lazily, his arrogant smirk still on his lips as if his father’s words meant nothing. He blew out one last stream of smoke, his face filled with defiance. “Father, calm down. I’m just enjoying myself. Everyone here is too busy dancing and drinking to care about what I’m doing in this little corner. Why are you making it such a big deal?”Edward’s face tightened, and his voice grew even sharper, though he kept it low. “A big

She frowned faintly, her mind clouded, her instincts warning her, but her body weak, her voice uncertain. “I should wait here… Damon will be back soon.”Lucas smiled faintly, his voice soothing. “Damon will be back later, but you shouldn’t wait while feeling this sick. Come on, it’s safer to rest.”Her thoughts blurred again, his words sounding almost reasonable, her hand trembling as she tried to push herself up from the chair but faltered instantly.Lucas reached out, steadying her arm, his tone smooth. “See? You can’t even stand properly. Just lean on me, and I’ll take you somewhere quiet.”She shook her head weakly, whispering. “I… I don’t know if I should… this doesn’t feel right… I can wait… I can wait for him here.”Lucas leaned closer, his smile sharp though hidden behind fake concern. “You’ll only embarrass yourself more if you faint here in front of everyone.”Her eyes fluttered. “I just… maybe just a few minutes… somewhere quiet… then I’ll come back… just for a little while

Lucas caught the look on Vivienne’s face and thought she might have finally believed his lie. A smirk tugged at his lips, one she didn’t notice.“Do you believe me now, Miss Ashford? Can I take her home?” he asked smoothly. “In her drunken state, she really needs to rest.”The careful tone in his voice felt unnatural, even to him. Lucas hated speaking that way, it wasn’t his style—but he couldn’t stop now. Not when he was this close to pulling off his plan.Lucas was certain his men had already captured Damon. The fact that Damon hadn’t returned could only mean they had taken him far away. That meant Damon was no longer a problem. All he needed now was for Vivienne to give in, and then he’d take Celia away as well.“Miss Ashford?” Lucas called. That was when Vivienne snapped out of her thoughts and let out a soft chuckle.The sound caught him off guard. He had expected her to apologize for blaming him, to finally give in and let him take Celia away. But when she laughed instead, Luca