The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Every person in the room stared at Santiago Montenegro in complete bewilderment, their minds struggling to process what they'd just witnessed.Isabella was the first to break the silence, her voice sharp with indignation. "Excuse me, Mr. Montenegro, but I think there's been some mistake here."Montenegro's gaze shifted to her with the cold precision of a predator. "I beg your pardon?""Well," Isabella continued, emboldened by what she perceived as confusion, "you're obviously looking for someone important to invite upstairs. But this is just Michael Thompson—he's nobody special. He doesn't even have a job."She gestured dismissively toward me. "If you're looking to honor someone from our family, surely it should be my mother, Elena Fletcher. She's the matriarch of one of the city's most respected families."Grandmother Fletcher's eyes lit up with desperate hope. An invitation to the seventh floor would be the crowning achievemen

As the magical evening began to wind down, Montenegro approached me privately while Sarah was still admiring the spectacular view of the city below."Mr. Thompson," he said in a low voice, "Ms. Sterling has informed me of your true identity."I nodded, understanding the weight of what he was saying."I want to give you something that will serve you well in the days ahead," he continued, reaching into his jacket pocket. He produced a ring unlike anything I'd ever seen—made of what appeared to be black titanium with an intricate design that seemed to shift and change in the light."This ring represents my personal authority," Montenegro explained solemnly. "Anyone who works under my organization, any business partner, any associate—when they see this ring, they will treat you with the highest level of respect and honor."I took the ring, feeling its surprising weight. The design was subtle but unmistakable—the Montenegro family crest combined with symbols that spoke of power and influen