Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening

5

"You're here for the banquet? With this piece of trash?" Sierra and Marcus burst into loud laughter, drawing the attention of people nearby.

"Please, I know you've spent the past few years trying to get a partnership with Nova," Sierra said smugly. "Too bad—they chose me every single time!"

"You know why that is?" she asked, wrapping her arm around Marcus's proudly. "Because I know who can help me. And you... just look at that garbage beside you. Don't tell me you actually believe he got you that invitation?"

Sierra let out an exaggerated laugh. "You're pathetic, Alice. Truly pitiful! You must've begged someone on your knees to get in, huh? Oh wait—you probably still won't get in."

Alice tilted her head, a slow, amused smile forming. "Don't worry about me. I'm exactly where I need to be."

Sierra rolled her eyes. "Spare me the cryptic lines, sweetheart. This is a Nova Company event, not a street carnival. Only invited names make it through."

"You and Ethan are perfect for each other. He's always been a freeloader, relying on whatever woman is willing to drag him along. And you? You're the underdog startup that'll never break into the big leagues. So desperate to climb that you're pretending you got invited here?" She continued.

Alice's jaw tensed, but her smile never faltered. "It's funny how threatened you sound, Sierra."

Sierra sneered. "Threatened? Don't flatter yourself."

Alice arched a brow. "You're right? Want to make it interesting?"

Sierra's eyes glittered. "Are you challenging me?"

"Let's bet," Alice said smoothly. "Whoever fails to enter tonight kneels right here at the entrance—and admits they were wrong."

A small crowd began to gather at the entrance, sensing drama brewing.

Marcus snorted. "You're seriously betting against Sierra? Her name's on every guest list from here to the capital."

Sierra didn't even hesitate. "Deal. I hope your knees are in good shape."

With that, she flicked her hair, strutted up to the security team, and handed over her diamond-embossed invitation. The guard scanned it once, nodded, and stepped aside.

"Welcome, Miss Sierra. Mr. Marcus," he said politely, gesturing them in.

Sierra turned with a smirk and winked at Alice. "I'll keep the floor warm for you."

Alice's smile stiffened. She reached into her clutch, pulled out her invitation, and handed it to the security guard with confidence.

Alice looked at the arrogant Sierra with growing frustration. She let out a cold snort and handed over her invitation letter—personally delivered to her that morning via express courier from Elsa herself. She was confident there wouldn't be any issues.

However, the security guard took the invitation and frowned.

"Miss, may I have your name?"

"Alice Morgan. My companion is Ethan Storm," Alice replied.

The guard typed in their names, then said sternly, "Sorry, Miss, your names aren't in the system. You'll have to leave."

Sierra and Marcus burst into loud, mocking laughter.

"Alice, I can't believe you'd embarrass yourself like this. Don't tell me you were fooled by that piece of trash next to you?" Sierra sneered. "Did he say he could get you into Nova's banquet?"

Sierra laughed even louder. "And you actually believed him!"

Alice's face turned pale. She looked at Ethan with a trembling voice. "W-What's going on?"

Ethan frowned and gently held her hand, trying to calm her. "Don't worry. I'll call Elsa right now and ask what happened."

"Hahahahaha! Did you all hear that?" Sierra howled with laughter. "He said he's going to call Elsa! Does he think he's someone important? Elsa Logan is an incredibly important figure—why would she take his call?"

"Shut your mouth," Ethan said coldly. "One more word, and I'll be happy to teach you what manners are."

Sierra flinched under Ethan's icy gaze, then bristled with rage. "How dare you talk to me like that, you garbage!"

Just then, a man in a suit rushed out of the banquet hall and called to the security at the entrance.

"Restart the system! Have all guests who just entered step out for a moment!"

"There's been a change to the guest list—we need to update the registrations!"