THE ABSOLUTE APPRAISER SYSTEM

Chapter 8: The Global Heritage Gala

The Grand Imperial Ballroom was a sea of glittering crystal chandeliers, expensive champagne, and the city’s absolute elite. Billionaires, high-ranking politicians, and old-money tycoons mingled in hushed, refined tones. Outside, flashbulbs exploded continuously as reporters lined the red carpet, trying to catch a glimpse of the guests attending the most exclusive event of the year—the Vance Group’s Global Heritage Gala.

Ryan stood near the grand marble staircase, casually swirling a glass of sparkling water. The tailored tuxedo he wore fit his lean frame perfectly, making him look every bit like a young noble from a dominant family.

"You look like you belong here, Ryan," a smooth, elegant voice purred behind him.

Ryan turned to see Victoria Vance walking toward him. She wore a stunning, emerald-green evening gown that perfectly matched the color of the recovered Imperial Seal. Her presence immediately drew the eyes of every wealthy bachelor in the room, but her focus remained entirely on him.

"I'm just enjoying the view, Ms. Vance," Ryan replied with a calm smile.

"Call me Victoria tonight. After all, without you, this gala wouldn't even be happening," she smiled warmly, adjusting his lapel. "The board has completely neutralized my uncle Arthur. Tonight, we unveil the true Jade Seal, and the Vance Group's stock will break records."

As Victoria stepped away to greet an incoming foreign diplomat, Ryan decided to scan the crowd, letting his Tier 2 abilities wash over the ballroom.

[Target: Real Estate Tycoon. Net Worth: $450 Million. Intent: Neutral.]

[Target: City Council Member. Net Worth: $8 Million. Intent: Seeking bribes.]

Suddenly, his eyes paused as a bright crimson aura flickered near the entrance doors. Ryan’s lips curled into a cold, amused smile. Walking into the ballroom, looking completely out of place despite their expensive clothes, were Tyler Sterling and Maya.

Because Tyler's father had restricted his spending after the previous university incident, Tyler had only been able to secure bottom-tier, general-admission tickets. They were restricted to the outer ring of the ballroom, far away from the VIP lounge where the true power players sat.

Maya was looking around wide-eyed, her fingers clutching a rented designer handbag. "Tyler, look at this place! If your father’s company partners with the Vance Group tonight, we’ll be invited to the private VIP section next year, right?"

"Of course, babe," Tyler blustered, though his face looked strained as he adjusted his tight collar. "My dad is meeting with the Vance directors tonight to secure a shipping contract. Once that's signed, we'll be sitting at the main table."

As they walked deeper into the room, Maya’s eyes swept across the grand staircase—and froze.

Standing right at the top of the VIP boundary line, casually chatting with the head of the city's banking syndicate, was Ryan.

Maya gasped, dropping her glass of champagne onto the plush carpet. "R-Ryan?! What is he doing here? Did he sneak in as a waiter?"

Tyler looked up, his face instantly twisting into pure rage. "That bastard! He must have used the money he stole to buy a fake invitation! There’s no way a low-life caddie belongs at a high-society gala. I’m going to have security throw him into the street where he belongs."

Tyler marched aggressively toward the VIP velvet ropes, dragging Maya by the wrist. "Hey! Waiter! Someone call the guards! We have a trespasser who stole a suit standing in the elite zone!"

The loud shouting immediately caused the nearby billionaires to stop talking, turning their judgmental stares toward the scene.

Ryan didn't move an inch. He simply looked down at Tyler and Maya, his eyes flashing with a golden hue as the System analyzed their current situation.

[Target: Tyler Sterling.]

[Current Status: Desperate. His father's company is on the brink of bankruptcy due to a massive logistical failure. If they do not secure a partnership with the Vance Group tonight, Sterling Logistics goes under next Monday.]

[Weakness: Terrified of being exposed as a fraud in front of high society.]

"Tyler," Ryan said, his voice echoing clearly over the sudden silence of the crowd. "You should lower your voice. A general-admission guest shouldn't be shouting at the VIP boundary. It displays a severe lack of breeding."

"You arrogant piece of trash!" Tyler roared, his face turning an ugly, bruised shade of purple. "You’re a broke servant! I’ll buy this entire venue and turn you into a janitor!"

"Is there a problem here?"

Victoria Vance walked back into the circle, her aura instantly freezing the hot air. Two massive, armed security guards materialized directly behind her, their eyes locked onto Tyler.

Maya immediately stepped forward, trying to use her charms. "Ms. Vance! You don't understand! This guy, Ryan, is a fraud! He used to work as a minimum-wage caddie at our country club. He’s completely broke and sneaked in here to cause trouble for your wealthy guests!"

Victoria looked at Maya as if she were a piece of dirt stuck to the bottom of her shoe. A cold, mocking laugh escaped her lips.

"A fraud?" Victoria asked, her voice carrying across the entire ballroom. "Let me make something perfectly clear to everyone in this room. Ryan is not a guest. He is the Chief Consultant of the Vance Group. He is the guest of honor tonight, and he holds an absolute veto power over every single corporate contract my family signs."

The entire ballroom fell into a stunned, breathless silence.

Maya felt her knees go weak, the room spinning around her. The man she had discarded as a penniless loser was the Chief Consultant to the most powerful family in the city?

Tyler’s breath hitched, his face draining of all color. "No... that’s impossible... he’s just—"

"Furthermore," Victoria continued, her eyes turning into absolute daggers as she looked at Tyler. "I received a report from our finance department five minutes ago. Sterling Logistics has submitted a request for an emergency partnership. Ryan, as our Chief Consultant, what is your evaluation of the Sterling family's assets?"

Ryan looked down at Tyler, his expression completely merciless as his System layout finalized the data.

"Sterling Logistics is hiding a forty-million-dollar deficit from their investors," Ryan announced smoothly, his voice carrying the weight of an absolute judge. "Their logistics infrastructure is collapsing, and their corporate aura is completely dead. My final evaluation: High risk, zero value. I reject the contract."

"No!" Tyler screamed, dropping to his knees as the final lifeline for his family's empire was instantly severed in public. "You can't do this! Ryan, please!"

"Security," Victoria ordered coldly. "Revoke the Sterling family's invitations. Escort them out of the building immediately, and ensure they are blacklisted from every high-society venue in the city."

The bodyguards moved like shadows, grabbing Tyler and a crying, hysterical Maya by their arms, dragging them across the polished marble floor toward the exit doors while the entire high-society crowd whispered and pointed in absolute mockery.

Ryan stood at the top of the stairs, watching them disappear into the night. The final golden banner of the chapter unfurled across his vision, signaling the absolute completion of his first major victory.