The Last Bloodline; The Tale of the Master’s Revenge

CHAPTER 008

who could easily pass for nobility.

When he stepped out of his room, the same car awaited. Evelyn sat in the back, poised, her gaze flickering to him briefly as he slid in beside her. The drive was quieter this time, neither speaking much, though the silence carried an odd weight, as though something important was waiting ahead.

Finally, the car slowed and stopped. Marcus leaned toward the window, his eyes widening as the massive structure came into view. A hall, grander than any he had ever seen before, loomed before him.

Its steps were lined with red carpet, golden lights cascading across polished marble, and luxury cars pulling in one after another.

He turned to Evelyn, bewildered. “What… is this place?”

Her lips curved into a faint smile. “This, Marcus, is a ball. My grandfather requested your presence. He wants you here, to meet and socialize with the elite, the true elite. Men and women who make decisions that shape cities.”

Marcus was shocked, but the chauffeur opened the door, and he stepped out alongside Miss Evelyn. They walked inside the ball together.

Suddenly, someone called Miss Evelyn, and she ran off to greet them, telling Marcus she would be back briefly.

When she left, he kept to the side, nursing a glass he hadn’t touched, when a familiar voice called his name a few moments later. When he turned, it was Melissa.

“Marcus?”

He turned, and there she was, Melissa. She looked radiant in a deep emerald gown, diamonds gleaming at her throat. Her smile froze halfway, surprise flickering across her face before it sharpened into suspicion.

“What are you doing here?”

Marcus scoffed lightly, straightening his tie. “Same as you. I’m in attendance.”

Her brows arched, disbelief etched in every line of her face. “Attendance?” She gave a brittle laugh. “No, no, how’s that possible? You don’t belong here. You snuck in!”

Her eyes swept him up and down, landing on the expensive suit hugging him. Her lips parted, then curved cruelly. “Oh my God. You’re stealing now, aren’t you? Because there is no way you could afford that.” She raised a hand to her mouth as if the realization had just hit her, pity mixing with mockery.

Before Marcus could answer, a tall man approached, his presence carrying the easy arrogance of someone born into privilege. He slipped an arm around Melissa’s waist. “Melissa, what’s the matter?”

Her voice dripped with false sweetness as she leaned against him. “This is Marcus. My ex-husband. He must’ve snuck in here just to look at me.” She gestured at Marcus as though he were some intruder.

The man frowned first, then looked at Marcus with an amused expression. “You’re really an interesting one. You even snuck in here just to talk to her? Even stealing this expensive suit to deceive everyone that you’re rich, but you’re homeless. How did you think you could deceive us?”

Marcus’s eyebrows pressed together. “I don’t know what you’re saying, and I didn’t come here for you,” he replied, and the man’s face hardened instantly. He raised a hand, beckoning sharply.

“Security! Security! There’s an intruder here!” the man announced, causing heads to turn in their direction.

Two guards in black suits swiftly appeared, moving toward Marcus, who was being pointed out by Melissa’s new man.

Marcus tensed as one reached for his arm, and then a calm but cutting voice broke through.

“Take your hands off him.”