CHAPTER FIVE
1035 Words
Vander Group – CEO Office
Ryan sat behind his desk, focused on a document, his expression cold and distant.
The door burst open.
“Kai—”
But it was already too late.
Kai strolled in like he owned the place.
“Ryan,” he said dramatically, “guess what?”
Ryan didn’t look up.
“Not interested.”
Kai gasped, placing a hand over his chest.
“That hurts. Deeply.”
He walked closer anyway, ignoring the lack of invitation.
“There’s a party this Saturday,” he continued. “A big one. Kingsley Mansion. Victorian theme. Elite crowd.”
Still no reaction.
Kai leaned forward, placing both hands on Ryan’s shoulders.
“I heard Elena Silverstone will be there.”
Ryan’s pen paused.
Barely noticeable.
Kai grinned.
“And considering there’s a possibility you’ll marry her… don’t you think it’s the perfect place for a grand appearance?”
Ryan removed Kai’s hands calmly.
“I have no interest in attending.”
Kai sighed dramatically.
“Really?”
Then, casually—
“I also heard Rosette Monroe will be there.”
Ryan stopped.
This time, he looked up.
“…Rosette?”
Kai smirked.
“Yes. The Monroe Group’s beautiful, untouchable CEO.”
A teasing pause.
“Now that caught your attention.”
Ryan stood, straightening his sleeve.
“I said I’m not interested.”
A beat.
“When is it?”
Kai laughed.
“I knew it!”
“Saturday night. Costume party. Elegant, mysterious… perfect place to fall in love.”
He clasped his hands together dreamily.
“Maybe I’ll finally stop being single.”
Ryan gave him a look.
“Kai, I’m still surprised your father let you run a company.”
A pause.
“You’re a complete clown.”
Kai clutched his chest again.
“You wound me.”
He turned dramatically toward the door.
“Fine. I’ll leave you to your cold, lonely life.”
Then he pointed back at Ryan.
“Saturday. Be there.”
A grin.
“And dress well. As always.”
Kai left.
The office fell silent again.
Ryan picked up his phone.
It was already ringing.
Unknown number.
He answered.
“What do you want?”
A familiar voice came from the other side.
Calm. Amused.
“Can’t I call you?”
Ryan’s expression darkened.
“I told you before—stay away.”
A soft chuckle.
“I also told you… I’ll be around for a while.”
Ryan leaned back slightly.
“What do you want with me?”
The voice paused.
Then—
“Maybe I’ll see you at the Kingsley party.”
Ryan’s eyes darkened slightly.
“Then show up.”
A beat.
“Let’s see what you’re worth.”
Silence.
Then the call ended.
Ryan lowered the phone slowly, a faint smirk forming.
Kingsley Mansion – Private Lounge
Soft golden lights filled the room as preparations buzzed quietly in the background.
Aria Kingsley stood by the window, arms crossed, watching staff move in perfect coordination.
Behind her, Valerie Everett lounged on the sofa, clearly excited.
“Aria,” Valerie said with a grin, “this is going to be the best party ever.”
Aria didn’t turn.
“Calm down,” she replied. “Things don’t always go as planned.”
Valerie tilted her head.
“You’re not worried about the party… are you?”
A pause.
Aria hesitated.
Then quietly—
“What if he doesn’t show up?”
Valerie sat up immediately.
“Who?”
Aria looked away, almost reluctant.
“…Dominic Blackwell.”
Valerie’s face lit up.
“Dominic? Ohhh—so you like him.”
Aria sighed.
“I wouldn’t call it a crush.”
A beat.
“But I do want him to come.”
Valerie smirked.
“He’ll be there.”
Aria glanced back.
“You’re sure?”
Valerie shrugged.
“If Ryan or Kai show up, Dominic won’t be far behind.”
At the mention of that name, Aria’s expression shifted.
“Ryan Vander?”
She frowned slightly.
“I’m not sure I want him here.”
Valerie laughed softly.
“Whether you like it or not, people like him always show up.”
A brief silence followed.
Then Valerie leaned forward, her tone changing slightly.
“Actually… there’s someone I’m more interested in seeing.”
Aria turned.
“Who?”
Valerie’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
“Rosette Monroe.”
Aria raised a brow.
“The Monroe CEO?”
“Yes,” Valerie said.
Her voice softened just a little.
“Every time I see her, it’s always business. Meetings. Deals. Nothing real.”
She leaned back, thoughtful.
“I want to see what she’s like… outside of all that.”
Aria studied her.
“That’s not the only reason.”
Valerie paused.
Then sighed lightly.
“…I used to date her brother.”
That caught Aria’s full attention.
“You did?”
Valerie nodded.
“It didn’t last long.”
A faint, complicated smile appeared.
“But it wasn’t nothing either.”
Aria’s gaze sharpened with curiosity.
“And Rosette?”
Valerie let out a small breath.
“We never really talked about it.”
A pause.
“Everything between us has always been… distant.”
Aria crossed her arms, amused.
“So now you want to fix that?”
Valerie smirked.
“Or at least understand it.”
Aria chuckled softly.
“Just admit you want to be friends with her.”
Valerie rolled her eyes.
“Don’t push it.”
A beat.
“…Maybe.”
Aria smiled faintly.
“You’ve had chances before.”
Valerie shrugged.
“It never felt like the right time.”
Then her eyes lit up again.
“But this party?”
A small grin.
“Perfect.”
Aria nodded slowly.
Then her expression softened just a little.
“Let’s just hope everything goes smoothly.”
Valerie stood, stretching slightly.
“Oh, it will.”
She turned toward Aria with a playful look.
“This party is going to be unforgettable.”
Aria allowed herself a small smile.
Valerie pointed at her teasingly.
“And no one is leaving single.”
Aria laughed.
“That’s ambitious.”
Valerie winked.
“Watch me.”
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