The Gala Preparation
674 Words
The vase exploded against the wall, shards scattering across the marble floor. Adrian Knight’s chest rose and fell, rage flashing in his eyes.
“Jesus, Adrian! You really need to get a hold of yourself!” Josh shouted, his voice cracking under the tension.
Adrian turned on him, fury spilling out in words. “You’re telling me to calm down? Did you see what she did? A real subtle way to insult my empire. My empire is multi-faceted—construction, retail, investments. Meanwhile, she clings to women’s fashion and some cheap brand name. And because she’s parading on talk shows, she thinks she can belittle years of my work? Serena Moreau has no idea what’s coming. I’ll crush her.”
Josh raised his hands, trying to soothe the storm. He signaled Claire, who hurried to send for a cleaner. Within minutes, a middle-aged woman arrived, sweeping away the mess as if Adrian’s outburst were just another part of her routine.
Adrian stepped out onto the balcony, letting the cool evening air brush against his face. Below him, the city stretched wide—a kingdom he believed belonged to him. Skyscrapers pierced the skyline, and at the far end of the avenue, one tower stood taller than the rest: a branch of Imperium Structure, his original company. His empire. His legacy.
“Serena is no match for me,” Adrian whispered, eyes fixed on the fading horizon. “I’ll bury her.”
“Adrian,” Claire’s voice cut through his thoughts, “the Charity Gala is tonight. You need to get ready.”
A slow, mischievous smirk crept across Adrian’s face.
Josh narrowed his eyes. “I know that look. Don’t do anything stupid. What’s going on in that little head of yours?”
“Tell me, Claire,” Adrian said, ignoring Josh. “Will Serena Moreau be there?”
Josh shot him a hard glare, but Adrian didn’t flinch.
“Yes,” Claire answered. “She confirmed it during a talk show.”
Josh sighed. “So that’s it. You plan to put on a show at the Gala.”
Adrian’s smirk widened. “I’ll make her see the Knight legacy. And I’ll make sure she never forgets that the Moreau name will never match ours. You’re going to help me, Josh. Because you’re my friend.”
Josh rolled his eyes. “This is starting to sound like a family power struggle. I’d love to babysit you, but I’m attending the Gala too. I need to prepare.”
“Fine.” Adrian gave him a curt nod. He rarely spoke more than he had to—but when he did, even nations paid attention. Cold, calculated, and ruthless, Adrian Knight was never one for public displays of emotion. Many saw him as arrogant, even inhuman. He didn’t care. He continued acquiring companies, expanding his reach across the globe, brick by brick, until his empire towered over all others.
And tonight, to outshine Serena, he would need more than his reputation. He needed presence. He needed to dress for war.
He slid into his black sedan and drove to The Man, the most exclusive clothier in Derry Falls City—one of the few businesses that Imperium Structure had failed to buy. They had never bowed to his offers, and for that, Adrian respected them.
The staff began with a classic black three-piece tuxedo, knowing his preference for the color. But Adrian was impossibly picky. He tried suit after suit for nearly an hour, rejecting them all with a flick of his hand. Then his eyes caught it—a deep red tuxedo. Bold. Striking. Unorthodox. Red wasn’t his color, but something about it called to him. It was also the most expensive piece in the store. Without hesitation, he claimed it.
Back at the mansion, Adrian showered and dressed. He tightened his cufflinks, admiring the reflection in the mirror. A king preparing for battle.
“If I’m going to war,” he murmured with a cold smile, “then I’ll dress like a king.
- Writer
