The black-tinted limousine rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Langston estate, its polished chrome glinting beneath the floodlights that washed the sprawling mansion in golden radiance. Tonight, the entire estate had been transformed into something more than a home—it was a stage. And every guest stepping onto its marbled steps was both actor and audience in a play of wealth, influence, and veiled hostilities.
Liam Hawthorne stepped out first, his tuxedo tailored so sharply it could cut glass. He hated these events, hated the shallow rituals of champagne toasts and whispered slander, but tonight wasn’t about preference. Tonight was about survival—and control. He knew it was going to be a battle tonight but he didn't care. He had stilled himself to face and summount whatever it was. N
