Matchmaker Mayhem

The grand ballroom of the Manhattan Regal was decked out in glittering extravagance for the highly anticipated gala, the unofficial centerpiece of the matchmaking convention. Towering floral arrangements adorned each table, golden chandeliers dripped crystals from above, and a live string quartet played soft, elegant music that somehow managed to feel both classy and pretentious. Guests mingled in designer suits and couture gowns, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries.

Ava stood near the refreshment table, feeling slightly out of place despite the stunning emerald-green dress Mei had insisted she wear. Ryan was beside her, nursing a glass of whiskey and leaning against the table with his usual nonchalance. He looked annoyingly comfortable, as always, while Ava felt like she might spontaneously combust from the sheer pressure of the evening.

"Relax, Matchmaker," Ryan said, smirking as he took a sip. "You’re fidgeting so much, people are going to think you’re planning to rob the place."

"I’m not fidgeting," Ava snapped, adjusting the bracelet on her wrist for the tenth time. "I’m strategizing."

"Strategizing," Ryan echoed with a grin. "Sure. That’s what they call it."

Before Ava could retort, a hush fell over the crowd as Julian Ashcroft stepped onto the stage at the front of the room. Dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that screamed "I’m better than you," he looked every bit the tech billionaire he was. His smug smile widened as he took the microphone, and Ava’s stomach churned.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Julian began, his smooth, confident voice cutting through the room like butter. "Thank you for joining us tonight. As you all know, the future of matchmaking is here—and it’s powered by technology."

The crowd broke into polite applause, though Ava swore she saw Ryan roll his eyes.

"To that end," Julian continued, gesturing toward a sleek digital display behind him, "I’m thrilled to introduce the latest update to the Innovate Love app. This groundbreaking algorithm doesn’t just match people based on compatibility scores—it predicts their emotional responses to each other, ensuring a connection that’s not only logical but deeply fulfilling."

Ava whispered to Ryan, "Did he just say he can predict emotions? What is he, a wizard?"

Ryan chuckled. "More like a tech bro with a God complex."