Chapter 54 - 58
Avara POV
Perched high on the rugged mountaintop, the restaurant seems to float between earth and sky, nestled like a hidden gem amid the vast, sweeping valley below. Its sleek, modern architecture blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, the large glass windows offering uninterrupted views of the jagged peaks and the lush valley cradled beneath. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the distant murmur of wind threading through the cliffs.
The convoy of luxury vehicles pause around the grandiose fountain so we’re near the immaculate staircase. I take a readying breath, the door opens and my legs slip out as the gleaming fabric cascades beneath me as Frank offers his hand to help me out. Dressed in an emerald one-shoulder satin gown with gilded embellishments.
Around me, the Vacherons climb out, their structured silhouettes sprouting into view. Landen approaches me with his hand extended. I lift a wavering hand before I place it in his as he raises our hands aloft as we ascend the staircase with his brother and father at our rear. I cast a glance behind me and Vance is already staring up at me, fixated and unflinching.
Out of nowhere, Landen pulls me to him with a reproachful tug as he snakes his arm around my waist in a rough lock. Smiling, he leans closer so the tip of his nose can nudge away idle strands, his breaths making my scalp prickle.
"They say it’s a bad... dangerous thing to focus on the past when your future is ahead of you," he says icily, his words cutting through me with chilling clarity.
He draws back so we can lock eyes and his smile is deceptive, seemingly warm and loving, unseen is the shadows flitting behind it. Outside of the restaurant is an extension of the summit. The polite hum of conversation and the occasional sound of clinking glasses rise gently from the gathering, carried upward on the breeze. Everything seems like an intricate chess board, where powerful figures move carefully between tents, discussing deals that could change the world.
Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere is hushed yet electric. The polished wooden floors gleam under the soft, ambient light, while the stone walls offer a rustic contrast to the sleek, modern décor. Tables are set with fine linen and polished silverware, waiting for the next round of discussions or sparkling reflection over gourmet meals and vintage wines. The panoramic windows give the sensation of floating above the world.
Mr Vacheron ushers us towards a gauntlet of suited men.
"Congratulations," one of them says with a scornful smile. "Second times a charm."
"Tell me, Landen, how is it that you are all so well-endowed but end up with Vance’s hand-me-downs?"
Vance bursts past us to launch an explosive blow at the man that said that, sending him sprawling on the floor. Three men appear to restrain Vance as the man tries to lift himself up, Landen comes out of nowhere to thrust a violent kick at his face—blood spurting in arc before he smashes against the floor as Landen casually strolls away, adjusting his custom cufflinks. Security starts swelling behind Mr Vacheron as he merely flicks up a halting hand and the entire squad skids to a stop.