Chapter 120: Glamorous Affair
Night draped the city of New York in its velvet embrace, the sky dark and speckled with stars like scattered diamonds. The faint hum of traffic pulsed in the distance, a backdrop to the stillness of the moment. Ephyra stood on the balcony of her penthouse, leaning against the railing. One hand clutched a stack of papers, while the other held a glass of wine. Dressed in silk pajamas, her hair tousled, she looked anything but relaxed as her gaze drifted over the city’s sprawling expanse.
She took a slow sip of wine, her eyes flicking to the papers. A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes briefly, centering herself. When she opened them, a spark of resolve replaced the weariness. Straightening her posture, she turned and stepped inside the penthouse, the night air trailing after her.
The modern interior was bathed in soft, ambient lighting that highlighted the muted tones of her furnishings. Ephyra placed the wine glass on a nearby table and walked toward her bedroom, her steps silent.
Inside, she headed directly for the walk-in closet. Navigating to its innermost section, she reached for the right-hand wall, pressing firmly on a hidden panel. The surface gave way, revealing a concealed safe. With practiced precision, she unlocked it, slid the papers into a sleek folder inside, and secured the lock.
Returning to her room, Ephyra climbed into her bed, her movements fluid yet tinged with exhaustion. Reaching for her phone, she opened a group chat and typed a quick message.
Ephyra: Goodnight, guys. See you tomorrow night! ❤️
Satisfied, she placed the phone on the nightstand, settled under the covers, and let her eyes drift shut, surrendering to the pull of sleep.
———
"Kealon, Kealon! Did you see this?! Malia’s school is having a masquerade party that is being hosted by Aelion Laboratories! And that’s not all, a lot of influential people are being sent an invitation and those people can bring one or two people with them!" Cian’s voice was filled with excitement as he shoved his phone toward Kaelon, practically bouncing in his seat. The screen displayed an article similar to the one Elmira had read, detailing the grand masquerade event.
Kaelon glanced at the phone briefly, his expression neutral. "So?"
Cian groaned in exasperation, pulling the phone back. "So? This is perfect! We’ve been looking for a way to meet Malia, right? What better opportunity than this? Everyone’s going to be there—including her!"