Kapitel 38: Prey and Predator

The rooftop of NovaTech's headquarters gleamed under the evening sky, the grand launch in full swing. The setting sun cast a warm, golden light over the event, while a cool breeze from the surrounding skyline kept the evening fresh.

The décor blended futuristic elegance and opulence, with glittering chandeliers reflecting the soft ambient lights. Luxurious tech displays lined the open spaces, their sleek designs giving a glimpse into the innovations NovaTech was about to unveil.

Long banquet tables stretched along the perimeter, covered in pristine white linens and adorned with various culinary masterpieces. There were elaborate platters of international delicacies—seared foie gras, wagyu beef sliders, truffle-infused risotto, and an endless assortment of fresh seafood, including oysters, lobster, and caviar.

Elegant desserts, from petite macarons to indulgent chocolate mousse domes, tempted guests between sips of champagne. Waiters in tailored uniforms floated around the rooftop, offering flutes of sparkling wine and signature cocktails.

A live jazz band played softly in one corner of the rooftop, their music flowing smoothly into the atmosphere. Not far away, a holographic art installation displayed ethereal, shifting visuals that captivated the crowd.

Every detail had been crafted to impress, and it showed. As guests took in the scene, there were murmurs of admiration and gasps of awe.

NovaTech's newly hired staff, from various departments such as tech, marketing, and legal, mingled easily among the attendees.

Their initial nervousness had dissipated, replaced by excitement for the company's bright future. Conversations flowed smoothly, and bonds formed quickly as everyone seemed to align with NovaTech's vision of innovation and creativity.

Laughter echoed as team members exchanged stories and ideas for future projects. It was a fantastic night for many, or as some would call them, "commoners."

Ethan, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his sharp, enhanced features, stood confidently in the center of the rooftop, his presence undeniable.

The recent enhancements to his physique gave him an aura that drew attention wherever he went. His piercing gaze, strong jawline, and quiet charisma captured the room, with heads turning and whispers following his every move.

Ethan had chosen not to bring his family to the event. The world he was stepping into wasn't just one of business but of power and influence, and he knew the risks.

While proud, his family was unaware of the darker undercurrents of Novan City's elite. Ethan had explained his decision to them beforehand, reassuring them it was for their protection. He couldn't risk them becoming targets for those with ill intentions.

"Is that Ethan Cole? He looks… I mean, look at him! He's got the presence of a movie star."

"I've heard about him, but he's younger than I thought. And that confidence…"

As Ethan moved among the guests, there was a constant buzz of comments around him. However, Ethan didn't really pay much attention to it.

Jessica was always next to Ethan. She had memorized every detail about the influential figures being invited tonight. She would keep on filling Ethan with information about them.

"This is Mr. Petrov, the owner of Petroveum Power," Jessica said quietly, her voice composed despite the undercurrent of tension.

Ethan nodded, extending his hand to the older man. "Ethan Cole. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Petrov."

Petrov gave a slight, respectful nod, shaking Ethan's hand firmly. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Cole. I've heard quite a bit about your ambitions." His eyes held a glint of curiosity as if trying to measure the young man before him.

Ethan then moved from guest to guest, offering firm handshakes, exchanging pleasantries, and greeting each influential figure personally.

Ethan knew tonight wasn't just about showcasing NovaTech's potential; it was about establishing connections and laying the groundwork for future alliances.

He could feel the weight of the elites' scrutinizing gazes. Each glance that swept over him held layers of unspoken judgment, curiosity, and, in some cases, disdain.

Leaning slightly toward Jessica, Ethan lowered his voice. "I believe those are the elites—the Great Families invited, right?"

Jessica glanced briefly at the group gathered at the far end of the rooftop, where the atmosphere seemed heavier.

The elites stood apart from the other guests, their elegant postures sharp as their eyes watched the event unfold with cold calculation.

Jessica nodded, confirming Ethan's suspicion. "Yes, that's them. But I don't have all the information about each one of them."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "I see. David didn't brief you?"

Jessica shook her head. "He tried, but we could not predict who would be coming."

Ethan's expression softened. "It's alright. You've done your best." His tone was reassuring, but his gaze lingered on the gathering of the Great Families. He could feel their attention shifting, flickering between him and his team, like predators evaluating prey.

As they continued speaking, Ethan could feel a particular intensity in some of the gazes now directed at them. They were being watched. Closely. And then, almost imperceptibly, one of the eyes settled on Jessica.

A man standing just within the shadows of the elite gathering tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as they swept over Jessica.

His predatory gaze lingered on her, tracing the delicate lines of her face and the effortless elegance with which she moved. She was strikingly beautiful, and something about her caught his attention more than anyone else.

Oblivious to the piercing stare, Jessica continued discussing the event, but Ethan could feel the shift in the air. He followed the direction of the gaze, his eyes narrowing as they landed on the man watching Jessica.

Next to him, a figure leaned in and whispered something in his ear. A smirk crept across the man's lips, his eyes still fixed on Jessica. "

Jessica Moore," the second figure murmured quietly, barely audible over the hum of the crowd. "She's the assistant. Beautiful, isn't she? Rumor has it she's more than just a pretty face—she's a virgin, from what I've heard."

The first man's smirk deepened, the predatory gleam in his eyes growing darker. "Interesting," he muttered, his voice a low growl. "Very interesting."

Unaware of the exchange, Jessica glanced at Ethan, her brows furrowing slightly at his sudden distraction. "Is everything alright?"

Ethan didn't answer immediately. His gaze was still locked on the man, watching Jessica like a wolf circling its prey. He could feel the cold weight of the man's interest, not just in NovaTech but Jessica herself.

The intensity of his gaze was unsettling, and Ethan's muscles tensed instinctively.

"Yes," Ethan finally replied, though his voice slightly curved. "Everything's fine."

But it wasn't. There was a dangerous undercurrent, something beyond business deals and negotiations. It was the kind of tension that came with power, greed, and a hunger that wasn't easily satisfied.

The man's gaze lingered on Jessica for a moment longer before turning away, his smirk never fading. Whatever intentions he held, they were far from innocent, and Ethan could sense that this wouldn't be the last time they crossed paths.

The elite's gazes shifted back to a silent observation, yet the air around Jessica felt different. She was no longer another participant in their game; she had become a target.

Ethan was aware of this change and knew he had to act to safeguard everyone—himself, his family, and the staff at NovaTech.

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