Capítulo 38: Prey and Predator
The moment had arrived. NovaTech's rooftop shimmered beneath the twilight, the grand launch unfolding like the overture of a symphony.
The setting sun filled the scene with gold and red colors while the city's skyline surrounded the event.
A cool breeze moved through the crowd, carrying soft conversations and gentle sounds from a live jazz band.
"This is amazing," said one of the influential people being invited by David.
He was exchanging words with a colleague of his. "Seems like it's finally David's turn to shine."
"David is just lucky. He found a wealthy kid who wanted to start a company with him. You know David; he did charity work but has no experience running a company. The kid might be getting lied to by him," said another.
"Are you jealous?"
The bitter man shook his head. Anyone in their right mind could see it. Who wouldn't be jealous of such an opportunity?
More conversations like this took place. Some people listened carefully, while others chose to enjoy the event.
The rooftop was a great design that mixed modern and traditional styles. Chandeliers, suspended like crystalline constellations, scattered soft light across the space, while sleek, modern tech displays whispered promises of innovation.
Banquet tables bordered the venue, their white linens shimmering like snow under the ambient glow.
Culinary creations adorned them, each a masterpiece of both taste and presentation.
"Look at that." People couldn't help but gulp at the sight of the delicacies before them.
Seared foie gras perched delicately on toasted brioche, wagyu beef sliders so tender they seemed almost sinful, truffle-infused risotto served in shimmering porcelain bowls, and platters of the ocean's finest treasures—oysters, lobster, caviar—spread like jewels on crushed ice.
Desserts beckoned from their stations: vibrant macarons stacked like miniature rainbows, delicate chocolate mousse domes reflecting the twinkling lights above, and tiny tarts filled with tangy passion fruit curd.
Champagne flutes sparkled in guests' hands, and the waiters—moving with a grace that suggested invisible choreography—offered signature cocktails on silver trays.
In one corner, a jazz band played a lilting melody, the notes weaving seamlessly into the night's fabric. Nearby, a holographic art installation shifted and danced, its luminous visuals drawing the occasional hushed exclamation of wonder from the crowd.
The air was alive with awe. Everywhere, conversations buzzed—voices marveling at the setting, the food, and the bold vision that NovaTech embodied.
Among the guests, the newly hired staff stood out—not for their nerves, which had melted away under the evening's warmth, but for their undeniable excitement.
"This is a lot. We just joined, but we are celebrating like we have worked here for years," said one of the staff.
Each of them carried a palpable sense of pride, mingling confidently with attendees and sharing glimpses of the company's ethos and future.
The scene was not just a gathering; it was a declaration. NovaTech wasn't here to merely exist—it was here to lead, to innovate, to inspire. And tonight, under the vast canvas of the evening sky, that truth was unmistakable.
=====
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."
"It's finally time, huh?" Ethan muttered to himself.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his sharp, enhanced features and 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.
He looked around. If he hadn't had the Unlimited System or the knowledge from the Great Families that Theodore warned him about, he would have brought his family tonight.
That was the reason why Ethan chose not to bring his family to the event; it involved business as well as power and influence. He understood the risks involved.
Ethan's family was proud, but they did not know about the dangerous side of Novan City's wealthy people.
Ethan had talked to them about his choice before and reassured them it was to keep them safe. He could not let them become targets for those who wished to harm them.
Still, he remembered his promise to his younger siblings. He would bring them here for a visit and tour of NovaTech's headquarters. 'This building is mine. I can bring them whenever I wish.'
It was fascinating to be part of such a large event and to be its main character. In the past few weeks, he was a nobody, and the attention he received tonight was overwhelming.
"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. He had a bigger thing to be done, or so he thought. He needed to socialize and get to know the people who were invited.
"Are you okay?" asked Jessica. She was always next to Ethan.
Ethan chuckled at her question. "Me? It's you that you should be concerned about. Are you okay?"
Jessica laughed awkwardly. She then said, "I'm sorry, but this is my first time being part of something this big."
"It's alright. We're in this together. I'll handle the talking, and I just need you to provide me with the information," Ethan said, trying to calm her.
Jessica was great at her task. 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."
Ethan noticed the curiosity in the man's eyes as he tried to assess him. This happened every time Ethan met someone new that night.
People were always sizing him up. He felt that some were being honest, while others might have hidden motives. Some might see him as a rival and look for ways to undermine him.
Ethan then moved from guest to guest, offering firm handshakes, exchanging pleasantries, and greeting each influential figure personally.
"All of them are well-known people from our city and country," Jessica said.
"I figured," Ethan replied. He then added, "I wonder how connected David really is."
"Well, he's as mysterious as you are, Ethan. Surprisingly, both of you became partners," Jessica said with a teasing tone.
Ethan knew that tonight was not just about showing what NovaTech could do; it was about making connections and building future partnerships.
He felt the weight of the elites' watchful eyes. Each look at him carried unspoken judgment, curiosity, and, in some cases, disdain.
As his eyes wandered around, Ethan spotted the elites of Novan City. He leaned closer to Jessica and said quietly, "I think those are the elites—the Great Families who were invited, right?"
Jessica looked briefly at the group at the far end of the rooftop. The mood there felt tense.
The elites kept to themselves, standing apart from the other guests. They carried themselves confidently and watched everything with a calculating gaze. They looked down on the common guests, thinking they were beneath them.
Jessica nodded to confirm Ethan's suspicion. "Yes, that's them. But I don't have all the information about each one."
Ethan frowned. "Why not? Didn't David tell you?"
Jessica shook her head. "He tried, but we could not guess who would come."
Ethan's expression softened. "I see. You've done your best. But... I feel like we have missed something crucial here."
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.
Ethan noticed that a pair of eyes focused on Jessica. He tried to lock his gaze with the man, but the man kept staring at 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.
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."
"A virgin?" The first man's smirk deepened, the predatory gleam in his eyes growing darker. "Interesting," he muttered, his voice a low growl. "Very interesting."
Jessica looked at Ethan, noticing he seemed distracted. "Is everything alright?" she asked.
Ethan didn't respond right away. He continued to watch the man, who was eyeing Jessica like a predator. Ethan felt the man's intense interest, not only in NovaTech but also in Jessica herself.
"Yes," Ethan finally replied, though his voice slightly curved. "Everything's fine."
"Who's next on the greeting list?" Ethan asked, forcing a casual tone as he glanced around the crowded rooftop.
He needed to change the subject—and fast. There was no way he was letting Jessica be troubled by what he had noticed.
It wasn't just his sense of duty that compelled him to protect her; it was also the unsettling gaze of a certain guest that lingered in his mind.
'Great,' Ethan thought to himself. 'I've barely started, and I'm already dealing with this kind of nonsense of horny young master.'
He knew that look all too well. The man exuded the entitled arrogance of someone who thought the world and everyone in it was his for the taking.
Jessica, oblivious to his inner turmoil, led him toward another group of guests. The evening wore on, a whirlwind of introductions and handshakes.
Ethan met an array of individuals, from business magnates to politicians. The latter, as he quickly realized, all seemed to share the same agenda: subtle hints masked as polite conversation, urging him to consider funding their campaigns or parties.
Ethan's response was carefully measured each time. "I'm afraid I have other obligations tied to my family," he would say, delivering the line with a polite but firm smile.
The word family carried a weight in Novan City, the kind of weight that could make even the boldest politician tread cautiously.
It conjured images of wealth, power, and influence—an heir's unspoken authority. Though unintentional, Ethan's fabricated explanation was enough to deflect most of their overtures.
But Ethan knew the implications of his words. He wasn't naive. The influential families of Novan City—the Great Families—were likely to interpret his aloofness as a challenge, an act of defiance against their dominance.
"Phew," Ethan exhaled as the last of the guests moved on. "That was exhausting."
Jessica, who had been by his side through most of the evening, let out a sigh that mirrored his own. "Tell me about it. Between managing introductions and deflecting thinly veiled propositions, I think I've aged a year tonight."
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, you did great. Though to be fair, I can see why they'd try. You look stunning tonight, Jessica. You should probably expect some attention."
Jessica froze, her cheeks quickly turning a shade that matched the evening's rosé. She glanced at him, her voice faltering. "Th-thank you, Ethan."
Ethan, utterly unaware of the effect his words had, continued as though he'd merely commented on the weather. To him, it was a simple truth—Jessica did look beautiful tonight.
But to Jessica, the casual sincerity of his compliment struck a chord she hadn't expected.
Edited: 21 December 2024
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