Chapter 87: gathering of Titans

Chapter 87: gathering of Titans As dusk settled in, the night gradually enveloped the land. For ordinary people, it was just another uneventful evening. But for the upper echelons of the capital—and indeed, the entire nation—this night was anything but ordinary. The reason was simple. Tonight marked the birthday celebration of Grandpa Luther, the former patriarch of the illustrious Luther Family. Only the most powerful and influential figures in the country had the privilege of receiving an invitation. Thus, this was far more than just a banquet—it was a symbol of status. An unparalleled opportunity to forge connections and exchange resources within the elite social circle. The venue for the grand celebration was the Cloud View Villa, nestled in the outskirts of the city. Naturally, it was one of the Luther Family’s many prestigious properties. Built against the mountainside, the villa exuded tranquility, its surroundings so pristine it resembled a natural oxygen bar. Spanning tens of thousands of square meters, the estate boasted sprawling leisure facilities—hot springs, an ice-skating rink, golf courses, tennis courts, and more. In the land-scarce capital city, the Luther Family Villa stood as the epitome of opulence. The entire mountain estate blazed with light in celebration of Grandpa Luther’s birthday banquet. From a distance, the twinkling stars and shimmering lights merged into an indistinguishable brilliance, creating a dazzling spectacle. A crimson carpet stretched hundreds of meters, unfurling all the way to the estate’s entrance. The elite of San Francisco—, all of America—arrived in succession, stepping out of their luxury vehicles onto the plush red runner. Men were clad in tailored suits, while women adorned themselves in exquisite gowns. Uncle Carlos had long stationed himself at the entrance with his team, orchestrating the guests’ seamless entry into the banquet hall with practiced efficiency. Of course, an exclusive gathering of this caliber permitted no media presence whatsoever. Inside the hall, an ornate crystal chandelier cast a cool, radiant glow, illuminating the grand ballroom in breathtaking splendor. Priceless masterpieces from around the world adorned the walls, their frames glinting under the ambient light. The spacious venue resonated with the soft, elegant strains of live music, setting the tone for an evening of refined indulgence. The men clinked glasses and exchanged pleasantries, while the women whispered and giggled among themselves. Champagne flowed freely as crystal glasses shimmered under the chandeliers. Every smile was polished to perfection, every gesture meticulously rehearsed—each guest a master of calculated elegance. Yet, up close, their words betrayed the glittering facade. "The Luther Family’s main branch has grown even more reclusive since Sinclair took over. Even Grandpa Luther keeps to himself—so it’s surprising he’s hosting a birthday banquet this time." "Haven’t you heard? It’s mostly for that new daughter-in-law, the one who just married into the family." "What’s so special about her, anyway? To earn Grandpa Luther’s favor like this..." "If anything stands out, it’s her background. An orphan raised by distant relatives—now *that’s* unusual in our circles." "Sinclair is bound to make an appearance tonight. We’ll finally see if he lives up to the rumors." ... Amid the hum of conversation, a sudden stir rippled through the crowd. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where a man in a pale gray suit strode in with effortless grace. His features were striking—ethereal, almost androgynous—and the light seemed to catch every refined angle of his face. His demeanor was cool, his movements languid, exuding an air of aristocratic indifference. Beside him stood a woman in a sleek black strapless gown, her beautiful and arresting, her figure undeniably alluring. "Who’s this?" "You don’t know? There’s only one man in the capital with such devilishly handsome looks—Calvin, the heir of the Calvin family." "So that’s Calvin! His face is even more striking than in the photos! Who’s the woman beside him?" "Just some rising starlet from the entertainment industry, goes by Aria or something. No need to remember—she’ll be replaced in a couple of days anyway. Men from families like theirs wouldn’t even glance twice at someone from the entertainment world." "Calvin changes women faster than he changes his clothes." "Absolutely. Several media outlets in the capital rely on his scandals to stay afloat." "With his family background and looks, it’s no surprise women throw themselves at him." "Oh, it’s not just his background and looks—his skills are nothing to scoff at either. Don’t forget, the He family has thrived more than ever since he took over." Unlike the women, the young men watched Calvin with a mix of envy and admiration. "Mr. Calvin, I’ve long admired your reputation. I’d be honored to collaborate with you someday." "Mr. Calvin, it’s been a while. You’re as impressive as ever." "That’s Mr. Calvin—show some respect and greet him properly." ... Given Calvin’s elite status and prestigious family, the crowd eagerly raised their glasses to approach him. After all, opportunities to engage with someone of his caliber up close were rare. For Calvin, such scenes were routine. Holding his wine glass, he maintained a polished smile. "Don’t mention it." "Anytime, if the opportunity arises." Yet upon closer inspection, one would notice that his upturned, peach-blossom eyes held not a trace of genuine warmth. People swarmed around Calvin in waves. Young women, in particular, were abundant. After all, most of their husbands could be found among the attendees of today’s event. To them, Calvin was nothing short of the perfect target. Though the smile never left his lips, a faint impatience flickered deep in his eyes. With one arm wrapped possessively around Aria’s slender waist, he introduced her with practiced charm, his every word and gesture dripping with affection. Even though Aria knew she was merely a shield he had brought along, she couldn’t help but be moved by his tender facade. This man had that kind of magnetism—one that had nothing to do with lineage or power. Meanwhile, not far from the estate, inside a Maybach... "How’s it going?" Sandra narrowed her beautiful eyes as the destination drew nearer. "Don’t worry," came the man’s voice through the phone. "I handled it personally. There won’t be any slip-ups." "Good," Sandra replied, her crimson lips curling into a cold smirk. "The money’s ready for you. Just in case, you’ll stay in the U.S. for a while before coming back." "Miss..." The man’s voice faltered slightly. "...I’d rather stay by your side and protect you. I don’t want to go to the U.S." A flicker of disgust flashed in Sandra’s eyes. "Do as you’re told. You don’t get to decide what you want." Without waiting for a response, she ended the call. The thought of what was about to unfold filled her with exhilaration and anticipation. Camilla. Sitting in a seat you don’t deserve means always being ready for the fall. The banquet hall buzzed with subdued chatter. A man with an air of refined elegance stepped inside, dressed in an impeccably tailored navy blue suit that spoke of meticulous attention to detail. Tall and slender, he carried himself with scholarly grace. His handsome face bore a faint, ever-present smile, exuding warmth like a gentle spring breeze. Yet, those deep, unfathomable eyes held a quiet intensity that commanded respect. His striking presence instantly drew numerous gazes. By his side was a petite, charming woman in a pale yellow cocktail dress, her playful demeanor a contrast to his composed aura. "Taylor," Calvin spotted the approaching figure and immediately strode forward with Aria in tow. "Took you long enough." Taylor? Taylor—the head of the Taylor family?! The realization dawned on many, their smiles widening with newfound interest. Truly, a gathering of titans—only fitting for a Luther Family event. Meanwhile, in another corner of the hall... "Talk," Camilla’s crimson lips parted as she fixed her gaze on the person before her. "What did she do?"