The ball was magnificent, every corner brimming with friends, well-wishers, and the glittering elite of Lixra. Tonight was a celebration unlike any other the birthday of Kayla Kornels, the only daughter of the formidable and influential Kornels family. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, scattering prisms of light across the polished marble floors, while the swell of orchestral music mingled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft murmur of conversation.
Everyone in Lixra knew the Kornels. They were a dynasty whose wealth and influence spanned continents. Their empire encompassed car manufacturing, the exclusive KY shopping malls a high-end fashion label catering only to society's upper echelon and the Starlight Entertainment conglomerate, boasting some of the world's most celebrated actors, actresses, and models. Their reach extended further still: luxurious seven-star hotels like The Sunrise, famed for opulent décor and impeccable service, and establishments such as Mackmillan's Hotel, The Silver Lining Hotel, Klind Café, and LX Restaurant, all celebrated for meticulous attention to taste and presentation.
Amidst this spectacle of wealth, Kayla herself was a vision. Her gown flowed like liquid starlight under the chandeliers, emerald eyes shimmering with anticipation. Beside her stood Aaron, her boyfriend—tall, lean, striking, with black eyes that could pierce a room and sun-kissed blonde hair. His family wielded equal influence, though his reputation painted him as a spoiled, indulgent child of privilege.
"Oh, love, what should I get you for your birthday?" Aaron murmured, leaning close. "A yacht, a restaurant, jewelry… name it."
Kayla giggled, pressing a quick kiss to his lips, eliciting a collective "aww" from nearby friends. "Baby, I wouldn't want anything more. I already have those things. A gift from the heart is enough."
Around them, Kayla's friends moved through the crowd, each a statement of style and social prominence. Ellen DeGeneres no relation to the celebrity was tall and slender, her chocolate-wine curls framing piercing blue eyes. Hailey Baldwin, daughter of a politician, radiated statuesque blonde elegance with emerald eyes sharp as diamonds. Amy Rockwell, curvaceous with a flawless diamond-shaped face, indulged in quiet luxuries, like stealthily sneaking a second slice of cake, her shy demeanor belying her indulgent habits.
"May I have your attention, please?" A deep voice cut through the chatter. Konstantin Kornels, Kayla's father, struck the rim of his wine glass with a fork. The crowd fell silent.
"First, I want to thank each of you for honoring us tonight. Today is the happiest day of my life for my beautiful Kayla… who is now officially eighteen," he announced, pride and affection resonating in every word.
Amy nudged Kayla, prompting a soft giggle.
"Zip it, please," Scarlett Kornels formerly Scarlett Lion chided gently, her youthful elegance untouched by years. "Today, my husband and I decided to gift our daughter a yacht, as promised."
Applause erupted. Kayla's cheeks flushed as she covered her face, overwhelmed by attention and the extravagant gesture.
"Not so fast!" A sharp, commanding voice shattered the celebration. Two men in FBI uniforms appeared, guns drawn, aimed directly at the Kornels. The crowd froze.
"You didn't think you could evade the FBI, did you?" one agent barked, stepping forward. "You are under arrest for illegal transfer of public funds into private accounts and the murder of Governor Nelson Mandela."
Gasps rippled through the hall. "What?" "Oh my God!" murmurs of disbelief spread. A bald, stout man muttered, "Who could have imagined?"
"You have the right to remain silent," the agent continued, the click of handcuffs sharp in the stunned silence. Konstantin and Scarlett were swiftly escorted, pushed toward the awaiting police van.
"Mom! Dad!" Kayla cried, forcing her way through the shocked crowd, tears welling. Officers blocked her path.
"Please… let me speak to them," she pleaded, voice trembling.
Konstantin's calm, unwavering gaze met hers. "Can you let her speak to our daughter first?" he asked the officers.
"Oh, I never knew speaking to our daughter could be a crime," Scarlett muttered, sarcasm dripping from her words.
"Madam, please " an officer began.
"Fk you, and fk whatever comes out of your mouth!" Scarlett spat, unyielding.
"Language, ma'am," another officer warned.
"Fine," Scarlett sighed, eyes blazing. "Five minutes."
Within those precious minutes, Konstantin brushed tears from Kayla's cheeks. "Baby, we're sorry this happened on your birthday. But please… be strong for us, okay? Don't cry."
Kayla's chest heaved as her father's faint smile offered an odd serenity amidst chaos. "Anything, Dad?" she whispered through trembling sobs.
"Be strong," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "And find Kaiden Scott."
"What… who? Dad, I don't know him… I don't know where to find him."
"Time's up," the officer called, and they were led away. Flashbulbs popped as paparazzi swarmed, immortalizing every detail of the unfolding scandal.
Kayla wiped her tears and returned to the party, attempting to drown herself in laughter, music, and celebration. Yet the incident lingered, a shadow darkening every glittering gown and empty smile. Conversations buzzed with cruel speculation; even those who had once admired her family whispered judgment, suspicion replacing reverence.
"How can they be so sure it's true? Could it be a mistake?" she wondered, scanning familiar faces hardened by doubt.
Sinking into a chair, Kayla realized the truth: she had idolized her parents, revered their elegance and precision, and yet all their power and influence could not shield them now.
Her heart pounded, fear and determination coiling together. She would honor her father's request. She would find Kaiden Scott. And she would navigate a world suddenly more uncertain, more dangerous, than she had ever imagined.
As the party swirled around her, glittering and hollow, Kayla felt the stirrings of something unfamiliar yet essential: resolve. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it. Alone, if necessary.