The gala was still buzzing hours after the big announcement, but Section E wasn't impressed — they were shocked.
"Hold up," Percy said, still staring at Jay like she had sprouted another head. "So you're telling me you're the CEO of S & J Corporation? Not like, the intern, the assistant, or the girl who orders snacks?"
Jay grinned, sipping her drink. "Technically, I do order snacks too."
Cin smacked her arm. "You literally own three skyscrapers!"
"Correction," Yuri interrupted, holding up a finger. "Four. She bought another last week — I saw it on the business news right between stock market crashes and 'world's youngest billionaires'."
"Thanks for the free PR," Jay said sweetly.
Mica groaned. "We've been walking to school while you've been flying in jets?"
"Walking builds character," Jay said.
"Character my foot," Percy muttered. "My legs are suing you."
Laughter rippled around the table. The tension from earlier had melted into chaos — their usual state.
The ballroom glittered around them, golden chandeliers shimmering like constellations. High-profile CEOs, diplomats, and socialites floated between conversations, all glancing toward one person — Jasper Jean Fernandes Mariano, the woman of the night.
And Jay, of course, noticed every stare.
She leaned closer to Cin and whispered, "Is it me, or are there at least six people planning their marriage proposal through eye contact?"
Cin smirked. "More like twelve. And one is probably already googling your favorite flowers."
Jay laughed — but before she could reply, a well-known businessman in his twenties approached, all polished confidence and charm.
"Miss Mariano," he began smoothly, "your vision for S & J Corporation is revolutionary. Perhaps we could discuss a partnership — over dinner?"
Jay opened her mouth, but Keifer stepped in faster than a bodyguard with caffeine.
"She's booked," he said flatly.
The businessman blinked. "Booked?"
"Yeah," Keifer replied, smiling too nicely. "Booked for life. With me."
The poor man stuttered. "Oh— oh I see. Well then— good evening."
He fled.
Jay glared at Keifer. "You scared him off!"
"That was the point."
"I'm trying to build partnerships, not a restraining order list."
"Too late," rory called from behind them. "He's already halfway to therapy."
Everyone snorted. Jay rolled her eyes but couldn't help the laugh that slipped out. "You're unbelievable."
"Unbelievably devoted," Keifer said smoothly, leaning closer.
"Unbelievably annoying," she shot back.
felix clapped her hands. "Can you two not flirt in 4K HD in front of my innocence?"
"You lost your innocence in first year," Percy said.
"Shut up, Percy."
Minutes later, another group of men tried their luck — this time younger, flashier, all trying to look sophisticated and mysterious.
"Miss Mariano," one of them said, "I must say, your leadership is inspiring. Perhaps we could collaborate?"
"On what?" Jay asked politely.
"On… dinner?"
Before she could reply, Keifer casually draped an arm around her shoulder. "She's already collaborating with someone."
"Who?"
Keifer smiled. "Me. On a lifelong joint venture."
Rakki choked on his drink. "Did you just call dating a merger?"
"Strategic alliance," Keifer corrected.
calix wiped tears from his eyes. "Man's using corporate language to secure his love life."
Jay sighed, half-amused, half-exasperated. "You're insufferable."
"Yet irresistible," Keifer said.
"Debatable."
"Say that again after you look at me for five seconds."
Jay tried to glare but ended up laughing. "You're so full of yourself."
"And you love it," he teased.
She shoved his shoulder playfully, but he caught her hand, thumb brushing her knuckles for a second longer than necessary.
Cin nudged josh. "Oh no. They're doing that soft-romance-look thing again."
"Yeah," josh said. "Cue the slow music."
As the night went on, the Section E table became its own comedy show.
kit and mayo argued over who'd make a better assistant CEO ("I can organize files." "You can't even organize your life.").blaster tried to teach eman how to walk like a "rich person" — he tripped halfway through.drew began taking bets on how many more men Keifer would scare off before midnight.
By 11 p.m., the count was seven.
Jay groaned. "You're ruining my business prospects."
Keifer smirked. "Correction — I'm filtering out bad investments."
"You sound like my accountant."
"Funny. I'd rather be your everything else."
"Gross."
"Flattered."
Then the crowd shifted. A quiet ripple of attention spread as the doors opened again.
A tall figure stepped in — early twenties, effortlessly elegant, his presence turning heads without him trying. Rumors whispered instantly.
"That's Prince Adrien Valmont of Lyria," someone said. "The heir to one of Europe's richest monarchies."
aries glanced up, mildly intrigued. "Great. Another one."
Keifer tensed . "Another what?"
"Guy who's going to ask me to 'collaborate over dinner'."
"I'll flip his crown if he tries."
"Keif—" jay from side
"Not joking."
Sure enough, Prince Adrien approached with the kind of calm confidence that made everyone else seem ordinary. His smile was polite but his eyes sharp.
"Miss Mariano," he greeted, bowing slightly. "I must admit, your reputation precedes you."
"Hopefully the good parts," Jay said with a small grin.
"Mostly," he replied. "You've achieved in years what most can't in lifetimes. It's… admirable."
"Well, hard work and caffeine can do wonders."
He chuckled softly. "Perhaps we might speak privately? I believe our countries could—"
"She's busy," Keifer cut in, stepping forward again.
Adrien arched a brow. "And you are?"
"Her boyfriend."
"Ah." The prince's smirk was all too amused. "I wasn't aware Miss Mariano was… claimed."
"I prefer respected," Jay said quickly, shooting Keifer a look.
aries leaned over to Percy. "Oh boy. Alpha 1 versus Royalty 1."
Percy grinned. "My money's on Keifer. The prince doesn't stand a chance; the man survived Jay's driving."
Adrien chuckled, backing off gracefully. "Well then, I'll let you enjoy the evening. Until next time, Miss Mariano."
As he left, Keifer muttered, "Next time, my foot."
Jay folded her arms. "You're jealous of a literal prince?"
"I'm territorial of what's mine."
Cin gasped. "Oooooh possessive much."
Jay rolled her eyes. "I'm not a possession, Watson."
"Fine," he said easily. "Then I'm yours."
"Nice save," Percy muttered.
Jay shook her head, trying not to laugh. "You're impossible."
"And you love it," he said again, that same teasing smile tugging at his lips.
"Still debatable."
But the way her eyes softened gave her away.
By the end of the night, the ballroom was winding down. People were leaving, music fading into something slow and dreamy.
Jay looked around at her friends — loud, chaotic, loyal idiots — and couldn't help smiling.
Cin had stolen cake.Percy was dancing with a statue.Yuri was trying to explain stock markets to a waiter.Keifer was beside her, holding her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Not bad for a first night as CEO," she murmured.
He looked at her, eyes warm. "You're brilliant, Jay. Don't let the world tell you otherwise."
"Even when you annoy me?"
"Especially then."
She laughed softly, leaning her head on his shoulder. "You really are something, Watson."
"Something you're keeping?"
She smiled. "Maybe for now."
Cin shouted from across the hall, "Y'ALL STOP BEING CUTE, SOME OF US ARE SINGLE!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
And just like that — beneath the chandeliers, laughter, and love disguised as banter — Jay realized something.
Power didn't always mean standing above the world.Sometimes, it meant standing with the people who made you laugh loudest.
And that night, surrounded by chaos and comfort, Jasper Jean Fernandes Mariano — CEO, legend, and certified menace — felt exactly where she belonged