The Baby Shower Pre-Op: The "Powerhouse" vs. The "University Squad"
[Author's POV]
The Watson Estate was under a Level 10 Social Event Protocol. It was the day of the 7th-month Baby Shower for Alexander and Aurora. Keifer had spent the last 48 hours acting like a Site Manager, verifying the structural integrity of the flower walls and ensuring the catering was 1,000% organic and "Heir-Compatible."
Jay was upstairs, being pampered by Mamma Serina, while Bridget was patrolling the perimeter, making sure the "University Squad"—the old gang—didn't bring any "Unsanctioned Chaos" into the mansion.
The Squad Entry: [Jay's POV]
I was standing at the top of the grand staircase, wearing a flowing lavender silk gown that draped perfectly over the "Double-Heir" bump. Suddenly, the front doors burst open, and the silence of the Watson mansion was deleted by a 2,000% volume spike.
The "University Squad" had arrived.
"CLEAR THE WAY! THE EMPRESS IS EXPECTING!" shouted Calix, leading the pack with Mica on his arm. Mica looked at my bump and squealed, "Jay! You're glowing so hard you're literally a light source!"
Behind them, the couples filtered in like a perfectly (or chaotically) synced "Social Network":
Ci n and Rakki: Ci n was trying to carry three giant gift boxes while Rakki adjusted his tie, whispering, "Don't trip, the Watsons don't do 'Gravity Errors'."
Erdix and Freya: Erdix was looking around at the marble statues with wide eyes, while Freya laughed, "Calm down, Erdix, it's a house, not a museum!"
Felix and Bridget: Felix walked straight up to Bridget, who was holding a clipboard. He leaned in and whispered something that made the "Tactical Queen" actually blush. "Status report, Soldier?" he teased. Bridget rolled her eyes but didn't move away. "Data suggests you're late, Felix."
David, Rory, Mayo, and Kit: The "Bachelor Unit" followed, looking like they were ready to find the buffet. Rory whistled, "Man, Keifer really did 'Upgrade' the lifestyle, didn't he?"
Ella: Walking in solo, looking stunning and 1,000% unbothered. "I'm here for the cake and the babies," she announced. "The rest of you couples are making my 'System' itch."
The "CEO" Welcome: [Keifer's POV]
I stepped out from the library, my "Ice King" mask firmly in place, but my eyes softened when I saw Jay at the top of the stairs. I walked past the squad, ignoring the "Whoas" and the "Look at the Boss-Man" comments from Mayo and Kit.
I reached the bottom of the stairs and held out my hand for Jay. "The 'University Files' have arrived, Weify. Do you want me to 'Filter' the noise level, or are we allowing the chaos?"
"Let them in, Keif!" Jay laughed, taking my hand. "I need some 'Non-Corporate' energy!"
The "Gifts & Grilling" Protocol: [Jay's POV]
As soon as I reached the floor, I was surrounded.
"Jay, let me feel the Prince!" Rakki cried, placing a hand on my bump.
"And the Princess!" Freya added.
Keifer immediately stepped into my personal "Perimeter," his arm wrapping around my waist. David laughed, "Relax, Keifer! We aren't going to steal her. We're just 'User Testing' the bump!"
"The 'User Interface' is restricted to family and authorized personnel," Keifer deadpanned, though I saw a tiny smirk.
Ci n walked up, holding a tiny, designer tuxedo onesie. "For Alexander. To wear during his first hostile takeover."
Mica and Calix presented a set of matching "Mini-Crowns." "For the future rulers of the Watson Empire," Mica chirped.
The Teasing: [Author's POV]
The mansion was now full of laughter, the scent of expensive lilies, and the "University Squad" roasting Keifer.
"So, Keif," Rory said, leaning against a marble pillar. "We heard about the 'Jealousy Glitch' at the doctor's office. You really blacklisted a surgeon for smiling at Jay?"
The whole squad went silent, waiting for the "Alpha" response.
Keifer took a slow sip of his sparkling water. "The data was clear. He was 'Accessing' a file he had no permission to view. I simply 'Firewalled' him."
"He's a 1,000% dork!" Bridget shouted from across the room, where she was standing next to Felix. "He's been acting like a 'Bodyguard-in-Chief' all month!"
"1,000%," Felix agreed, wrapping an arm around Bridget's shoulders. "But hey, when the 'Hardware' is this high-quality, you protect the 'Software'."