"Ahhh..."Jake dramatically rubbed both arms as goosebumps covered his skin."I should have you two permanently banned from every establishment under NOX AURELIA."
He pointed his cue stick accusingly between Jordan and Jane."You two are a public health hazard."
Jordan wasn't even offended.
He lazily rested his chin on Jane's shoulder.
"Jealous."
Jake immediately looked horrified.
"The day I'm jealous of you two is the day the world ends."
Ava rested her cheek against one hand, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.
"So..."
She looked directly at Jake.
"You're officially in charge of every establishment under the NOX AURELIA name now?"
Jake twirled the cue stick once before shrugging.
"Mm My parents said I've been lazing around too much They told me to stop acting like a useless rich young master and figure my life out."
Jordan let out a low whistle.
"Those adopted siblings and distant relatives must be pissing themselves."
Jake snorted.
"They absolutely are Didn't I send their reactions to the group chat?"
Jake countinued playing he looked utterly entertained.
"Some of them got arrested and exposed by my parents."
"The other half..."He shrugged carelessly. "simply disappeared from the world after my grandparents got involved."
Nobody in the room needed an explanation.
"Disappeared."
In families like theirs...
That could mean many things
.
Luna raised her phone with a grin.
"I made sticker packs out of their crying faces."
She swiped through her gallery.
One sticker showed a young man ugly crying.
Another had someone kneeling on the floor with swollen eyes.
A third simply read:
"Grandpa, please forgive me."
Ava nearly choked on the fruit she was eating.
Jane leaned forward immediately.
"Send them I need those They're premium quality."
Jordan glanced at the stickers before laughing so hard he almost dropped Jane from his lap.
Time flew by.
Meanwhile...
Silver Arc District.
The district was divided into three enormous sections, each one so vast it could easily pass as an independent city.
The Outer Section welcomed everyone entering Silver Arc. It was the busiest part of the district, where dazzling nightlife, towering shopping centers, luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, tourist attractions, office buildings, and countless residential neighborhoods blended together into a city that never truly slept. To own property there was already considered a symbol of success.
Beyond layers of increasingly strict security checkpoints lay the Inner Section.
Unlike the vibrant energy outside, the Inner Section moved at a calmer pace. This was where the old-money families, industrial giants, and influential figures capable of shaking entire markets lived and worked. The northern district was occupied by sprawling corporate headquarters and industrial parks, while the southern side housed high-end commercial centers serving the executives working there. The eastern and western districts were lined with elegant villas, private compounds, and residences belonging to powerful families. Living there wasn't simply a display of wealth.
It was a declaration of power.
At the very heart of Silver Arc...
Hidden beyond yet another level of security...
Was the Core Section.
The place everyone knew about.
Yet very few people could truly enter.
Unlike the Inner Section, the Core wasn't reserved solely for established powers. It belonged equally to self-made legends, heirs of the Gray Families, descendants of Prestigious Families, young geniuses, and people who had carved their own names into history before reaching thirty. Every grand banquet, charity gala, private auction, international gathering, and exclusive celebration eventually found its way here.
Living in the Core wasn't just wealth.
It wasn't just power.
It was a flex.
Unlike the lively North and South sides where exclusive entertainment venues and luxury social hotspots gathered, the western and eastern side of the Core Section leaned toward elegant residential living Although classified as the residential district, Core West wasn't purely residential.
Quiet...
But never empty.
Powerful...
Without needing to announce it.
Wide tree-lined boulevards stretched between architectural masterpieces that served as condominiums, penthouses, private apartment towers, luxury hotels, and vacation residences reserved for influential families.
Luxury condominiums rose beside boutique cafés.
Private penthouses overlooked Michelin-star restaurants.
Exclusive supermarkets imported ingredients from across the world.
Quiet art galleries, members-only lounges, and high-end commercial buildings blended naturally into the neighborhood, making everyday life remarkably convenient without disturbing its peaceful atmosphere.
The roads were noticeably calmer than the city's commercial districts, yet expensive vehicles still passed from time to time—sleek executive sedans, customized electric sports cars, limited-edition supercars, and discreet armored SUVs.
The holiday had increased traffic considerably than before.
Matthew stood on the pedestrian bridge leading toward the condominium district.
A broad pedestrian bridge stretched over the boulevard, linking several condominium communities together... And also leading out of the core section or into it .
The bridge arched elegantly over the boulevard below, supported by white alloy pillars veined with polished black marble.
Transparent crystal panels formed the railings, offering an uninterrupted view of the streets beneath while embedded floor lights softly illuminated each step as pedestrians crossed.
Several residents walked past carrying shopping bags, a young couple quietly chatted while leaning against the railing overlooking the city lights, and an elderly man leisurely walked his snow-white Samoyed across the bridge.
Nobody paid much attention to anyone else.
At the end of the bridge stood the entrance to one of the Jake Family's luxury condominium communities were Matthew and Ava stay .
A towering security gate crafted from matte obsidian metal and brushed titanium guarded the entrance.
Thin golden lines were inlaid throughout its geometric design, glowing faintly whenever authorized vehicles approached.
Beyond the gate rose several elegant residential towers clad in silver-white stone and floor-to-ceiling reflective glass.
Spacious balconies overflowed with carefully maintained greenery, while rooftop gardens crowned each building. Soft landscape lighting highlighted ornamental trees, fountains, and quiet walking paths winding between the towers.
Across the boulevard sat a restaurant that looked understated only by Core Section standards.
Its exterior combined warm walnut wood with cream-colored stone and expansive crystal windows that revealed a refined interior glowing beneath amber lighting.
Well-dressed diners enjoyed quiet conversations over dinner as waiters moved gracefully between tables.
No loud advertisements hung outside—only a minimalist metal plaque bearing the restaurant's name, because reputation alone was enough to keep reservations fully booked.
Beside it stood a premium supermarket.
Its façade was built from polished glass framed with dark metallic panels, displaying carefully arranged imported fruits, flowers, fine wines, gourmet ingredients, and luxury household goods through immaculate windows.
Customers entered and exited carrying elegant reusable shopping bags while autonomous delivery carts quietly transported online orders toward the parking area.
Everything around Matthew carried the same feeling.
Nothing screamed for attention.
Everything simply radiated effortless wealth.
Standing beneath the evening lights, Matthew looked almost detached from the world around him.
His crisp white crew-neck oversized T-shirt contrasted against the charcoal-gray oversized flannel hanging open over his shoulders.
The fluid black track pants draped naturally over his long legs, their thin white side stripes accentuating his elegant frame before ending above spotless chunky white sneakers.
A black leather watch set with diamond accents rested comfortably around his wrist, while a simple silver necklace disappeared beneath the collar of his shirt.
At six-foot-one, his naturally slender yet toned physique gave every movement quiet elegance.
Porcelain-pale skin.
A soft oval face balanced by refined, sharp contours.
Black almond-shaped eyes that remained calm and unreadable.
Thin brows.
A straight, elegant nose.
Soft naturally red lips that formed the faintest pout whenever he grew impatient.
His silver-black hair, fluffy and slightly messy, shifted gently with the autumn breeze.
People crossed the bridge beside him.
Some glanced once.
Some glanced twice.
Not because they recognized him...
But because he looked less like someone waiting outside a condominium...
And more like a deity who had wandered out of an ancient painting and chosen, for reasons known only to himself, to stand quietly beneath the evening sky.
Matthew paused just before reaching the condominium gate.
A sleek black sports car sat quietly by the curb.
It wasn't parked in the visitor's lane.
Nor had any of the condominium security personnel approached to ask its owner to move.
Instead, the guards stood respectfully several steps away, pretending not to notice it at all.
The driver's door swung open.
Ava stepped out.
She wore a striped lace strap bow mini dress beneath a fitted black pinstriped longline blazer. The sharply tailored shoulders accentuated her slender figure, while the daring chest cutout, framed by layered white ruffles, added just enough elegance to balance the outfit's playful charm.
A long white satin ribbon flowed gracefully from the center of her chest, dancing gently with every step.
Her sleek black stilettos clicked softly against the polished stone pavement, the silver metal heels catching the warm evening lights with every movement.
A blue-and-white diamond tennis necklace rested delicately against her neck, complemented by a pearl bangle, a silver watch, and a trending black designer handbag that completed the luxurious ensemble.
Her fiery red hair had been styled into elegant Dutch braids that curved around her head like a woven crown before giving way to dense corkscrew curls cascading all the way to her waist. A few springy curls escaped near her cheeks, softening her features.
Her skin was so pale it resembled fresh milk, smooth and glossy like polished glass beneath the evening lights.
Leaning casually against the side of the sports car, Ava tilted her soft heart-shaped face slightly to the left.
Her hazel-blue siren eyes slowly traveled from Matthew's sneakers...
To the loose black track pants...
Past the oversized flannel hanging open over his white shirt...
Before finally settling on his face.
Matthew stopped a few steps away.
His black almond-shaped eyes met hers without the slightest ripple of emotion.
One hand slipped lazily into his pocket.
"You finally came back."
His voice was cool and even, as though they had only parted for an ordinary afternoon.
Ava pushed herself away from the sports car and walked toward him.
One step.
Two steps.
Three.
Instead of stopping in front of him, she slowly circled him once, her heels clicking softly against the pavement.
Matthew didn't move.
He simply watched her from the corner of his eye.
Ava leaned in.
Close enough for the faint scent of cedarwood and clean laundry clinging to his clothes to reach her.
She lowered her head slightly and sniffed the collar of his oversized flannel before moving to the sleeve, then the other side as though conducting a serious inspection.
Matthew's expression remained blank.
"...Ava."
"Hm?" Ava replied half-heartedly
"Not seeing you for one day and you've already learned to behave like a dog."
He raised one hand and planted his palm directly against her forehead, pushing her face away without the slightest effort while his other hand remained tucked lazily inside his pocket.
Ava stumbled back half a step before straightening again.
"I'm checking whether you went to hang out with another woman."
"And what exactly are you going to do if I did?"One of Matthew's brows lifted.
Ava tilted her head thoughtfully.
"Hmm..."
She tapped her cheek lightly with her index finger while staring up at the night sky as if seriously considering the question.
Silence stretched for two seconds.
"Kill her."
Her answer came so naturally it sounded like she had decided what to eat for dinner.
Matthew closed his eyes.
"...Ava."
"I'm going to kill her." She replied again
He rubbed his temple.
Ava shrugged calmly.
"Doesn't she know what waiting in line is?"
"I don't fucking manage your attitude just for you to end up with somebody else."
Matthew let out a quiet sigh and shook his head before turning toward the condominium entrance.
"I should've known...It was too peaceful to last."
Before he could take another step
A hand caught the back of his shirt.
He stopped.
"I love you."
Ava's voice was light.
Matthew glanced back at her with a amused smile."I love your bravery."He gave her a slow clap."You see the rejection every single time and you still go for it not everyone has such confidence." He praised
Ava's lips twitched For a second...
Then she suddenly ran a hand through her curls and burst into laughter.
"Fine, fine."
She waved dismissively.
"Come on I'll take you to eat You haven't had dinner, right? It's already nine I know a street stall that's still open."
Matthew looked down at the phone in his hand."I already ordered takeout."
"Then cancel it."
"They've probably started cooking." Matthew replied.
"Tell them to eat it No need for refund refunds I'm not taking no for an answer."Ava replied destroying any further excuses.
Before Matthew could respond, Ava had already walked around to the passenger side, pulled the door open with a flourish, and gestured toward the seat like a professional chauffeur.
"Young Master Matthew Your ride is waiting."
Matthew rolled his eyes.
"Then you'd better treat this passenger princess well."
Without waiting for her reply, he bent down and slid into the passenger seat as if he truly belonged there.
The door shut with a soft click.
Ava circled around the hood, slipped into the driver's seat, and pressed the ignition.
The sports car came alive with a deep, refined growl before gliding away from the condominium.
Behind them, two security guards exchanged strange looks.
"..."
"..."
Neither dared to comment.
"To them..." Matthew rested his head against one hand as he looked out the window. "...it probably looks like my sugar mummy came to pick me up."
"Then show your sugar mummy some love."
Without taking her eyes off the road, Ava casually placed a hand on his thigh.
Matthew didn't even spare it a glance.
He lazily flicked her hand away with the back of his fingers.
"Oh...Did sugar mummy forget she wanted to be friends?We're friends now So No benefits."His tone carried unmistakable mockery.
Ava clicked her tongue.
"Damn You really aren't letting that go, are you? Is being my friend that terrible?"
As she spoke, the sports car left the Core Section through one of its private exits and merged onto the broad avenue leading toward the Inner Section.
Outside the windshield, the scenery gradually shifted.
The lively cafés and luxury condominiums of Core West faded behind them.
Elegant tree-lined roads stretched ahead, illuminated by warm amber streetlights embedded into the pavement itself.
Traffic became noticeably lighter.
Security checkpoints appeared at regular intervals, though the Quinn license plate allowed the car to pass without interruption.
Beyond the checkpoints, the atmosphere changed completely.
Massive corporate headquarters dominated the skyline to the north, their mirrored glass façades glowing beneath company holograms that floated several stories above the rooftops.
To the south, high-end commercial buildings remained brightly lit despite the late hour. Executive restaurants, private financial centers, auction houses, luxury boutiques, and exclusive clubs catered to the district's wealthy clientele.
The eastern and western residential zones were quieter.
Elegant villas hid behind centuries-old trees.
Private compounds disappeared behind towering stone walls covered with ivy and intelligent camouflage systems.
Occasionally another luxury vehicle drifted past them.
Most carried family crests instead of license plates.
The roads remained calm.
No unnecessary honking.
No impatient drivers.
Even speed seemed more... disciplined.
"It isn't bad."Matthew adjusted the mirror absentmindedly before looking at his own reflection.
"It's weird If someone confessed to you one second And then the next wanted to be 'just friends'. Wouldn't you start wondering if something was wrong with your face?"
He gently pinched his own chin.
"Good thing I already know I'm irresistible."
Ava's mouth slowly fell open.
She stared at him in complete disbelief.
"Oh...I never knew you were this narcissistic."
Matthew simply raised an eyebrow.
"And anyway..." Ava continued, eyes returning to the road. "Being friends has benefits too."
"Friends can stay over."
"Friends can hug."
"Friends can touch each other."
"Friends can give modest kisses."
"And I don't have to rack my brain looking for excuses to get close to you anymore."
She pouted dramatically, her dimples appearing."Before, you looked at me like an old cow staring at fresh, juicy grass every time I got close now see you don't avoid me ."
Matthew turned toward her with a completely flat expression.
"...Because you are a perverted old cow and a crazy one ."
"Ava You somehow found a way to make friendship sound suspicious I'm really managing you."
He folded his arms.
Ava scoffed.
"If your mind were pure, you wouldn't even understand my second meaning So you're a pervert too."
"Hm."Matthew nodded thoughtfully."Thank you i guess that means you say the same things to your other friends."
The teasing tone disappeared from Ava's face almost instantly.
She dramatically released one hand from the steering wheel for a second, rubbing her opposite arm as though covered in goosebumps.
She stole a quick glance at him.
"...Are you jealous?"
Another glance.
"You are jealous, right?"
A grin slowly spread across her face.
"My handsome guy...You look so sexy when you're jealous."
Matthew met her eyes for exactly one second.
There wasn't the slightest trace of jealousy.
Only the familiar, exhausted look of someone wondering how he'd ended up knowing her.
Ava caught the glare...
And laughed even harder as the sports car continued smoothly down the illuminated boulevard.