chapter 27

Adam had barely caught his breath from the conversation with the Theodore when a familiar voice cut through the atmosphere between them.

"There you two are!"

Mike's voice was full of energy as he waved them from the outside of balcony."Stop hiding there both of you and come have some fun!. What's the point of a party if you two just brood in a corner?".

Adam let out a small laugh, shaking his head.We weren't hiding"

Mike , raised his eyebrows."Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now come let's go downstair.

Theodore, ever composed, didn't say much , but he followed alongside of ike as they moved downstair into the heart of the party.

As they descended the stair, the shift in the atmosphere was instant. It was not like how the atmosphere was there in the balcony.

Adam felt the buzz of alcohol working through his system, hust enough to looseh his posture, to make everything feel a little lighter. He wasn't drunk---but he was comfortable, wrapped in the warmth of the room.

A waiter weaved through the crowd , balacing the tray of drinks in his hand. His movement were smooth and practice. without much thought, Adam reached for a glass filled to the brim with hard soda—cold, crisp, promising just the right amount of kick.

He barely noticed the weight of a gaze pressing against him from across the room.

Across the room, nestled in the dim glow of VVIP section, a man watched .

His gaze was unwavering, sharp as he observed the way Adam moved, the way his hip shake, his ease, the way he lifted the glass to his lip without question.

He tilted his own drink, taking a slow sip before giving the signal.

A different waiter stepped forward. Without so much glance , the man leaned in slightly, his voice low yet firm.

"Take this to him. No names, no words. just deliver and watch whether he drink it or not and if not then slip this drink anyhow.

With that , The man slipped a folded stack of bills into the waiter's palm.

 The waiter nodded, and dissappearing into the crowd of tonight.

A few figure seated near the man exchanged glances, their expressions amused. One of them chuckled, swirling the liquor in his own glass." Looks like tonight's going to be interesting ."

The man, smirked his finger tapping idly against the table .

"Very."

With that , he again said ,"After you had your fun, lets us have too, okay"

The man nooded "sure, why not."

Adam barely noticed the extra drink place beside him. The night had become blur with lot of voices and music, the conversation flowing as freelya s liquor. 

But the Theodore and the waiter noticed .

Adam drinking the glass as usual without feeling any discomfort.

Theodore phone buzzed in his pocted. Stepping slightly away from the noise, he pulled it out from his pocket and answered.

A low voiced on the other end murmured,"Boss, it's done.

"Good," he murmured, though something about the situation didn't sit right with him.Hanging up, Theodore took a slow breath, slipping the phone back into his pocket.

The waiter approached the man discreetly, lowering his voice as he said,"Sir, it's done."

The man across didn't respond , his expression was unreadable. He simply watched.

Across the room the drink was poured generously, its rich aroma swirling in the air as glasses clinked in a toast. The energy of the night still lingered drunken laughter, lighhearted teasing.

But the man knew better.

He knew the real fun was only about to began.

A short vibration buzzed through Theodore's pocket, drawing his attention. He pulled out his phone , glancing at the screen before looking up at the group.

"My brother's calling," he announced. "I need to step out for a bit."Theodore came back and informed that he needed to go home as his brother called .

Adam,stretched , rubbing the back of his neck."Yeah, we should wrap up anyway."and it's getting late.Sam groaned beside him, clearly way too far gone. Adam chuckled, throwing an arm over his friend's shoulders to steady him. " You, my friend, need to get home before you pass out on side walk.

The group moved together, helping one another into their designated taxis. 

Theodore and Mike handled the others, ensuring everyone was safely seated before giving the drivers their addresses.

As the last car door shut, Adam turned to the street, patting his back pocket to search for his phone.

His finger net nothing. A small crease formed between his brows as he checked his other pocket still nothing.

"Theo,: Adam called , his tone casual but slightly puzzled,"I think I left my phone in the roo, earlier.

Theodore immediately turned to face him."you sure"?

Adam exhaled, Yeah, probably on the table or something. You go ahead I will just head back and grab it.

Theodore hesitated and said, "You know what?" he said after a beat,"I will wait till you get it. Why don't we both go together?"

Adam huffed a small laugh. Theo, seroisly. I am not a kid. It's just my phone. And my driver is already here. You should go your brother is waiting.

Theodore studied him for a moment, then exhaled." Alright, but text me when you are out."

Adam waved him off , already turning back inside. He didn't noticed the waiter watching him from the shadow.

A quiet smirk. A subtle glance towrds the bar 

 The plan was falling into the place.