The Joke’s on You 3

As the night deepened, the charity gala reached its peak, the ballroom buzzing with activity. The city's elite swirled around the Creed family like planets in orbit, each trying to outshine the other while remaining firmly in Maverick Creed's good graces. The atmosphere was one of carefully constructed glamour, but to Earnest, it was all smoke and mirrors—a show put on for the sake of appearances.

He had always been able to see through the facade, to understand the true nature of the people around him. They were all playing a part, just as he was. The only difference was that Earnest had no interest in the roles they were so eager to perform. To him, their world of power and influence was just another game, one he had no desire to win on their terms.

As he moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with those who approached him, Earnest's mind remained focused on the long game. He had spent years studying the intricacies of his family's power structure, learning every strength, every weakness. He knew that his father's empire was built on a foundation of fear and manipulation—tools that Maverick had wielded with expert precision. But even the most carefully constructed empire could be brought down, and Earnest was determined to be the one to do it.

His gaze drifted across the room, settling on his father, who was deep in conversation with a prominent senator. Maverick was in his element, effortlessly charming and commanding, the very image of a powerful patriarch. But Earnest knew better. He knew the darkness that lay beneath the polished surface, the ruthless ambition that had driven his father to the heights of power.

The memory of his father's cold words earlier that morning resurfaced, a reminder of the control Maverick still believed he had over his son. But Maverick had no idea how far Earnest was willing to go to free himself from that control. The older man saw Earnest as a disappointment, a failure to mold him into the ideal heir. What he didn't see was the quiet, methodical plan that was already in motion—a plan that would strip Maverick of everything he held dear.

Lost in thought, Earnest was barely aware of the approach of another guest until the voice of his older brother, Constant, cut through the noise. Constant Creed, the golden boy of the family, was everything Earnest was not—charismatic, charming, and adored by their parents. He had been groomed from a young age to take over the family's political legacy, and he wore that mantle with pride.

"Earnest," Constant greeted him with a smile that was all teeth. "Enjoying the party?"

Earnest forced a polite smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "As much as one can enjoy such things."

Constant chuckled, though there was an edge to the sound. He had always been aware of the distance between them, the unspoken rivalry that had existed since they were children. But where Earnest had embraced his role as the black sheep, Constant had thrived in the spotlight, always eager to prove himself the better son.

"You've been quiet tonight," Constant observed, his tone casual but laced with curiosity. "Not in the mood for socializing?"

"I'm always quiet," Earnest replied evenly. "It's what I do best."

Constant's smile faltered for a moment, the crack in his facade barely noticeable. "You know, Father's been asking about you. He's concerned."

"Father's always concerned," Earnest said, his voice devoid of emotion. "It's one of his more endearing qualities."

The tension between them was palpable, a subtle undercurrent that neither of them addressed directly. Constant had always been the more outwardly successful of the two, the one who played the role of the dutiful son to perfection. But Earnest knew that Constant's success was built on the same shaky foundation as the rest of the Creed family—a foundation that could crumble with the right pressure.

Constant studied him for a moment longer, as if trying to decipher what was going on in his brother's mind. But Earnest was a master at keeping his thoughts hidden, and Constant eventually gave up, offering another one of his charming smiles.

"Well, enjoy the rest of the evening," Constant said, his tone light. "Don't be a stranger."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Earnest replied, watching as his brother moved on to greet another guest.

The brief encounter left a bitter taste in Earnest's mouth. Constant had always been the golden child, the one who could do no wrong in their parents' eyes. But Earnest knew the truth—that Constant's charm was as superficial as the rest of the Creed family's image. Underneath, there was a man just as ruthless and calculating as their father, a man who would stop at nothing to maintain his position.

But Constant was not Earnest's concern. His brother was simply another piece on the board, one that could be moved or sacrificed as the game required. The real challenge lay in dismantling the entire Creed empire, piece by piece, until there was nothing left.

The evening wore on, the gala proceeding with its usual pageantry. As the hour grew late, the guests began to drift toward the exits, their conversations growing quieter as the night wound down. Earnest found himself alone once more, standing by the large windows that overlooked the darkened gardens. The moon had risen higher in the sky, casting a cold, silver light over the manicured lawns and the distant treeline.

It was then that Serene joined him again, her presence as quiet and subtle as always. She stood beside him in silence for a moment, her gaze fixed on the moonlit landscape outside.

"You've been distant tonight," she observed, her voice soft.

"I've had things on my mind," Earnest replied, his tone as neutral as ever.

Serene nodded, as if she understood. In truth, she probably did—of all his siblings, she was the one who came closest to understanding him. They shared a bond that went beyond blood, a mutual recognition of the darkness within them both.

"Are you still planning to go through with it?" she asked, her eyes never leaving the window.

Earnest didn't need to ask what she was referring to. They had discussed his plans before, in hushed tones, away from the prying ears of their family. Serene had always been supportive, in her own way, though she never fully committed to the idea herself.

"Yes," Earnest replied simply. "There's no turning back now."

Serene sighed, a soft, almost imperceptible sound. "Just… be careful, Earnest. You know how dangerous Father can be."

"I'm counting on it," Earnest said, his voice firm. "He's not as invincible as he thinks."

They stood in silence for a while longer, the weight of their unspoken thoughts heavy between them. Serene eventually turned to leave, but not before placing a hand on Earnest's arm, a rare gesture of affection.

"If you need anything," she said quietly, "you know where to find me."

Earnest nodded, watching as she disappeared into the crowd once more. Her words lingered in his mind, a reminder that even in the midst of his plans, there were still those who cared for him, in their own way. But he couldn't afford to let that sway him. His path was set, and nothing would deter him from seeing it through.

As the last of the guests finally departed and the mansion grew quiet, Earnest made his way to his room, the weight of the evening pressing down on him. He was exhausted, but not from the social demands of the gala. It was the constant vigilance, the endless calculations, and the knowledge that every move he made brought him closer to his goal.

He sat down at his desk, the soft light of the lamp illuminating the carefully organized papers and files that covered its surface. Each document, each note, was a piece of the puzzle he was assembling—a puzzle that, when complete, would spell the end of the Creed family's reign.

As he stared at the plans before him, his mind drifted back to the world of Cyber Steam Online, to the battles he had fought and the victories he had won. There, he was free—unburdened by the expectations of his family, unshackled by the constraints of the real world. But even in CSO, he was never truly free. The game was an escape, but it was also a reflection of the power struggles that defined his life.

Earnest leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. The path ahead was dangerous, fraught with risks that could destroy everything he had worked for. But he had chosen this path willingly, knowing that it was the only way to break free from the chains that bound him.

And when it was all over, when the Creed family lay in ruins, he would finally be free. Free to carve out his own destiny, free to be more than just the joke of the Creed family.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Earnest opened his eyes and returned to his work. The night was far from over, and there was still much to be done. The game was still in play, and he had no intention of losing.