The Volkov Banquet – The Arrival of Samuel Gebb

(Third-Person POV)

The grand ballroom of the Volkov estate was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of crystal glasses.

Everywhere, the wealthy elite were engaged in conversation, discussing business deals, politics, and of course—gossip.

At the center of it all stood Abigail Bardot, her arm looped through Joshua Lenin's, the famous film star. Their presence together was a statement, a display of power and influence.

She had spent the night flawlessly maintaining her image—but then, the air in the room shifted.

It wasn't just a feeling. It was something undeniable.

The grand doors of the ballroom opened with a slow creak, and suddenly—the entire event paused.

All eyes turned.

And there, standing in the entrance like a deity descending upon mortals, was—

Samuel Gebb.

Dressed in a pitch-black tailored outfit, his breathtaking presence was nothing short of commanding.

The way he carried himself—effortlessly powerful, as if the world itself bent to his will—made every man in the room look lesser.

Even Joshua Lenin, the film star known for his charisma and good looks, suddenly seemed… ordinary.

But it wasn't just Samuel who had stolen the attention of the entire room.

Beside him stood Gregory Volkov.

The heir of the Volkov empire—the man who had been missing for months—was now walking into the banquet, alive and unharmed.

The silence lasted only a moment before—

From the front of the room, Mikhail Volkov, Gregory's father and the head of Volkov Industries, stood frozen in shock.

His eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat, and for the first time in decades—he looked truly vulnerable.

Then, in a rare moment of raw emotion, tears welled up in his eyes.

"G-Gregory…?" His voice cracked, disbelieving.

Gregory, still weak from his captivity, gave a small smirk. "Miss me, old man?"

Mikhail staggered forward, his hands trembling before he pulled his son into a tight embrace.

The guests watched in stunned silence.

This was supposed to be a celebration, but no one had expected the miracle that had just unfolded before them.

Mikhail Volkov—one of the most powerful men in the world—was in tears.

All because of one man.

All Eyes on Samuel

Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Gregory Volkov was missing for months… and Samuel Gebb found him?"

"How the hell did he do it? Even the government couldn't track Gregory down!"

"And look at him… I swear, he looks like a goddamn deity."

Samuel stood there, completely unfazed, as if this was just another ordinary night for him.

His dark eyes scanned the room, unreadable.

He didn't need to announce himself.

His presence alone had already shattered every conversation, every game of power being played in this room.

And then—his gaze landed on Abigail.

She hadn't moved since he walked in.

Her fingers were still wrapped around her champagne glass, but her grip was tight—too tight.

For the past hour, she had stood beside Joshua, basking in the admiration of the crowd. She had wanted Samuel to see this. To see her winning.

But now?

Now, she felt small.

Standing beside Joshua, the most famous actor in the country, she had never once thought that someone else could overshadow him.

But here was Samuel.

Dressed in black, exuding power, and standing as if he owned the very air in the room.

Joshua, with all his charm and elegance, suddenly felt like nothing next to him.

The way people looked at Samuel—with awe, fear, and admiration—was something she had never seen before.

And that smirk on his face?

It wasn't just confidence.

It was a silent message.

"I don't need to play your games, Abigail. Because I already won."

She hated how it made her feel.

She hated that he had this effect on her.

And more than anything…

She hated that for the first time in years—she felt regret.

(Samuel's POV)

The room was still silent, the air thick with the weight of what had just happened.

Gregory Volkov—missing for months, presumed dead by many—had been returned. And the man who did the impossible?

Me.

I adjusted the cuffs of my black outfit, completely unfazed by the stares, the whispers, the awe in people's eyes.

But just as I turned to leave, a voice stopped me.

Mikhail Volkov's Offer

"Mr. Gebb."

I glanced back.

Mikhail Volkov, one of the most powerful men in the world, stood before me. His eyes still wet with unshed tears, but his expression was now one of unshakable respect.

He took a step forward, his deep voice echoing through the ballroom.

"If you need anything from me, I am willingly ready to give it to you."

The words alone sent a ripple through the crowd.

This wasn't just gratitude.

This was a public declaration.

A man like Mikhail Volkov never bowed to anyone.

For him to say those words meant one thing—

He was giving me the highest authority in the world.

A few guests gasped. Some CEOs shifted nervously. Others whispered amongst themselves.

Even the politicians in attendance looked tense.

Because if Volkov himself was willing to give me anything I wanted…

Then I was above even them.

My Response – A Smug Slap in Their Faces

I chuckled. Low, amused, confident.

Then, I turned to face him fully, meeting his gaze without a hint of hesitation.

"Well, Mr. Volkov," I said smoothly, slipping my hands into my pockets. "I'll let you know once I need something from you."

Simple words. But the meaning?

I had power now.

Not because I asked for it. But because the world just gave it to me.

And that's when I let my gaze casually drift toward Abigail and Joshua.

The Perfect Smug Expression

I didn't have to say anything.

The smirk on my face said it all.

To Abigail: You wanted me to see you winning? Guess what? I just won without even trying.

To Joshua: Nice try, pretty boy. But standing next to her won't put you on my level.

It was like a direct slap to their faces.

Abigail's fingers tightened around her champagne glass, her lips pressed together in frustration.

Joshua, for the first time tonight, looked completely out of place. He was used to being the center of attention, the man every woman adored.

But now?

He was standing in the shadow of someone greater.

And he knew it.

Walking Away Like I Owned the World

Without another word, I turned back toward the exit, my smug expression still in place.

The moment I stepped out of the ballroom, I could hear the whispers explode behind me.

I didn't need to hear what they were saying.

I already knew.

Tonight?

I didn't just win.

I became untouchable.