Chapter 532: A Royal Flame, A Silent Storm

The entire country buzzed with excitement.

Tonight was The Sovereign Union Gala, hosted by the trillionaire House of Langata—an elusive family rumored to own islands, nations, and even secrets. Only the elite, the ancient families, and the most powerful heirs had been invited.

Jayden Ochieng arrived fashionably late.

He wore a black velvet tuxedo, detailed with golden embroidery of the lion-crown mark. Cameras froze. Whispers spread like wildfire.

> "That's the boy who changed the game."

"He's not just rich… he's blood."

"Jayden… Ochieng… the lost heir?"

Inside, Maggy descended the marble stairs in a glowing sapphire gown, looking like she walked out of a painting. But her eyes weren't calm—they were scanning for threats.

Because tonight wasn't just a party.

It was a test.

---

At the center of the gala, five stunning girls were introduced as "The Flames of New Dawn"—a mysterious town recently rising in power, wealth, and fame. Each girl represented a hidden billionaire family:

Selina – ice-blonde, fiery, and sharp-tongued.

Naomi – the quiet strategist, always observing.

Ariana – seductive, sweet, hiding knives behind smiles.

Farah – fierce and competitive, dressed in crimson.

Zee – elegant and mystical, a rumored oracle.

Jayden caught Selina staring.

"You don't remember me?" she smirked.

He blinked. A flash of memory—chess games, bruised knuckles, a hidden kiss in a rainstorm.

A past he didn't recall.

Or maybe… one that was erased.

---

Back at Emerald University, the Annual Campus Prom was announced.

But for the first time, the student body had requested Jayden Ochieng to be their King. Not just because he was powerful, but because of what he represented.

Change.

Rebellion.

Hope.

This didn't sit well with the sons and daughters of the Mwangaza Family—an old-money clan that had always ruled the campus. Especially Bryson Mwangaza, the jealous heir who'd lost his girlfriend to Jayden… and now, his pride.

"We can't let this outsider rise," Bryson snarled.

"Then break him," hissed his cousin.

"But first… make him fall in love with the wrong girl."

---

At the gala's closing, a shocking announcement dropped:

> "To unite old blood and new power, the Langata family proposes a strategic union: Jayden Ochieng shall marry… Selina of New Dawn."

Gasps. Murmurs.

Jayden turned sharply. "This is absurd."

But Selina smiled slyly, slipping her arm around his.

"I told you we'd meet again, fiancé."

Maggy froze at the edge of the ballroom.

Her eyes welled up.

But she didn't leave.

Instead, she walked into the center of the room, raised a glass, and with a trembling smile, toasted:

> "To fake love… and true enemies."