Chapter 22: The Billionaires’ Gala—A Dance with Danger

The night had arrived. The Billionaires' Gala—a place where the elite gathered not just to flaunt their wealth but to measure their power. Deals worth billions were signed over casual handshakes, betrayals were sealed with polite smiles, and tonight, Liam knew he was stepping into a lion's den.

As he walked into the grand ballroom of the Elysium Hotel, all eyes turned to him. The young man who once lived in shadows now stood under the blinding lights of the upper class. Yet, his posture remained relaxed, his expression unreadable.

Whispers followed him.

"Who is he? Why is he here?"

"Did you hear? He got an invitation from Ethan Graves himself!"

"Liam? That loser from Crestwood? No way! Look at his suit—it's custom-tailored from Valtieri!"

Their voices no longer carried the mockery they once did. Tonight, curiosity and unease had replaced the scorn.

Liam's gaze swept over the room, memorizing the players at the top of the food chain.

Ethan Graves (25) – Heir to the Graves Conglomerate. Sharp, calculating, and ruthless in business. A man who respected power but trusted no one.

Celeste Armanetti (24) – CEO of a luxury fashion empire. Beauty matched by deadly intelligence. A woman who knew how to manipulate both men and markets.

Dante Velasco (27) – Underground casino king and rumored arms dealer. His influence stretched beyond the legal world.

Lucian Hawthorne (26) – Phantom shareholder in multiple billion-dollar corporations. The one man even the rich feared.

Tonight, they were all in one place. And Liam was ready to claim his spot among them.

As the event progressed, the auction began. Priceless artifacts, rare gems, and private islands were being bid upon. Then came the final item—a mysterious golden key, rumored to grant access to a hidden vault belonging to a legendary financial tycoon.

The bidding war was fierce.

"$10 million!"

"$20 million!"

"$50 million!"

Just as the tension peaked, Liam raised a single hand.

"$500 million," he said calmly.

The room fell silent. Even Ethan raised a brow in surprise. No one made a sound as Liam reached into his pocket and pulled out a Black Deluxe Card, handing it over without hesitation.

The Black Deluxe Card—a symbol of absolute financial dominance. It wasn't just about money; it was about status. The moment it touched the auctioneer's hands, Liam had solidified his position among the elite.

Celeste smirked, intrigued. Dante narrowed his eyes. Lucian sipped his wine, watching silently.

"Who the hell is he?" The question burned in everyone's mind.

As Liam stepped away from the crowd, a soft voice reached him.

"You've made powerful enemies tonight."

He turned to see a woman in a sapphire-blue gown. Seraphina Devereaux.

Daughter of an oil tycoon, but more than that—a woman with deep ties to the underworld.

"They've placed a bounty on you," she whispered, slipping a note into his palm. "Watch your back, Liam."

Liam glanced down at the note. One word was written in bold letters:

"ELIMINATE."

The night wasn't just about wealth anymore.

Now, it was about survival.