Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 200 The Masquerade Banquet

The sky in Starlight City was nothing like Seabreeze Harbor. It snowed here, but not there.

The moment I stepped off the plane, the cold hit me, and I yanked my scarf up to cover my face. I wanted to surprise Ethan, so I didn't give him a heads-up.

I grabbed a cab straight to the villa after leaving the airport. But his car wasn't there, and no one answered when I rang the doorbell. Was he out?

If the company's on break, where could he be? Maybe at Victor's?

It was Christmas, after all.

Since it was still early, I decided to swing by Broadway Alley. After almost a year away, the place felt even more deserted. The family that used to live here had moved out. Without the keys to the old house, I just took a look from downstairs and then left.

After a quick lunch, it hit me: Ethan never liked hanging out at Victor's for long. If he was going there for a meal, he wouldn't have gone this early. Could he still be at the office?

I took another cab to Skyline International Corporation and, after hesitating at the tall building, ducked into a nearby coffee shop instead. I ordered a coffee and sat by the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him if he left the office. The shop was nearly empty, except for a guy with his back to me, nursing a half-finished cup of black coffee and glancing out the window now and then, like he was waiting for something.

After a bit, another guy walked in, headed straight to him, and pulled out a stack of photos from his coat, tossing them on the table.

"Take a look."

The guy with his back to me picked up a photo.

I glanced casually and was shocked.

The person in the photo was Ethan.

"Drew, is it him?" the guy asked.

"It's him! I'd recognize him anywhere."

Drew O'Neill spoke with a hint of gritted teeth.

The guy who brought the photos pulled out a chair and sat across from him. He scanned the room cautiously before his gaze landed on me.

I took a sip of my coffee, realizing my hands were trembling. I pulled out my earbuds from my bag, put them in my ears, and pretended to listen to music while looking out the window. Only then did the guy look away and ask, "So, what's the plan?"

Drew answered, "Take him out."

A chill ran down my spine.

Drew asked again, "Tonight's a good opportunity. Did you get the money I asked for?"

Seth, the guy across from him, patted his chest. "Don't you trust me?"

As he spoke, he pulled out a few bills from his coat and fanned them out with his fingers.

nodded. "Tell the guys to stay sharp tonight.

"Don't worry!" Seth said.

at Skyline International Corporation and said coldly,

my straw, trying to stay calm, but my mind was

then, my phone

at me, and even

call was from

myself to stay calm and

Ethan's rich,

gripped my phone tightly, looking at the Skyline International Corporation building,

back

saying, "Honey, I'm sorry. I have something very important tonight

the quiet coffee shop, only the soft music and my voice on

said with a bit of resentment, "It's Christmas. The company should have been

get off work, I'll come to Seabreeze Harbor to be with you and the kids. Now, turn on the video. I

the two guys across from me

something

quickly said, "Be

finished speaking, the call ended with

later, Ethan came out of the Skyline

Seth said, "He's out."

Dennis walked straight

hurriedly gathered the photos

few bills happened to fall

bent down to pick them up, his eyes sliding over my legs in nude tights, and he gave

Drew urged without looking

and followed. After they left, I bent down and picked up the

Extravaganza, a masquerade ball by Unity Emporium. Once famous, the company had been struggling lately. Hosting a big party like this seemed

to voicemail. Looking at the ticket again,

went shopping. I bought a black dress, a white fur shawl, and crystal shoes. Then, I hit up the top salon in Starlight City for

I took a cab to the waterfront. The cab stopped,

getting out?" the driver asked when he

out eighty dollars from my bag and handed it

money and cheerfully

the coast, and more people boarded

mid-length gray coat, unbuttoned, lit a cigarette,

I saw Drew and Seth from the coffee shop, accompanied by a few others. They boarded the ship

lit cruise ship seemed peaceful, but I sensed an inexplicable eeriness, like there was a hidden

of the cab and walked

ticket to the person at the entrance, the man respectfully said, "Welcome," and pointed to a

choose a

glittering stones, gold

the mask, I walked into the ship's hall with my head held high. The ball was in full swing, with music playing and couples dancing. Dim lighting and flashing colorful lights set the mood.