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.

the guys to stay sharp tonight. If anyone

"Don't worry!" Seth said.

to look at Skyline International Corporation and said coldly, "I

my straw, trying to stay

then, my phone

at me, and even Drew turned to glance at

was

to stay calm and answered, lowering the

you!" Ethan's rich, magnetic voice came

gripped my phone tightly, looking at the Skyline

back and spend

for a few seconds before saying, "Honey, I'm sorry. I have something very important tonight and can't spend Christmas with

guys didn't speak again. In the quiet coffee shop, only the soft music and my voice on the phone could be

should have

soothing and amused. "Once I get off work, I'll come to Seabreeze Harbor to be with you and the kids. Now, turn on the video. I want to see

two guys across from me and

answered, "Then next time. I have something to do now, so I'll hang

said,

speaking, the call ended

the Skyline International

Seth said, "He's out."

Dennis walked straight towards the

hurriedly gathered the photos and bills from the

by me, a few bills happened to fall at

up, his eyes sliding over my legs in nude tights,

Drew urged

After they left, I bent down and

Cruise Christmas New Year Extravaganza, a masquerade ball by Unity Emporium. Once famous, the company had been struggling lately. Hosting

calling Ethan, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Looking at the

the ticket away and went shopping. I bought a black dress, a white fur shawl, and crystal shoes. Then, I hit up the top

the waterfront. The cab stopped, and through the window, I saw the

driver asked when he saw

bag and handed it to him. "I'll get out

took the money and

at the coast, and more people boarded the cruise

a familiar Maybach appeared. Ethan and Dennis got out. Ethan, wearing a mid-length gray coat, unbuttoned, lit a

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

I sensed an inexplicable eeriness, like there was a hidden scent

got out of the cab and walked

man respectfully said, "Welcome," and pointed to a box of

choose a

a purple mask adorned with glittering stones, gold accents, and feathers, giving it a

ball was in full swing, with music playing and couples dancing. Dim lighting and flashing colorful lights set