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. If anyone messes up, I'll

"Don't worry!" Seth said.

turned to look at Skyline International Corporation and

my straw, trying to stay calm,

then, my

me, and even Drew turned to glance

was from

to stay calm and

rich, magnetic voice came

looking at the Skyline International Corporation

back and spend Christmas

silent for a few seconds before saying, "Honey, I'm sorry. I have something very

In the quiet coffee shop, only the soft music

"It's Christmas. The company should have been on holiday long ago.

"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

two guys across

something to do now,

said,

soon as I finished speaking, the call ended

the Skyline International Corporation building with Dennis by

Seth said, "He's out."

and Dennis walked straight

got up to leave, and Seth hurriedly gathered the photos and bills from the

me, a few

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

Drew urged without looking

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

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

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

fur shawl, and

in front of the mirror, I barely recognized myself. As night fell, I took a cab to the waterfront. The cab stopped, and through the window, I saw the brightly lit cruise ship and heard

getting out?" the driver asked when he saw I

eighty dollars from my bag and handed

the money and

one after another at the coast,

a familiar Maybach appeared. Ethan and Dennis got out. Ethan, wearing a mid-length gray coat, unbuttoned, lit a cigarette, exuding a unique masculine charm. They quickly boarded

from the coffee shop, accompanied by a few others.

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

cab and walked toward

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

please choose a mask you

glittering stones, gold accents, and

head held high. The ball was in full swing, with music playing and couples dancing. Dim lighting