The party glittered under a thousand crystal lights, but to Elias, it felt like walking into a shark tank — in a clown costume.
He navigated the mansion's marble floors, dodging champagne waiters and Botoxed millionaires.
Bianca sidled up beside him, dressed in a sleek silver gown that made her look like a movie star.
(If movie stars snuck Cheetos into their clutch purses.)
"Alright, Elias," she whispered mischievously. "First lesson of rich-people parties: Everyone's lying. Smile like you're in on the joke."
Elias plastered on a wide, awkward grin that made him look constipated.
Bianca burst out laughing.
"You're hopeless."
---
The room was full of people who wore masks even without a costume party.
Fake laughter, fake deals, fake friendships.
Elias realized it was a lot like the real world outside — people pretending to be better, richer, happier than they really were.
He felt a strange kind of sadness in his chest.
Were all adults just... faking it?
---
Bianca pulled him toward the dance floor, where a slow waltz had begun.
Bianca Summers, 21:
Profession: University student + part-time chaos bringer.
Appearance: Light brown skin, curly black hair cut into a playful bob, wide brown eyes full of mischief.
Personality: Outgoing, loyal, trouble-magnet.
Flaws: Overconfident, impulsive, hates admitting weakness.
"Come on, Romeo," she teased.
"If you're gonna snoop around, you have to blend in first."
---
Elias hesitated — then the Watch gave a small pulse on his wrist, reminding him of his new Advanced Speech and Manipulation Skill reward.
Taking a deep breath, he led Bianca into the dance.
To his complete shock, he didn't trip.
Or elbow anyone.
Or cause a mass casualty event.
In fact, other guests were watching them, admiring.
A handsome older woman in a crimson gown even gave Elias a wink.
Bianca noticed and nearly fell over laughing.
"Congrats," she whispered. "You're officially a heartbreaker."
Elias blushed so hard he looked sunburned.
---
Mid-spin, Elias's eyes locked onto a man standing stiffly by the balcony — a man too rigid, too alert, unlike the rest of the drunken crowd.
Tall, sharp-jawed, with a black suit that screamed "security" rather than "party guest."
Joyce, through his hidden earpiece, murmured:
"Target identified. Move carefully, Elias. No hero stunts."
The Watch pulsed again — not a new task, but a warning.
[DANGER DETECTED]
The man disappeared into the crowd.
Elias cursed under his breath.
"Why can't anything be simple?" he muttered.
Bianca grinned, stealing another mini-cupcake from a passing tray.
"Because boring is for losers."
---