CHAPTER 2: THE CRACK IN THE BANQUET HALL
Inside the grand dining area, the ambient party chatter hummed with the superficial laughter of corporate executives, politicians, and socialites mingling near the chandeliers. Julian sat at the head of the long formal banquet table, his flashy black suit jacket sparkling with gold and silver sequin patterns under the lights.
He wore a thick gold chain necklace that reflected the room's dazzling illumination, yet his expression remained restless as he scanned the entrance for his best friend. For weeks, Julian had talked about nothing else, insisting that Ethan had to be the guest of honor beside him tonight.
When Ethan failed to appear through the double doors, Julian’s gaze drifted toward the foyer where a commotion had just occurred near the entrance. Through the gap between two towering guests in formal attire, he caught a glimpse of Ethan’s blue-grey T-shirt disappearing toward the front door.
Julian’s bright birthday smile instantly vanished from his face, replaced by a sudden, terrifying flash of pure anger and disbelief. He saw his aunt, the glamorous hostess, brushing off her hands with a self-satisfied smirk as if she had just swatted away a bothersome insect.
The heavy silver fork in Julian’s hand slipped against the fine china plate with a sharp, metallic clatter that cut through the surrounding table conversation. Across the banquet table, several high-society guests turned their heads in mild surprise, whispering among themselves about the birthday boy's abrupt mood shift.
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Julian didn't care about the whispers, the cameras, or the strict etiquette rules his family expected him to maintain at all times. He recognized the exact brand of casual cruelty his relatives specialized in, and he refused to let them destroy his best friend.
With a forceful shove, Julian pushed himself up from the heavily carved mahogany dining chair, knocking it backward onto the polished wooden floor. The loud crash silenced the immediate vicinity of the banquet table, turning dozens of curious eyes directly toward the young heir.
