By five in the evening, as promised, Daisy arrived at crescent University to pick Benny up.
The golden-haired boy was already waiting beneath the shade of a large maple tree near the campus entrance. Dressed in a neatly ironed white shirt, a black jacket, and dark jeans, he looked around nervously while absentmindedly twirling the lollipop between his fingers.
The moment he spotted Daisy's silver sedan pulling over, his emerald-green eyes brightened.
"You actually came," he said with a relieved smile.
His tiny bunny teeth peeked out, making Daisy laugh.
"I told you I would."
Benny scratched the back of his head sheepishly before climbing into the passenger seat.
"I'm still surprised your sister invited me."
"Why?"
"I don't know..." he admitted. "I don't really know anyone besides you."
Daisy smiled as she started the engine.
"That's exactly why I invited you. Besides, my sister loves meeting new people."
"I hope she doesn't mind someone like me."
"Someone like you?"
Benny looked down at his clothes.
"I don't exactly fit into rich parties."
Daisy rolled her eyes.
"Benny, stop underestimating yourself."
The boy simply smiled awkwardly.
The car pulled away from the university, joining the evening traffic.
Golden sunlight stretched across the city skyline while pedestrians hurried home after work.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Benny quietly admired the view through the window, fascinated by the towering buildings and colorful billboards.
Finally, curiosity got the better of him.
"So..."
Daisy glanced sideways.
"So?"
"Where exactly are we going?"
She smiled mischievously.
"It's a surprise."
Benny frowned.
"That's unfair."
"If I tell you now, it won't be exciting."
He puffed his cheeks slightly.
"You've been saying that all afternoon."
Daisy laughed.
"You'll thank me later."
Nearly thirty minutes later, the scenery gradually changed.
The roads became wider.
Luxury boutiques replaced convenience stores.
Five-star hotels rose proudly into the evening sky.
Expensive sports cars occasionally sped past them.
Benny blinked.
"I've never been to this part of the city before."
"I know."
The car slowed before an enormous modern building illuminated by dazzling lights.
Luxury cars filled the parking area.
Well-dressed men and women stepped elegantly from expensive vehicles while uniformed attendants welcomed every guest.
Benny stared through the windshield.
"...This is where your sister is celebrating?"
Daisy nodded casually.
"Come on."
Benny swallowed.
"I suddenly feel underdressed."
"You look perfectly fine."
"But everyone here looks..."
He glanced toward a man wearing an expensive tailored suit.
"...important."
Daisy laughed again.
"They're just people."
"They don't look like 'just people.'"
She climbed out of the car.
"Stop worrying."
Taking a deep breath, Benny followed after her.
The moment the glass doors slid open, a powerful wave of music burst into his ears.
Bright lights flashed across the spacious hall.
People laughed, danced, and chatted while waiters carried silver trays filled with colorful drinks.
Benny froze.
His eyes widened.
"This..."
He looked at Daisy.
"...it's a nightclub?"
She giggled.
"Only the main floor. My sister rented one of the private VIP rooms upstairs."
Benny finally relaxed a little.
"Oh..."
"I wasn't planning to throw you into the middle of the dance floor."
He let out an embarrassed laugh.
"For a second, I thought I was going to faint."
"Come on, scaredy-cat."
She gently tugged his sleeve.
As the two disappeared into the elegant hallway leading toward the private rooms, another convoy of black luxury vehicles silently arrived outside.
The rear door of the middle car opened.
A tall man stepped out.
His tailored black suit fit him perfectly beneath a long charcoal overcoat.
His sharp blue eyes swept over the entrance with quiet authority.
Everyone nearby instinctively moved aside.
Nathan had arrived.
He hadn't come to celebrate.
He had come to settle a debt with a man foolish enough to betray him—and perhaps teach him that betraying Nathan came with a price far greater than money.