Crystal chandeliers cast fractured light across the private lounge overlooking the gala floor. Outside the glass, Crescent City's elite moved like polished pieces on a board—smiles practiced, laughter measured.
Viktor Kaide stood near the window, one hand resting on a champagne flute he hadn't touched.
Behind him, the President of Crescent City spoke enthusiastically.
"…with your logistics network and my administration's support, this partnership could redefine industrial security across the region."
Viktor hummed absently, eyes fixed on the storm beyond the glass.
"Yes," the President continued, leaning forward. "I believe this collaboration would be mutually beneficial."
Viktor turned at last, offering a polite smile—sharp, empty.
"I'm sure it would," he said. "For you."
The President paused.
Viktor set the untouched glass down. "But I don't build my business on favors. And I don't partner with men who need something from me."
A thin silence fell.
Before the President could respond, the lounge door opened quietly.
A suited aide leaned in, voice low. "Mr. Kaide. Riley Styles has arrived."
The effect was immediate.
Viktor's attention snapped fully into focus. The storm outside no longer interested him.
"Styles?" the President echoed, stunned. "The owner of the Styles Industries?"
But Viktor was already moving.
"Excuse me, Mr. President," he said smoothly, adjusting his cuff. "Duty calls."
The President straightened. "Our discussion—"
"Can wait," Viktor replied without slowing. "This cannot."
He passed through the lounge doors, leaving the President standing alone amid luxury that suddenly felt colder while he muttered.
"I wonder when when Styles and Viktor became acquainted."
---
The main hall shifted as Riley Styles entered.
Not because he announced himself.
But because people noticed.
Black suit. Clean lines. No entourage beyond Ethan Hale at his shoulder. His presence cut through the noise like a blade through silk—measured, controlled, undeniable.
"Isn't that the owner of the best weapon manufacturing company in the country?"
"Yeah, I think that's him"
"This is the first time seeing him in person"
Conversations dipped. Eyes followed.
Viktor stepped onto the balcony above just as Riley crossed the threshold.
For the first time that night, Viktor smiled for real.
"So," Viktor murmured to himself, watching the man below. "You're the one."
He descended the stairs, timing his approach perfectly.
By the time Riley reached the center of the hall, Viktor Kane was already walking toward him—hand extended, expression warm, calculated.
"Mr. Styles," Viktor said, voice smooth as aged wine. "I was beginning to think Crescent City had offended you."
Riley took the handshake, grip firm, eyes unreadable.
"Traffic," he replied simply.
Viktor laughed softly. "Then I'm glad it lost."
Neither man noticed the storm outside or the attraction they are garnering anymore as they have become fully focused on the other.
"Mr. Styles, I think we are attracted a lot of attention while being like this." Suddenly, Ethan whispered to Styles with a worried look.
Viktor also caught what Ethan said which prompted him to say with a welcoming smile.
"Why don't we go somewhere more inclusive for our meeting"
"Of cause" Riley replied without hesitation since he also feels the same way.
"This way then"
And so, the two men of attraction in the gala finally left the main hall and went to a separate private lounge.
The private lounge was sealed off from the gala's noise, insulated by thick glass and discreet security. Outside, rain streaked the windows like claw marks against the city lights.
After entering the lounge first, Riley Styles stood near the bar, hands clasped behind his back, gaze fixed on nothing in particular. As for Ethan, he was obligated to wait outside the private lounge along with the security personnels station there.
After a while, Viktor Kaide entered without announcement.
The door closed softly behind him.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Viktor smiled.
"Mr. Styles," he said. "I appreciate a man who arrives late. It tells me he has better things to attend to."
Riley turned slowly, eyes sharp, unreadable.
"I appreciate a man who waits," Riley replied. "It tells me he believes the meeting is worth it."
Viktor's smile widened—just a fraction.
They took their seats opposite each other, a low table between them. No aides. No witnesses.
Viktor leaned back, relaxed. "Styles Industries. Domestic manufacturing. Military-grade precision. Impressive."
Riley didn't respond.
Viktor continued, unfazed. "Crescent City wants expansion. I want influence in the defense sector. You want capital, political insulation, and access to markets that aren't officially… available."
Riley's gaze flicked to him. "You speak as though you already know my needs."
"I know patterns," Viktor said calmly. "Men like you don't build empires alone."
Riley stepped closer to the table, resting one hand on its edge. "Men like me don't partner with liabilities."
Silence stretched.
Then Viktor laughed—soft, appreciative.
"Good," he said. "I wouldn't respect you if you did."
He slid a slim folder across the table.
"Logistics routes. Shell corporations. Clean fronts. Nothing illegal. Nothing traceable. Everything deniable."
Riley opened the folder briefly. His expression didn't change—but Viktor noticed the pause. The microsecond of consideration.
"You move fast," Riley said.
"I move quietly," Viktor corrected. "Fast men get caught."
Riley closed the folder. "I don't tolerate inefficiency."
"Neither do I."
Their eyes locked.
Two men measuring the cost of alliance—and finding it acceptable.
"At face value," Riley said, "this partnership benefits Styles Industries."
Viktor inclined his head. "And strengthens my investments."
Riley straightened. "Then we proceed. On my terms."
Viktor stood as well, extending his hand again. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Riley took it.
The handshake was firm. Controlled.
Dangerously balanced.
"Welcome to Crescent City's future," Viktor said.
Riley released his grip. "Let's make sure it survives."
Thunder rolled outside as if the sky itself objected.
Neither man noticed.
Because neither had any intention of backing down.
But right at that exact moment, somewhere located at the other end of Crescent City, there is someone who is currently looking at the picture of him and Stephanie in their phone while being drenched in the rain.