In a modern, neat office, Kyle stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the beautiful view of the city below.
The door was pushed open, and his secretary entered.
"Boss, they've all left," Camilla said, handing him a file.
He took the file from her and opened it to check its contents.
"I'll take my leave, sir," she said, bowing before leaving.
"Hold on, Camilla. What about Mr. Watterson? Is he still interested in signing the deal?"
"I haven't received his feedback yet."
"You can go."
"Thank you, boss. Good night."
After she left, he stood there for a while before leaving, using the elevator down to the ground floor. He walked to the parking lot, entered his car, and zoomed off.
As he got close to his house, loud music could be heard blasting from it. Driving faster, he parked hurriedly at the gate and honked for the gatekeeper to open up, but there was no response, even after several attempts. He reached for his phone and dialed Stanley's number.
The phone rang once, but Stanley didn't pick up. Kyle continued dialing until he finally answered on the sixth attempt.
"What's up, man?" came the voice from the other end.
"Stanley, what the hell is going on? What kind of noise is coming from my apartment?"
"Oops. Sorry I didn't inform you earlier—I knew you wouldn't have allowed it. I'm hosting an old friends' catch-up party in your name. I invited all our old classmates from different places. It's been so much fun. Where are you?"
"I've been parked outside for more than thirty minutes. Come and open this gate immediately."
"Come and open this gate immediately," Stanley mimicked. "Try to have some fun somet—"
Kyle ended the call before he could finish.
The gate opened, and Kyle drove inside. As soon as he stepped out of the car, the loud music blasting from the speakers nearly deafened him.
He covered his ears with both hands and shouted at Stanley, who stood beside him, grinning like a cat. "Why is the music so loud? Do you want to burst my eardrums?"
Still covering his ears, his eyes scanned the area, taking in the people partying. At the pool, some were inside, making out.
Stanley walked over to the speakers and turned off the music. He grabbed a microphone and announced Kyle's arrival.
"Good evening, everyone. You're all welcome to the old friends' catch-up party. I want to announce the arrival of Kyle, our great friend and host of the party. This gathering is for us to reconnect after years of graduating from college and to have a good time together. I hope we all enjoy ourselves."
He turned the music back on.
Kyle went around greeting his old friends one after the other.
"Douglas," he said, pulling him into a hug. "It's been ages, man."
Douglas had been one of his closest friends since childhood. After graduating from college, he relocated to America, though they still kept in touch by phone.
"It really has been ages," Douglas said after pulling away. "How have you been, Kyle? I heard you're the CEO of one of your dad's companies."
"You heard right. I've also read and watched videos of you being among the best basketball players. That's always been your dream, and now it's becoming a reality."
"Yes. I never expected it to happen so soon—getting popular in the blink of an eye. Stanley messaged me two days ago about the party. I didn't think I'd make it, but here I am."
"It's really good to see you again, Douglas. You're looking more handsome."
"Coming from Kyle, whose looks can make girls fall at his feet," Douglas laughed. "I appreciate the compliment, but you look even better."
"You're starting to sound like Stanley now," Kyle said, smiling broadly.
"Speak of the devil—here he comes," Douglas said, his eyes fixed on Stanley as he approached.
"Hey, guys," Stanley said. "Let's go grab a drink."
"You and Kyle should go ahead," Douglas replied. "I want to use the pool first. I'll join you later."
Stanley wiggled his brows teasingly. "I saw you making out with a girl in the pool earlier. Seems that wasn't enough for you."
"I'm just going there to chill—nothing else," Douglas said, walking away.
Stanley grabbed Kyle's arm and led him to a table where a young lady sat. They took their seats, with Kyle positioned between Stanley and the lady.
"Kyle, meet Freya—a friend I met recently. And Freya, meet Kyle, the friend I've been telling you about."
Freya extended her hand, and Kyle shook it warmly. They talked for a while before Stanley interrupted, pouring drinks into three cups.
"Let's make a toast to Kyle."
"To Kyle!" they chorused, making Stanley and Freya laugh.
Kyle and Freya continued their conversation while sipping their drinks. Stanley sat quietly, untouched drink in hand, watching them closely.
Moments later, the alcohol began to take effect. They laughed loudly and spoke incoherently.
Stanley smirked as he observed them. The drink he had served was strong—just a few sips were enough to make someone light-headed. His intention was clear: he wanted them to end up together while intoxicated, already bracing himself for the trouble that would follow the next day.
When he was satisfied with how affected they were, he led both of them to Kyle's room.