Evening arrived.
One after another, everyone gathered in the Quinn family's private dining hall.
The hall itself was magnificent.
A long dark marble dining table stretched through the center beneath enormous crystal chandeliers that cast warm golden light across the room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the illuminated gardens outside where waterfalls shimmered beneath the night sky.
Fresh flowers decorated the table.
Elegant silverware and fine porcelain had already been arranged perfectly by the servants.
At the very head of the table sat the rulers of the Quinn family.
Old Master Quinn and Madam Quinn.
Even seated, their presence alone was enough to make the atmosphere feel heavier.
To their left sat Nathan and Emily.
Emily wore an elegant floor-length white gown made from soft silk that flowed like water around her figure.
The off-shoulder design revealed her graceful collarbones while delicate diamond embroidery shimmered subtly beneath the lights. Her dark hair was loosely pinned back, making her appear both untouchable and breathtakingly beautiful.
Beside her, Nathan wore an all-white tailored outfit that balanced luxury with effortless comfort.
A fitted white shirt with the top buttons undone paired with tailored trousers and a long lightweight coat gave him a fashionable yet relaxed appearance. Even in casual attire, he looked dangerously attractive.
Two empty seats remained beside them.
Ava's seat.
And Luis's seat.
On the right side of the old couple sat Diego and Faith.
Summer sat between her parents while Frank occupied the seat closest to Diego.
Winter sat beside Faith with Damien seated next to her.
Sophia sat near Ava's empty seat with Vera beside her.
Further down sat Thomas with Evenly, while Vickey and Maria occupied the seats beside them.
Jude and Heaven sat near Madam Quinn with their daughter Talia.
Heaven's niece and her two friends sat near Vickey's side.
Madam Quinn glanced around the table.
"Where is Luis?"
Emily lazily picked up her wine glass.
"That boy is probably still at school You know he has to prepare for Aurelia The city of prestige and cultural standards."
"Oh right, the yearly competition It seems our nation is hosting this year So lucky."Evenly sighed
Faith smiled politely.
"Of course Luis would participate Didn't he win the worldwide academic competition before? Emily, you're really fortunate."
Although she smiled, the jealousy hidden beneath her words wasn't hard to notice.
Heaven blinked in confusion."Is it really that important?"
Silence.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"What a poor background."
Vera spoke softly.
Loud enough for everyone to hear.
Diego crossed his legs.
"You should connect with the world more Not everything revolves around business and fashion."
Emily finally put down her glass.
"The competition is obviously important It's the International Academic Evaluation The competition among the world's best schools."She leaned back in her chair."Not the best schools in a city Not the best schools in a country The best schools in the entire world Connection, prestige, wealth, status, family influence—those things might open doors."
"But to survive there? You need genuine genius Real genius There are twenty internationally recognized elite schools Only the top ten still strictly maintain their original standards." Emily said as she put her cup down .
"The others have become more flexible Some even accept scholarship students The true top schools don't They don't lack geniuses And they never compromise when it comes to education." Emily added.
Faith continued smoothly.
"Every year, the top schools undergo international evaluations It's an honor just to participate This year only six schools are permitted to enter."
She smiled.
" And it is a important thing for the six nations Elysia Averis Kaelen Republic And Orenthal who has more and which is the best amomg the top twenty Our nation, Elysia, possesses five of the world's top high schools Kaelen Republic has five ,Norelle has three,Averis has four,Orenthal has two,And Vandoria has one But only six schools are allowed to compete this year."
She paused before continuing.
"The two schools representing Elysia are Crownside High and Number One Elite School Both rank within the world's top five And both are located in our country Aurelion In our city Velmora The prestige attached is unimaginable."
"As for Kaelen Republic, they were originally given two spots But that hybrids nation are secretive as always So only one school is participating That allowed Averis to receive two positions instead The remaining nations each received one school."Faith said then smiled politely.
But the mockery in her eyes was impossible to hide.
"And Crownside High is hosting three schools, right? Sophia and Ava?" Faith asked.
Sophia elegantly nodded. "Yes, Auntie. Crownside High is hosting the two schools from Averis Nation and one school from Orenthal. They'll be competing in the art competition, sports competition, and academic competition."
Her mother nodded proudly beside her.
"While Aurelia City is hosting the school from the Kaelen Republic along with Number One Elite High School," Sophia added.
"So you see the reason it's important now, Heaven?" Vera said as she looked around the table.
"Everyone is paying attention to this competition. Only those with no prestige, connections, power, influence, family status, money, or good standing wouldn't care. As for the World Education Competition, the name already explains itself. It includes every level of education—elementary school, high school, university, anything related to education. Though this one mainly focuses on individual ability. And it's not only Luis participating. Sophia is too. They're the ones bringing honor to this family."
Evenly silently clenched her fist beneath the table, though her smile never faltered.
Faith's polite smile hardened ever so slightly.
Emily looked bored out of her mind, lazily scrolling through her phone as if the conversation had nothing to do with her.
Thomas remained expressionless, still annoyed about being investigated earlier.
He had no interest in joining the family quarrel.
"Mom, don't say that." Sophia smiled modestly.
"Everyone is trying their best. Maria could've been one of the participants too. Didn't she reject an admission offer from one of the top schools in Averis? The same school that has won this competition before. Such a pity. But she chose family over everything else, right, Cousin Maria?"Sophia's smile remained gentle as she looked toward Maria.
Maria slowly raised her eyes and glared back at her. The air around the dining table instantly turned heavier.
"Cousin is joking." Maria smiled faintly. "I just don't like joining the fun."
She rested her chin on her hand before looking at Sophia.
"And besides, Cousin Sophia, aren't you participating by default? We all know the real star of your school is that new student."
She shrugged casually.
"So it isn't really worth bragging about."
"If Luis didn't brag despite being the real genius, why should anyone else?"
"And let's not forget Ava." Maria glanced at the empty seat beside Emily.
"Unlike someone, she has never bragged. Yet her achievements are far higher. She's an art student, isn't she? Isn't she representing not a school, but the entire country and continent in a completely different competition?" Maria added them paused to catch her breath.
"And in the science competition, she has also won plenty of awards She even receives university offers from all over the world."Maria smiled sweetly."The people who actually win international competitions never seem to brag Yet someone with only a handful of awards can't seem to stop talking."
Faith immediately covered her mouth as laughter escaped her.
Diego sighed helplessly.
"Kids will be kids Let's not say too much."
He shot Faith a warning glance, warning her not to get involved in the argument they had suffered enough, while discreetly holding Summer's hand beneath the table to stop her from joining in and embarrassing herself.
Vera's face darkened.
She slammed her palm onto the dining table.
"Is that how you speak to your elders?"
Evenly looked at Maria with a look of mock disapproval.
"Maria, why would you say something like that?" she scolded softly.
"Don't you know your Aunt Vera and Sophia have been going through hard times lately?At least let them enjoy a little pride."
Her tone sounded like a mother correcting her daughter.
But every word carried an unmistakable layer of mockery that made several people around the table lower their heads to hide their smiles.
Jude quietly glanced at his wife.
Heaven was calmly unfolding her napkin as if none of this had anything to do with her.
"..."
Jude knew better.
The entire argument had started because of her dumb question.
Yet she was pretending to be completely uninvolved.
He sighed inwardly and decided to remain silent.
At that moment, the dining hall doors opened once more.
A perfectly synchronized line of servants entered.
They moved with practiced precision, their footsteps almost soundless against the polished marble floor.
The first servants carried elegant silver serving trays.
The rich aroma of freshly prepared food immediately filled the dining hall.
One by one, the dishes were placed onto the long dining table.
A whole herb-roasted wagyu rib rested on a heated marble platter, its surface glistening beneath a rich brown glaze.
A crystal dish of butter-poached lobster tails sat beside it, garnished with edible flowers and lemon slices.
Steaming truffle mashed potatoes.
Pan-seared foie gras topped with caramelized figs.
Honey-glazed lamb chops.
Slow-roasted duck with orange reduction.
Grilled king crab legs arranged over crushed ice.
Fresh sashimi served on carved blocks of transparent ice.
Braised abalone.
Black truffle mushroom soup.
A colorful seafood paella filled with prawns, mussels, scallops, and squid.
Several varieties of handmade bread rested inside warm woven baskets.
Large bowls of fresh seasonal fruits and delicate desserts were placed toward the center.
Not a single dish looked ordinary.
Each one resembled a work of art.
Another group of servants stepped forward carrying porcelain plates.
With smooth, practiced movements, they served each family member according to preference.
Some carefully sliced the roasted meats before placing them neatly onto individual plates.
Others arranged vegetables and side dishes with artistic precision.
No unnecessary movements.
No wasted words.
Everything flowed naturally, as though they had rehearsed the routine thousands of times.
Behind them came another line of servants pushing polished drink carts.
Crystal glasses were placed before every guest.
Some were filled with freshly squeezed fruit juice.
Others received sparkling mineral water.
Wine was poured for those who preferred it.
Tea was prepared for the elders.
A servant quietly refilled Madam Quinn's tea before stepping back.
Another replaced Old Man Quinn's wine glass with a fresh one after noticing it was nearly empty.
Several servants withdrew after finishing their duties.
The remaining ones stood quietly along the walls, ready to refill drinks, replace plates, or serve the next course whenever needed.
The entire process was silent.
Efficient
.
Almost elegant.
Old Man Quinn looked around the table before letting out a long sigh.
"Why don't you all grab swords and settle it outside while you're at it?"
His tone was completely serious.
Without looking up, he continued peeling shrimp with practiced hands.
After removing the shell, he dipped the shrimp lightly into sauce before placing it into Madam Quinn's bowl.
His wife accepted it without even thanking him.
Clearly, this had become routine after decades of marriage.
Meanwhile...
Nathan had completely ignored the family argument.
He had shifted his chair closer to Emily.
Far too close.
One arm rested lazily behind her chair while the other absentmindedly played with the ends of her hair.
Emily didn't even react.
She simply continued scrolling through videos on her phone as Nathan shamelessly leaned against her shoulder.
"The queen is here."
A cheerful voice echoed from the staircase.
"Who missed me?"
Everyone instinctively looked toward the entrance.
Ava descended the grand staircase with effortless confidence.
She wore a striped lace strap bow mini dress layered beneath a fitted longline black blazer decorated with crisp white pinstripes and structured shoulders.
The center of the blazer featured a bold horizontal cutout across the chest, revealing the elegant bandeau beneath.
A dramatic white ruffle framed the opening beautifully.
From its center flowed a long white satin ribbon, cascading gracefully past the blazer's hem with every step she took.
On her feet were sleek black minimalist stiletto sandals.
Thin straps wrapped elegantly around her feet while a delicate ankle strap fastened with a metallic gold DG logo hugged her ankle.
The sharp silver metal heels reflected the warm chandelier light with every step.
Around her neck rested a delicate blue-and-white diamond tennis necklace.
A trendy black designer handbag hung casually from one arm.
A pearl bangle decorated one wrist.
A refined silver watch rested on the other
.
With her confident smile, graceful posture, and effortless elegance.
She looked less like someone arriving for dinner...
And more like someone making her entrance onto a fashion runway.Her fiery red hair had been woven into elegant Dutch braids that began near her temples, curving gracefully around both sides of her head before meeting at the back to form a delicate halo that framed her face.
From beneath the braided crown, thick corkscrew curls cascaded all the way to her waist, each glossy coil bouncing with every step she took.
A few rebellious tendrils escaped the braids, curling softly against her cheeks and ears, making her look effortlessly charming rather than perfectly polished.
Diamond earrings glittered beneath the warm chandelier lights whenever she moved.
She stopped halfway down the staircase.
Spread her arms.
Then spun once.
The curls fanned out beautifully before settling against her back again.
"I know I'm pretty." Ava blinked exaggeratedly.
"Right?"
"Right?"
"Right?"
Silence.
Not a single person could deny it.
She was breathtaking.
Almost unreal.
The kind of beauty that looked as though it had stepped out of an expensive painting.
Cute.
Sweet.
Radiant.
Unfortunately...
Everyone in this family knew the truth.
She was also a terrifying little maniac.
The type who could order someone's death while smiling so innocently that the victim would probably thank her first.
Thinking about it...
Several people unconsciously looked toward Emily and Nathan.
Their expressions carried a mixture of pity...
And ridicule.
After all...
God had blessed that couple with everything.
Beauty.
Brains.
Talent.
Money.
Status.
Power.
Unfortunately...
He had forgotten to install the "normal" setting.
Then again...
Perhaps it wasn't God's fault.
After all...
A lion could never give birth to a pig.
Neither could two demons somehow produce an angel.
"You look good enough to eat, baby."
Emily clapped happily without hiding her admiration.
Ava immediately beamed.
She loved compliments.
Especially from her mother.
Grandma Quinn smiled helplessly.
"Are you dressing up to meet your crush?"
"Maybe."
Ava skipped over before wrapping both arms around her grandparents.
"But I also dressed up for my sweet grandparents."
She kissed Grandma Quinn's cheek first.
Then Grandpa Quinn's.
The old man immediately narrowed his eyes.
"You're not taking my sports car If you're acting this affectionate because of that, forget it."
Ava gasped dramatically as though she had suffered the greatest injustice.
"Grandpa! I'm doing this for your own good."
She placed a hand over her heart You're old And weakIf you keep driving that sports car, it's basically a one-way ticket to heaven."
"So...I'll bravely accept that responsibility."
"I'll drive it instead You'll live longer See I'm such a thoughtful granddaughter."
Grandpa Quinn snorted.
"What a shameless little robber."
The entire table laughed.
Even Madam Quinn couldn't help smiling.
Ava skipped over again.
This time kissing Emily and Nathan on their cheeks.
Only then did Rose finally speak.
"Ava..."
She smiled gently.
"Skipping family dinner just because of a boy is rather inappropriate A family gathering is precious You should cherish moments with your family."
Ava slowly turned toward her.
Her smile remained perfectly sweet.
"Aunty...Weren't you supposed to be with your own family today?"
The smile on Rose's face stiffened.
Nathan casually took another sip of wine before adding,
"Your aunty is probably allergic to her own family So she attends everyone else's gatherings instead."
Several people nearly laughed.
Diego lowered his head to hide his grin.
Faith quietly picked up her wine glass.
Even Emily's lips curved slightly.
Rose's fingers tightened beneath the table.
Ava, however, acted as though nothing had happened.
She happily sat in her usual seat.
Pulling out her phone, she quickly typed a message.
Where are you?I feel like I'm the only one maintaining this friendship Not fun at all.
Thinking it was not enough she sent another message: you didn't even message me this afternoon.Now it's already seven and still nothing.
She pressed send.
Several minutes later...
Her phone vibrated.
Matthew replied.
I was studying this afternoon.
This evening I'm out handling something.
I'll message you later.
Ava stared at the screen for two seconds.
Then rolled her eyes dramatically.
"So heartless..."
she muttered under her breath before locking her phone.
She casually picked up a slice of chilled dragon fruit from the crystal platter and began eating while the adults resumed discussing business, trade, and overseas investments around the table.
After sitting quietly for a while, Ava stood up.
"I'm going out for a bit."
Without waiting for anyone to stop her, she waved lazily and walked out of the dining hall, her curls bouncing gently behind her as the servants silently opened the doors for her.