Broadway Avenue, Wall Street, Times Square, the United Nations Headquarters, and the towering Empire State Building—this was Manhattan, the beating heart of New York City and one of the most powerful cultural and economic centers in the United States. For countless ambitious dreamers, Manhattan was both temptation and opportunity, a place where fortunes were built and reputations shattered.
High society thrived here. Celebrities, financiers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and socialites filled the district every night. Luxury cars rolled through the streets in endless lines, while elegant gatherings and extravagant parties were almost a daily occurrence.
Tonight was no exception.
Outside the Empire State Building, rows of luxury vehicles lined the street like a showroom for the world's most expensive brands. The bright flashes of cameras lit up the night as reporters crowded along the barricades, shouting questions and calling out names.
The scene was chaotic but carefully organized.
A wide path had been left open in the center of the road so arriving guests could step out of their vehicles and make their way toward the entrance. One by one, prominent figures emerged from sleek black sedans and exotic sports cars.
The men were dressed in perfectly tailored suits and polished shoes, carrying themselves with the confident posture of people accustomed to success. The women beside them were even more eye-catching. Designer gowns shimmered under the lights, some elegant and refined, others daringly revealing. Certain dresses barely covered the most essential areas, emphasizing every curve and movement.
This was both a social battlefield and a hunting ground.
For women, it was a stage to display beauty, charm, and influence. For men, it was a place to build connections, expand power, and sometimes pursue romance. Almost everyone present had arrived with a specific goal in mind.
Almost everyone.
Ethan Cole, however, was not here for strategy or opportunity.
He had simply been bored.
At that moment, a bright red sports car slid smoothly into the open lane near the entrance. Instead of roaring like most high-performance machines, it arrived almost silently before stopping in front of the building.
The scissor door lifted upward, and a man with short chestnut-colored hair stepped out.
Tony Stark.
With the effortless confidence of someone who had dominated headlines for years, Stark walked around to the passenger side and helped his companion step out of the car. The woman beside him was stunning, dressed in a sleek gown that perfectly highlighted her figure.
"Hey, Mr. Stark! Over here!" one reporter shouted excitedly. "You look fantastic tonight!"
Tony flashed a charming grin and wrapped an arm around his companion's waist.
"Make sure you get my good side," he joked while posing naturally for the cameras.
"Of course!"
A storm of camera flashes erupted immediately. Stark leaned slightly toward his date, enjoying every second of attention. For someone who thrived in the spotlight, moments like this were almost a personal sport.
Then the atmosphere suddenly shifted.
A deep mechanical roar echoed down the street, the unmistakable sound of an extremely powerful engine. The vibration seemed to roll across the pavement like a shockwave, sending a subtle tremor through the crowd.
Heads turned instinctively.
A sleek sports car painted in a striking combination of black and electric blue tore down the road before stopping abruptly behind Stark's vehicle with a sharp hiss of brakes.
The noise alone drew everyone's attention.
Even Tony Stark turned around, curiosity flashing briefly across his face.
The driver's door opened.
A tall, handsome young man stepped out, dressed in a relaxed but expensive suit that balanced casual style with unmistakable luxury. His presence immediately pulled focus, as if the air around him carried its own quiet gravity.
Ethan Cole.
He walked around the car and opened the passenger door, helping his date step out. The young woman beside him looked barely eighteen, wearing a glamorous outfit that emphasized her youthful beauty and confident posture.
Her appearance alone turned several heads in the crowd.
"Wow," Ethan said with an amused smile as he approached. "Look who it is."
His voice carried just enough volume for the nearby reporters to hear.
"Mr. Stark, how long are you planning to stand here posing? You do realize there are other guests arriving behind you, right?"
Tony Stark raised an eyebrow.
Their rivalry was well known, and the moment the reporters recognized Ethan Cole, the camera flashes intensified dramatically.
Tony smirked.
"Kid," he replied lazily, "this is an adult party. Not a playground."
He glanced briefly at Ethan's companion.
"There's alcohol inside. If you're looking for milk, you might want to head home."
Ethan chuckled softly.
"Mr. Stark, you might not be aware of this," he replied calmly, "but I'm officially an adult now. I came here specifically to experience the nightlife of grown-ups."
His gaze swept over Stark with playful sarcasm.
"Although judging by the atmosphere, maybe this place has already turned into a retirement club. Otherwise why would someone your age still be hanging around here?"
The reporters nearby could barely contain their excitement. Cameras clicked nonstop as the two billionaires exchanged verbal blows.
Their conflict was old news, but seeing it unfold live was still irresistible.
Tony leaned closer as the distance between them shrank.
"Why didn't anyone tell me you'd be here tonight?" he muttered under his breath. "This evening just got a lot worse."
Ethan shrugged slightly.
"Same here," he replied quietly. "If I'd known, I would've checked my assistant first. There's one universal rule—nothing good ever happens when you're around."
Despite the hostility in their words, both men suddenly broke into friendly smiles.
Not at each other.
At the women standing beside them.
Ethan's attention shifted to Stark's companion.
"Ah, Miss Potts," he said warmly. "What a pleasant surprise."
He stepped forward and opened his arms as if preparing to give her a hug.
Before he could move closer, Tony Stark immediately stepped between them.
"Back off," Stark whispered sharply. "Stay away from Pepper."
Ethan raised an eyebrow with silent amusement but said nothing.
Pepper Potts rolled her eyes at Stark's reaction.
Ignoring him completely, she stepped forward and hugged Ethan briefly.
"I was going to say the same thing," she said with a friendly smile. "It's good to see you."
Ethan laughed softly.
"Miss Potts, have you ever reconsidered my offer?" he asked jokingly. "You'd make an incredible personal assistant."
Pepper shook her head politely.
"Thank you, Mr. Cole, but I'm very happy working at Stark Industries."
Ethan glanced at Tony and lowered his voice.
"You're lucky," he said quietly. "Having someone this capable beside you is a waste."
Tony clenched his jaw.
"Are you looking for another fight?" he snapped.
Before the tension could escalate further, Pepper stepped between them again.
"Gentlemen," she said with an amused laugh, "shall we go inside?"
"Of course," Ethan replied smoothly. "After you."
He smiled politely toward the two women and led his companion toward the building entrance. Tony Stark clearly looked irritated by Ethan's relaxed attitude, but Pepper lightly pulled him forward before he could say anything else.
Around them, the reporters sighed in disappointment.
For a moment they had truly believed the two rivals might start another fight.
That would have made spectacular headlines the next morning.