***

Are they kidding with this last-minute party notice? Others found time to change during breaks, but I’ve been buried in tasks.

Luckily, I always dress sharp thanks to the card Hades gave me for work-related expenses. I aim to catch the eye of the higher-ups every day. Dress for success, right? I check myself in the bathroom mirror. Even though I’m not the young and lively guy anymore, I can still turn heads despite the tiredness I see reflected back at me.

Okay, it’s time to head to the party and gather as much information as I can.

Exiting the bathroom, I’m greeted by a wave of excited voices. The party takes place in a function room within the company building. The room exudes wealth, with its clean and shiny appearance. Servers move around, serving food and drinks. Groups have started to form as people chat, some enjoying themselves while others network.

Tonight is filled with endless shop talk, making it seem like overtime for some, and that’s how I feel about this event.

Scanning the room, I search for Zeus and any chance to approach him. I spot him in a luxurious lounge area, surrounded by the city’s elite. Nearby, team leaders eagerly vie for the slightest bit of attention.

The thought of having to do something similar doesn’t sit well with me. I begin walking over and my eyes fixate on a familiar face from my partying days.

His hair and eyes are a matching golden hue, and the scar on his brow is proudly displayed. That’s Ares for you, always eager to dive into any brawl. While many elite sons fear making waves or tarnishing their reputation, being Zeus’ son grants Ares immunity to so much, and he takes advantage of it.

I’m surprised to see him here, considering his distaste for these events. Yet, he’s behaving himself in front of the people he despises. He appears bored, but his occasional glances at his father and the young man beside Zeus catch my attention. I recognize the young man as one of Zeus’ love children, Apollo. He’s the brains, while Ares, well… he’s more hands-on. That’s one way to describe him, not stupid at all, but action-oriented.

Amused by my own thoughts, I smirk. Ares catches sight of me from a few tables away, and his face lights up.

He exchanges words with Zeus, who nods before he bounces towards me, resembling an excited pit bull—both intimidating and friendly.

“Oh my god, Meg, is that you? I thought you were still locked up! What are you doing here?” Ares pulls me into a one-arm hug, giving me a squeeze. “Man, Meg, I’ve missed seeing you at the parties. Too many stiff people attending these days. When did you get out?”

I attempt to create some space between us as he pulls me towards a quieter sitting area close to his father. I settle down next to him while he signals a server for drinks.

“I got out a few months ago,” I inform Ares.

He takes a sip, then hands me a drink before taking another for himself.

“So, why haven’t I seen you around? You should have visited the old hangouts,” he says.

I long to escape from this conversation, but I must get close to Zeus.

“I got disowned by my parents, so I’ve been rebuilding my life. Thankfully, your family’s business offered me a job, which I hope will convince my parents that I’ve changed, as they desired,” I confide.

He takes a long drink while glaring at his half-brother, Apollo, who’s talking to Zeus.

“Man, that’s terrible. Parents can be so unreasonable. Even my father has been putting me through the wringer, threatening to pass the company to that asshole instead of me,” Ares complains, nodding toward Apollo. “Lately, my father’s been acting strange, irritating even my mother. She’s forcing me to spend more time with him. Can you believe she threatened to take away my weapons collection if I didn’t try to become his favorite son?”

God, did I actually enjoy spending time with guys like Ares? He’s so shallow. Why have I never noticed it before? Even if he doesn’t inherit the company, he’s got everything at his disposal, and yet he’s complaining like a kid. But I suppose I used to be a lot like him, and that disgusts me.

I grab another drink.

“At least tonight won’t be as terrible as I expected now that you’re here. Hey, have you met my father yet?” he asks, rising from his seat and pointing in his father’s direction.

“Um, we only met when I was a kid, so he likely doesn’t remember me,” I respond, attempting to seem casual.

He chuckles, “Nah, he’s got a sharp memory. Let’s go say hi. Maybe he can help you get a better position in the company, so you can afford a pricier suit than that off-the-rack one you’re wearing now.”

I glance at my tidy suit, which appears presentable to regular folks, but among the elite, even the minor fashion details matter. I used to be as pretentious. Surprisingly, I’m starting to prefer my current self over the glossy version of the past. Who would have thought that hitting rock bottom would lead me to a more comfortable identity?

Approaching Zeus, memories of an unsuspecting officer flash through my mind. It’s been months since that night, and I’ve tried to push aside the emotions I experienced, but for a brief moment, I allow myself to imagine what he’s been up to since our last email exchange.

I hear a throat clear nearby and feel a nudge, causing me to quickly look up as Ares tries to get my attention.

Zeus looks at me with a smile, “So, you must be Meg? Your father would often mention you. It’s unfortunate he’s currently out of town, otherwise, he would be proud of your hard work.”

I’m surprised that he knows about my progress. “How did you—”

He interrupts with a laugh. “I’ve got eyes everywhere, and I keep an eye on new recruits in case they’re a hidden gem.”

His words make me anxious that he might suspect I’m Hades’ spy, but it also presents an opportunity to get closer to Zeus.

I lower my head.

“Thank you, sir. Your words mean a lot to me. I hope that one day my father can see my transformation and recognize me as the son he deserves,” I say respectfully.

Zeus chuckles. “I’m confident he will, especially if you are promoted to a more senior position in the company.”

Is it truly that simple? I’m genuinely surprised. Ares stands next to me, appearing proud as if my accomplishments reflect on him. He’s probably hoping it will earn him favor with his father.

“I feel unworthy but honored, sir. Thank you,” I say humbly.

He gestures for us to join him in the nearby seats. Others move away, and both Ares and I take a seat.

“I must confess, I have a soft spot for a son attempting to connect with his father. It intensifies my longing to find my own son,” Zeus admits.

His words confuse me, and I glance at Ares and Apollo, both appearing uneasy. Zeus wears a sorrowful expression.

“If only I had known earlier. Perhaps then I would have a son who doesn’t upset or disappoint me.”

As he says this with a certain iciness, he glances at his two sons, who avoid making eye contact. Evidently, he considers them disappointments.

“I hope I’m not being rude, but a missing son?” I inquire.

He waves off my worries. “Yes, I guess since you are Ares’ friend, it won’t hurt to tell you. Plus more eyes around your age helping me look for him might be good.”

Zeus acknowledges me with a nod. “You see, one of my past lovers vanished many years ago. Recently, I discovered that she passed away while giving birth to a son. Despite my resources and wealth, I have been unable to locate him. If I could find him, I want to make up for my absence by personally mentoring him within the company. He would be around your age, maybe a few years younger. It saddens me to have missed out on so much of his life.”

While he shares his story, both Ares and Apollo display expressions of anger and annoyance. It must sting to hear their father prioritize a stranger they’ve never met over them. I genuinely sympathize with them. I, too, once longed for my father’s love until I realized it was an unattainable dream. I knew that before I was disowned. I suppose we are all a little damaged in some way in this world, even those at the very top.

“I’m sorry you haven’t been able to locate your son yet. I’ll keep watch in the lower town where I live, just in case,” I inform him.

He appears startled. “I hope my son didn’t end up in that part of the city. The mere thought of my own flesh and blood being there sends shivers down my spine.”

His disdain for the area I now call home angers me, but I stifle it.

“Of course, I sincerely hope you find him safe and sound soon,” I reply.

He nods, then shifts his attention to a smartly dressed older man, engaging in a discussion about business matters.

Ares rises from his seat, catching Zeus’s fleeting glance before the latter refocuses on his guest. Ares storms away, and although I’m eager to stay and gather more information, it would seem odd if I don’t go after my friend. Therefore, I excuse myself, which passes unnoticed, and go search for Ares.