she was in a car half asleep and didn't even notice when the car changed direction.

Instead of taking her home—

it drove straight to the main Vesper residence.

The driver spoke calmly.

"Miss Scarlet, the boss has ordered you to come directly to the main house."

Scarlet only hummed sleepily.

"Mm…"

__

Inside the house

When she entered the mansion, servants immediately guided her toward the study.

Inside, Lorenzo Vesper sat behind a large desk.

Scarlet straightened her posture slightly.

Her grandfather looked at her and said directly,

"We're attending an underground banquet tonight."

"Get dressed."

Scarlet's expression immediately became serious.

"What is it about?"

Lorenzo gave a flat reply.

"A regular banquet."

Scarlet narrowed her eyes slightly.

She knew better.

There was no such thing as a regular underground banquet.

But she didn't argue.

Servants were already waiting outside.

"Miss, please come with us."

---

At the banquet

The banquet hall was hidden beneath a luxury hotel.

The entire place was decorated in dark tones.

Black chandeliers.

Dim golden lights.

Velvet curtains.

The atmosphere felt luxurious—

yet dangerous.

Themes was dark decoration

Gave a luxiours and grand vibe.

Every person present held power in their hands.

Crime lords.

Business kings.

Shadow rulers of the city.

Every invited guest was given a mask.

Identity hidden.

Intentions even more hidden.

Then—

The large gates opened.

The old man walked calmly with absolute authority.

Everyone recognized him instantly.

Lorenzo Vesper.

Even with a mask, his presence was unmistakable.

Whispers spread through the hall.

But the whispers weren't about him.

They were about the girl beside him.

The young girl in the wine-black dress.

Her beauty was cold.

Unmatured.

Yet captivating.

Someone in the crowd gathered the courage to ask,

"Lorenzo… my friend… who is this young lady you brought tonight?"

A gunshot suddenly echoed through the hall.

BANG.

Silence fell instantly.

Lorenzo slowly swept his gaze across the room.

His voice was calm.

"Anyone else wants to know?"

No one spoke.

Within seconds, the crowd dispersed like frightened birds.

Scarlet watched the scene quietly.

She had witnessed things like this many times in her previous life.

This wasn't new to her.

Lorenzo spoke quietly beside her.

"Scar. Don't look."

Scarlet chuckled softly.

"If you forgot," she replied calmly,

"let me remind you, Master."

Lorenzo turned slightly.

He saw the cold look in her eyes.

After a moment, he simply gestured forward.

"Then walk."

Above the Hall

From the second floor balcony, several people watched the entire scene.

Chloe leaned against the railing and chuckled.

"So your stray cat followed you here too."

She looked toward Ciel.

"If your gaze hadn't lingered on her that long, I wouldn't have recognized her."

Daniel calmly sipped his wine.

"Completely different from school."

Below them, Scarlet walked beside Lorenzo like a silent shadow.

Ciel's brows furrowed slightly.

Why did he bring her here?

This place isn't meant for her.

Victor crossed his arms and grinned.

"So the little cat can turn into a lioness."

Raven didn't even look away from the screen of his tablet.

"She's a Vesper after all."

Ciel remained silent.

Ciel was mesmerized with her look when she stepped in the banquet. She caught his attention in seconds.

Her high bun.

The thin golden blade accessories.

The elegant wine-black dress.

For a moment—

his eyes stayed on her longer as he was feasting his eyes.

Then, after silently admiring her appearance—

he turned away.

But the image had already burned into his mind.

His mind wanted to possess her completely, devour her , locked her in the room so that no one can look at her even a glance is unacceptable.

His eyes were dark and his expression was grim.

He muttered " Good job old man, killing that bastard otherwise I had to broke my vow and gouge that person's eyes and killed him in brutal manner.

Victor heard briefly and awkwardly coughed " chill man, we can't kill someone here"