But just as Flash Thompson turned to leave, a calm yet firm voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Mr. Thompson, where do you think you're going?"
Jack Kadere stood with a polite smile, his tone pleasant, but his eyes sharp. He gestured toward the main gate of the manor. "Just a reminder—the exit is that way."
"Huhhh? What's that supposed to mean?" Flash blinked, confused. There was something about Jack's presence that made his bravado wilt.
"I mean—" Snap.
Jack casually snapped his fingers.
A moment later...
"Hey! What the—! You can't do this! I'm a guest—!"
Flash's protests were cut short as two security guards in sleek suits appeared and each grabbed an arm. He kicked and flailed, but they remained unfazed as they dragged him toward the gate.
His entourage suffered a similar fate, each escorted out with quiet efficiency.
"Alright," Jack said, brushing his hands off. "Let's not waste more time on distractions."
He raised the long scroll in his hand, an amused glint in his eyes. "I still have a surprise for Gwen."
Harry, who had been watching in silent satisfaction, relaxed and leaned closer. "Is that your latest artwork, Mr. Kadere? For Gwen?"
"Something like that."
"Where is she, anyway?" Jack asked.
Harry scratched his head. "Jessica dragged her off earlier—upstairs, second floor, I think. Room 201? No idea what those two are up to."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Given Gwen's personality, I doubt she'd stay quiet if she saw Peter getting harassed."
He turned to Peter, offering a rare moment of comfort. "Relax, Peter. It's a party. No homework. No pressure. Just enjoy the night."
Peter nodded faintly, still awkward. "Thanks, Mr. Kadere."
Jack gave him a light pat on the back, then waved to Harry. "I'll leave Peter to you."
As Jack ascended the stairs with the scroll slung over his shoulder, he hummed a tune, spider-sense giving him a subtle nudge toward his destination.
"Room 201. Let's see what trouble Jessica's causing now."
—
Inside Room 201—
"Hnn~"
Gwen Stacy stiffened as Jessica leaned over her, adjusting something on her shoulders.
"You okay?" Jessica paused, noticing Gwen's distracted expression. "Did I pull something?"
"No... it's that weird flutter again," Gwen muttered, hand brushing against her chest. "Like earlier this week. My heart skips a beat... like something—or someone—is pulling on my nerves."
Jessica squinted. "You're not seriously saying you felt Jack coming, right?"
"I—I'm not saying that exactly!"
"Ha! Caught you. Thought about that hot guy, didn't you?" Jessica grinned like a gremlin, leaning in.
"N-No! I mean—kind of—just stop!"
Gwen quickly covered her face, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
She had thought of that guy… that maddeningly attractive Jack Kadere~
Jessica, convinced she had caught her in a lie, grinned like a cat with a trapped canary. "Hehe~ Gwen, stop squirming. You're not escaping now."
"Oh no, Jessica—why am I even wearing this…?" Gwen moaned, tugging at the Ghost-Spider suit being forced onto her.
"Mmhmm~ Your figure is perfect," Jessica cooed with theatrical flair. "Once this fits properly, you'll be the star of the whole party!"
"You like Ghost-Spider too, right? Come on, live a little!"
Jessica was on a roll, practically giddy as she adjusted Gwen's suit—until:
"Ahem."
Jack Kadere's voice came from just outside the door.
"Jessica? You in there? I'm coming in—just a heads up."
Jessica: (x〃)
Gwen: (x〃)
"Ah—this is…"
Jessica glanced at Gwen, still half-suited and flushed redder than a stop sign… then smirked devilishly.
"Come in, Jack! It's fine! Totally fine!" she called out sweetly.
Click!
Jack entered without hesitation—and then froze.
It wasn't just Gwen's half-dressed state—though her pale skin, golden hair, and flustered eyes might've had some impact.
No, what really caught his attention was the suit.
The Ghost-Spider suit.
...Why was Gwen wearing it?
Did she just out herself?
Jessica, misreading his stunned silence, grinned and theatrically pushed Gwen forward. "Tadaa! Spider-Gwen, in the flesh!"
"I—I'm not! Don't listen to her!" Gwen stammered, flailing in protest. She didn't even bother covering up anymore, too focused on denying the claim.
Which, in hindsight, only made it more suspicious.
Jack's gaze didn't waver. He rubbed his chin and said with grave importance, "This still needs confirmation. Thorough confirmation."
"Jack!" Gwen pouted, reaching out. "Jessica's totally bullying me."
Jack swept her gently into his arms, savoring her warmth. "Jessica, come on. Be nice to Gwen."
"Hmph!" Jessica puffed her cheeks like an indignant goldfish. "Wow. One hot blonde and you forget your own sister. Typical."