Adrian stepped out of the penthouse, the city lights reflecting off his sharp suit. The night air brushed his face, but he barely noticed. His phone buzzed, vibrating sharply against his palm.
"Adrian, you awake, or are you still brooding over work?" Jason's rich, teasing voice broke through.
"Jason," Adrian said smoothly, voice calm but edged with authority. "What is it?"
Jason laughed, that careless, arrogant tone only he could carry. "Everything's ready. Eclipse Club. Private room. You, me, Henry, Robin — the usual. Drinks, music, luxury… and of course, your aura."
Adrian's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I don't need an introduction to impress my friends."
"Tonight, though, you do," Jason replied, amusement lacing every word. "Don't keep a man waiting."
Adrian slipped his phone into his pocket. The black Rolls Royce waited below, bodyguards flanking him like shadows. Within minutes, he was whisked through the streets, arriving at the club with neon lights painting him in red and gold.
Inside the private room, plush leather, low lights, and the faint scent of expensive whiskey set the tone.
"Finally," Jason said, lounging casually on the sofa while a seductive woman is entertaining him with her lap dance, effortless and arrogant a playboy CEO whose family fortune could buy cities. "Our dark, brooding Adrian graces us with his presence."
Henry, tall and refined in a perfectly tailored suit, leaned against the wall, aura sharp and calculated. "The top lawyer of Devere Law, untouchable in the courtroom. Hope the drinks here don't bore you."
Robin, the young doctor whose career rivaled dynasties, perched at the edge of the sofa. Calm, commanding every movement radiated authority. "We're all elite, yet somehow the club feels… ordinary for us," he remarked with a smirk.
Adrian's dark eyes scanned them, lips tight. "You're all showing off again."
Jason grinned, leaning back, golden cufflinks catching the light. "Of course. We earned it. And tonight? Shadows won't hide Adrian De Vere."
Henry smirked, swirling his champagne. "Deals await. Alliances form. This night is ours not just leisure."
Robin straightened, sharp eyes gleaming. "Speaking of milestones… I have an announcement."
Jason arched an eyebrow. "Do tell, Robin. You look too radiant for bad news."
Robin smiled, his usually calm demeanor almost glowing. "I'm engaged… to Evilinka. We'll be hosting the engagement on our private island next month. I expect all of you to be there."
The room went quiet for a beat, then Jason and Henry's expressions shifted into playful, shocked surprise.
"Engaged?" Jason chuckled, smirking. "Robin, finally settling down? You two rushing into marriage? Should we be expecting a new addition soon?"
Henry laughed, leaning forward. "Yes! Come on, Robin, spill it! Evilinka didn't tell us? Already planning a wedding on your private island? Are you two pregnant or something?"
Robin's jaw tightened, dark eyes flashing, a rare irritation sparking in his calm demeanor. "You two never change. Always joking. No pregnancies, no secrets. Just a wedding!"
Jason threw his head back laughing. "We're shocked, that's all! You're moving fast we demand an explanation."
Henry smirked, swirling his champagne again. "Indeed. We didn't see this coming. But we know you'll tell us at the engagement."
Robin's glare softened slightly, lips twitching in amusement. "Fine. Full explanations at the engagement, gentlemen. Until then, stop the teasing. No rush, no surprises. Just the wedding with Evilinka on our private island."
Jason clapped slowly, smirking. "Fine, fine. You've survived our interrogation… for now. But we expect grandeur at the island. Nothing less."
Henry chuckled, raising his glass. "The engagement better be unforgettable as only you could make it."
Robin finally relaxed, a victorious grin spreading across his face. "It will be perfect. Private, elite, unforgettable. Exactly as it should be. You'll all see soon enough."
Jason leaned back, golden cufflinks glinting. "Good. A night of luxury, power, and playful chaos just how we like it."
Adrian's gaze darkened subtly, scanning the room, absorbing the aura, the wealth, the camaraderie. His mind stayed sharp this was a world of influence, a web of connections, and tonight, they were kings.