♰
"I CAME TO FETCH you, little brother," Marcus Thompson, also known as a significant member of Rank 2 brotherhood, the current Princes, Boys Next Door. Most of the students knew him as a charming member of the group, but after the incident with their father, Denzel Sinclaire, taking away Max's inheritance, he was finally introduced to the public as the first son of the chairman. Of course, Marcus practically dreaded that big reveal—especially since the media wouldn't stop raiding him—but apart from all that, the only thing Marcus liked about the situation was that he could now openly claim his blood relation with his cute younger brother.
"Marcus!" Max shouted, running to his brother and turning into a little kid as he hugged him tightly, surprising everyone since they had never seen Max act like that before. "What's going on? What are you doing here? I missed you so much," Max says while Marcus hugs him back, also glad to see his brother again after a week.
"I missed you too," Marcus answers before breaking free from the hug. He smiles at his brother, but when he looks down at his injuries, the smile instantly turns into anger. "If I could, I would burn this cathedral to the ground for what they have done to you," Marcus says while holding onto Max's wounded hand, which has now healed after the punishment he received a couple of days ago.
The serfs who were standing around them couldn't help but gulp in terror because Marcus looked like he would actually do just that. Thankfully Max laughs it off and pretends that what his brother said was simply a baseless joke.
"Hey, I'm fine," he says, pulling his hand away. "But...how did you know about my injuries?"
Marcus was about to tell him about the video, but then a serf interrupted them by asking, "Is he going to be the other student for the exchange program?"
Max remembered that too and looked at his brother, somehow hopeful that he was the chosen representative. It would be great if his brother stayed here with him for a month as it would benefit his emotional well-being more. But then again, Max knew that wasn't the case at all. That's why when Marcus shook his head to disagree with the claim, Max wasn't surprised.
"As much as I want to, someone more powerful than me will be brought here tomorrow for the Exchange Program," Marcus suddenly revealed, instantly making everyone's jaw drop. Even Max and Keigo were surprised. He just said someone more powerful than them. Aside from PHD—who is already residing here—the only students who are more powerful than him are the Elites Vice President and President, as well as the kings, Busters.
Is J.S High planning to send any of those students here?
"No way," Xander says, suddenly feeling nervous.
Everyone started talking amongst each other, scared of the other representative who would potentially be Max's partner during this whole escapade. But before anyone could start making absurd guesses, Max looks back at his brother and asks him, "If you're not the representative, then what are you doing here?"
"Can't someone just visit his cute little brother?" Marcus jokingly asks while pinching Max's cheek. Max glares at him, so Marcus immediately pulls away and clears his throat before giving the real answer. "Have you forgotten about the company's anniversary party? I have already told President Ivory that I'll pull you out, only for tonight."
"Oh, but I thought Étienne would be the one to fetch me."
"He did, he's outside. But when I heard that he was heading here, I told him I'd come with him instead," Marcus answers with a proud smile, making Max sigh.
"Of course you did."
"Anyway, here's the one you requested. I received Keigo's illegal message and made sure to bring this," Marcus says with a chuckle, making Keigo look away from the serfs who were staring at him. All of them know that they aren't allowed to use their phones, so the fact that Keigo can still send messages out is very suspicious.
Marcus pulls something out from his pocket and hands it over to his brother. It was actually an envelope with a red seal that had the Sinclaire's symbol. To be more specific, it was an invitation.
Max holds onto the invitation and stares at it before walking towards the lone serf, who is leaning against the door with his arms crossed.
"Vesper Hugo Cinna," Max says before handing the invitation over to him, surprising everyone. "I know this is short notice, but I hope you can come to tonight's party as my honored guest, as well as a representative...of the Cinna family," Max then reveals, surprising everyone even more. They knew that the Cinna family was the first new money family to enter the prestigious group, Crème de la Crème. People practically laughed at them and saw them as a joke the entire time Vesper was a member. So being recognized like this now by someone from the strongest family in the world is a big deal.
Marcus, on the other hand, was shocked too to see Vesper Cinna here of all places, but he smiled and nodded his head to him as well, somehow glad to see that he was alright and that he was now acquainted with his brother.
"I am also aware that you have terrible memories with parties, but I'll make sure you enjoy it this time. Don't worry, Elijah Memphis will be coming too. I also hope you can bring your parents with you."
Vesper was visibly surprised, and you could somehow see that he was moments away from tearing up. He wasn't expecting to receive an actual invitation to a party where everyone would die to attend. To top it all off, Max personally invited him to attend it. Anyone would start bawling and thanking Max at this point, but Vesper didn't want to show his weak side to anyone here, so he tried to laugh it off before grabbing the invitation.
"Will there be booze?" Vesper suddenly asks, finally putting a smile on Max's face.
"I'll ask them to bring your favorite brands," Max answers, and Vesper laughs even more before turning to Marcus and nodding his head towards him.
"You've grown well, kid."
"And you've grown old, Duke," Marcus answers back.
The two smile at each other, glad to have seen someone familiar. But after that short encounter, Marcus turns back to Max and tells him, "We should go now so you can get ready."
Max nods his head, but before taking his leave, he turns to the serfs and bows to them. "Thank you for today, Serfs Division. After what we did, more trouble will come to us soon. But thank you for treating me well and working hard to achieve what we have achieved for the past week. We might not have reached the 50,000 mark, but I am still very, very thankful to all of you."
"Just go already," someone suddenly says. But when Max looks up, he sees that the serfs are actually smiling at him.
"Bring home some cake when you get back," someone adds.
Max smiles back at them and immediately nods his head.
"Then I'll be heading off now."
Max bows at them for one last time. But before leaving, Marcus suddenly walks towards him and touches his back, making Max look at his brother with furrowed brows.
"We were supposed to give this to you to help you rank up, but when we found out you wanted to stay with the serfs, we didn't push through with it anymore. But after hearing what you said, it seems like your division is short with points, right?" Marcus asks, confusing Max even more.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, you might be in a different house now, but we're still your protectors. There's a total of four of us, remember? How many points do you think we'll be able to give your division?" Marcus then asks, and Max, as well as the rest of the serfs, starts looking dumbfounded and excited at the same time.
While everyone comprehends what Marcus is trying to say, the Prince suddenly looks at the serfs and tells them, "Serfs Division...as a member of the prince brotherhood, BND, and the representative of the Barons, the Counts, and the Dukes, I humbly give you...5000 merit points."
The crowd gasped, but soon after, everyone started jumping and celebrating. Receiving that amount of points is enough to make them reach their goal. They had already given up on it and were preparing for the punishment that would fall upon them tomorrow, but this changed everything.
Looks like a miracle did happen after all.
"Thank you for taking care of our tamer," Marcus says with a smile before turning to his brother again. "Now, shall we go?"
...
Dozens of photographers and news outlets were standing outside one of the Sinclaire's hotels where the company's 332nd-anniversary party will be held. The richest and the most powerful families were invited to attend the said event, so the security was extremely tight. There were police officers everywhere, dozens of K9s, metal detectors on every door, and even a helicopter hovering around the premises.
This building will be filled with the richest people in the world. Anything can happen, so the Sinclaire Family made sure that no incident would occur on such a memorable night.
"The chairman of the Mills Tobacco Company has finally arrived with his son, Jacob Mills," a news reporter says as dozens of cameramen and photographers take a shot of chairman Christopher Mills and CEO Jacob Mills, who stopped to take photos before entering the building.
Max was given the duty to send out the invitations to people he wanted to come. Christopher was a notable figure, not only because he owns the most famous cigarette brand in the world, but because he was the one who helped Max get his inheritance back in the past. He definitely is a man with the power to be able to do such a thing, and Max will always be grateful for what he has done for him. That's why there's no way he wouldn't invite him tonight.
Max also invited Ari, Felix, Ervin, and Keigo so they could see them again. Unfortunately, Ari and Ervin declined, saying they would only feel uncomfortable attending such an event while being surrounded by billionaires. While Keigo also didn't want to come to avoid getting found out about his mother's background. Max respected their wishes, but thankfully Felix was coming, and he promised to send a bunch of photos on their group chat.
"A lot of powerful people have already arrived and have entered the hotel. Earlier, we saw Mr. Whitlock and his beautiful wife Vivianne wearing that stunning long black dress from St. Lovou. And then we had Mrs. Monsour, who also wore an elegant dress covered with Swarovski crystals. We're quite disappointed she didn't bring her son, Redford Monsour, with her though, but I guess that's why she wore red," the news reporter says with a chuckle before turning to the back where the other guests are arriving.
"There's also the chairman of Campbell Beverage Inc., who came with his heir. And then the de Vries family, who also brought Hans de Vries, who is said to be a current member of Crème de la Crème. Other alleged members have also arrived, starting off with Elijah Memphis Valor and the confirmed Rank 9, Scarlet Romano." the reporter explained when suddenly the other photographers started pushing through like they saw something amazing.
"Looks like another prominent figure arrived," he says as his cameraman tries to capture everything. The luxury car parks in front of them. A man in a suit opens the door, revealing a famous heir whom some have not seen for such a long time, instantly making everyone go nuts.
"It's Gavriil Ivanovich Alexeev!"
Gavriil, who surprisingly arrived together with Cindy Lin, glances at the media before showing his hand to his dear friend. Cindy takes it for support and finally steps out of the car. Flashes started going off as the two walked down the red carpet. Gavriil was wearing a sleek black suit that had a blue gem on the collar. Cindy, on the other hand, wore a fitted black dress with a silk scarf draped on her neck which swayed elegantly on her back. And like Gavriil, she also matched it with silver jewelry.
"Oh my goodness, it's Cindy Lin and Gavriil Alexeev!" The reporter excitedly says, pushing through the crowd to get closer to the two heirs.
"Cindy! Gavriil! Look here!"
The photographers continued taking dozens of photos of the unexpected pairing. The two of them posed for a few of them, giving reserved smiles before finally walking inside.
"Folks, we just saw two of the most powerful heirs in our current generation. Cindy, Gavriil, as well as Maximilian Sinclaire are the suspected top three members of Crème de la Crème," the reporter explains, trying to calm down after being star-struck. "It really came as a shock to see both of them arrive together. We also haven't seen Gavriil Alexeev for a while, so this might just confirm that the three of them still have a strong relationship together after all those years."
Other guests arrived at the entrance, while Cindy and Gavriil were guided to the hall where the party was being held.
"I'm really thankful that you came together with me, Gav. I know you're not the type to get involved with the media, but I'm glad you agreed to this," Cindy says while holding onto Gavriil's arm.
"Who am I to refuse a request from such a beautiful and renowned woman like yourself?" Gavriil answers, making Cindy laugh sarcastically.
"Wait till Leigh hears about that."
"You just invited me because you're too shy to ask Marcus."
"Ah! The audacity!"
Gavriil chuckles, but then he looks at Cindy and tells her, "Well, I had to get my photos taken either way. Mother told me to get my pictures taken so the public could slowly recognize our family again. Business-minded as usual."
"No wonder you're wearing your emblem," Cindy then says, pointing at the blue diamond on his collar.
Gavriil nods his head, but then a small smile appears on his face when he remembers the bracelet he gave Max, which also had the same diamond. He knew that Max wouldn't be able to wear it for tonight's occasion, but he couldn't help but smile at the thought that Max wears it on regular days.
"Anyway, I can't wait for tonight's party. Max told me something exciting would happen. And you know I live for the drama," Cindy says as the two of them finally arrive at their destination.
"Cindy Lin of the Lin Family! Along with Gavriil Ivanovich Alexeev of the Alexeev Clan!" Someone announces inside the hall. The large door in front of them opens, and the guests inside start clapping their hands as the two immediately put their fake smiles on their faces before waving at the crowd. This was child's play, and they both knew it.
"Cindy! Gav! You're finally here," Someone then shouts, making Cindy pull her hand away from Gavriil's arm. The two of them turned to their side and saw the queen of strategies, Scarlet Romano, walking towards them with a smile. She was holding a glass of champagne in her right hand, wearing her signature sexy red dress that flaunted the fleur de lis symbol on her back.
"Scar," Gavriil greets as Scarlet gives her a quick hug. She then smirks at Cindy before whispering, "Smile for the cameras bitches."
Cindy rolls her eyes as Scarlet turns around to face a photographer who is actually following her around. The photographer takes a bunch of pictures of them. Even though they were practically forced to do this, Cindy and Gavriil still smiled and posed for the photo. After all, no one can say no to Scarlet Romano.
When the photographer finally leaves, Scarlet's expression instantly changes as she chugs the champagne down.
"You're planning to get drunk before the party even starts? You never change, Scar," Gavriil comments.
"Still the drunkard that we know and love," Cindy then comments, and Scarlet only rolls her eyes before looking at Cindy from head to toe.
"What are you even wearing? Are you gonna attend a funeral?" Scarlet rudely asks.
"How about you? Gonna seduce an old chairman?"
The two looked like they were about to fight, and Gavriil was honestly ready to get in between them, but after the act, the women laughed before giving each other a hug, instantly making Gavriil sigh in relief and annoyance. He never really understood their relationship, and Gavriil's not gonna start finding out about it now.
"You look wonderful," Scarlet then says.
"I can say the same to you."
"I was supposed to strike an important deal tonight with a bunch of small-time investors, but my mother forced me to attend this party as a sole representative. But then again, I just came for Leigh. I'm sure he'd appreciate my support," Scarlet reveals before leaning close and continuing in a softer voice, "Especially since the Sinclaire family shouldn't be the ones celebrating this event in the first place. Like, look around. Not a single family branch of the Lemieux's were invited. Does the Sinclaires think they reached 332 years because of themselves? How embarrassing."
"Always so controversial, Scarlet," Cindy says, even though she agrees with her a hundred percent.
"It's the truth, darling. I understand if no one wants to hear it."
Cindy and Scarlet chuckle to themselves again while Gavriil can only sigh. He agreed with Scarlet as well, yet no one seems to be talking about it. This is the 332nd year anniversary of the Sinclaire Corporation, which was originally called the Lemieux Corporation. If anything, they should have at least invited a family branch like the Arnault or the D'Amboise Family, but they didn't. Even if Max sent them invites, he's certain that the Sinclaires would have done something to prevent that from happening. They'll always find a way to make this their night.
"Scarlet, dear!" Someone suddenly calls out, instantly putting a smile on Scarlet's face like someone turned on a switch.
"Aunt Rebecca!" Scarlet greets before turning to her two friends with her usual annoyed expression. "I'll see you later. I'm also trying to strike a deal with chairman Rebecca," she then whispers before taking her leave.
Gavriil and Cindy couldn't help but chuckle as they watched Scarlet walk away with the chairman. But as soon as she was out of sight, four other men approached them.
"Look at these two. Way to catch everyone's attention. I expected nothing less from the most powerful heirs in the world," someone sarcastically says, making Cindy and Gavriil turn around to face him. To their surprise, it was actually Charles Justin Mills, along with Krist Hyusen, Hans de Vries, and River Hansen Karlsson, who is actually disguising himself as Sky since no one really knows about the twin River.
"You guys came as well," Cindy says with a smile, glad to see more familiar faces.
"I mean, we're here to support Max," Krist answers.
"Well, I'm glad you're all here for him. And I'm also surprised to see you as well, Charles. Did your father allow you to come with him?" Cindy then asks, and Cj smirks before showing his invitation that was addressed to Charles Justin Mills, Chairman of King's Tobacco Company.
"I'm not here as a representative of those fucking Mills, but as a representative of my own company," Cj proudly says, and the others couldn't help but smile proudly at him.
"It seems like the vice is here too. Came to support the boyfie?" Krist then tease.
"I don't understand what you're talking about," Gavriil answers with his usual monotone and expressionless face, making Krist and Cj start teasing him even more.
While the others were talking amongst each other, Cindy looked around the group, making Hans notice what she was doing. "You're looking for Marcus?" He asks, and Cindy instantly blushes, making the brotherhood leader chuckle. "He went to St. George to fetch Max. I think they'll be a little late."
"I-Is that so?"Cindy embarrassingly asks before defending, "And I wasn't really looking for Marcus. I was wondering about Leigh and his family. None of the Sinclaire have arrived yet."
"Well, they are the main celebrants."
"I suppose," Cindy replies, clutching her purse before releasing a nervous breath. "It's been a while since I've seen his entire family. I don't really have fond memories with the Sinclaires, but chairman Denzel was a good man in his own right," Cindy then explains, making Gavriil and the others turn back to listen to her.
"But he cheated on Madam Luna, right?" Cj then blurts out, making Krist hit him.
"What? It's the truth. People who cheat aren't good men," Cj explains further.
"I agree with that since my father did the same. But have you met Madam Luna?" Krist then asks. "I'm not saying she deserved to get cheated on, no one does, but I was hella scared of her when I first met her. She was yelling and throwing things at the hotel employees for messing up at a party she hosted. I bet we wouldn't even be invited if she were still alive. As much as I love and respect Max, his mother was definitely—"
"Let's not bring up the dead and speak ill of them, especially here," Gavriil quickly interrupts, instantly making Krist stop talking.
The atmosphere around them became awkward, and Krist and Cj cleared their throats so they could pretend like they didn't say anything. Thankfully, another guest arrived at the hall, making everyone turn their heads to check who it was.
No one really knew who it would be, but they knew it would be someone influential. They waited for their dramatic entrance, but when the door opened, and a familiar face appeared in front of Krist and the others, everyone practically gasped in shock.
"As a representative for the Gwangsan Kim Clan, Kim Hee-joon!"
- END -