As the guests departed in pairs, shaken by the drunken scandal, the real players remained behind. Kabir walked into the private lounge and poured himself a glass of Black Label. He watched the empty ballroom—now a memory of the great fall. Donovan, Blair, and Evan stepped inside, joining him.
Kabir didn't speak; he just stared at the swirling liquor in the glass. Silence hung in the air like a haunting embrace. Too much had happened in so little time. Everyone sat quietly, letting the day's events digest in their bodies.
"Their allies will rise," Evan murmured.
"As expected," Kabir replied.
"You should be ready. They are ruthless and will come from every direction," Evan added, then stood up and walked out.
Kabir and Donovan stared at each other, but it was understood—he needed time. So much had happened, and now he had an open case.
"I don't want him to suffer for their actions," Donovan whispered.
