**Chapter 38: A Banquet** **Rowan** The evening air felt thick with anticipation as I prepared for the banquet. It was an event I would sooner avoid, yet duty called. The founder of the Hope Foundation was hosting this gathering in gratitude towards all its benefactors — and as one of those benefactors, my presence was required. I glanced at the phone when it vibrated, Brian’s name flashing on the screen. With a reluctant sigh, I answered, “What is it, Brian? I’m busy.” He wasted no time. “We managed to obtain a DNA match from the blood sample we collected from Miss Sharp’s house.” The mention of her name sent a jolt through me, a sharp intake of breath escaping my lips. The harsh words I had spat at her echoed in my mind, sharper than daggers. Regret surged within me, but anger still simmered; she had dared to put her hands on Emma. “And?” I urged, a desperate hope rising within. Brian’s tone darkened. “I don’t have good news.” The weight of his words pressed down on me. “We identified the man. He goes by Black Serpent — a familiar name. He’s been a concern for us for some time, a hired killer with a reputation. Someone tipped us off about his whereabouts, but when we found him… he was dead, with a bullet in his skull.” An edge of frustration crept into my voice, matching the tumult inside me. Here was our lead, extinguished, leaving us groping in the dark. “Did you find anything that might give us a clue about why he was after Ava?” “Nothing,” he replied, his voice deflated. “And the informant?” A weary sigh crackled through the line. “I suspect it was the same person who pulled the trigger. Whoever it is must have realized we were closing in on Black Serpent, and killed him before we could make an arrest and draw out his boss.” A sense of dread settled like a cold weight in my stomach, the pieces falling into a foreboding picture. “But that implies whoever is after Ava is someone close to her. How else would they have known about the DNA sample?” “Exactly. Either they have close ties to her, or they have an inside accomplice feeding them information.” Brian's words were an ominous reminder of how far danger could stretch. Just when I had clung to the thin thread of hope for Ava’s safety, the ground fell away again. How were we supposed to catch this shadow when the trail was shrouded in betrayal and secrecy? “Is that all?” I asked, my voice gravelly. “For now, yes.” “Keep me updated.” I hung up, still wading through the heaviness in my chest as I tightened my tie. The banquet loomed ahead, gaudy and overwhelming, and now I felt even less inclined to attend. Once I was finished, I made my way downstairs where the limousine awaited. Emma was my date for the evening, though I felt an uneasy knot in my stomach as I imagined spending the night feigning pleasantries. When I reached her apartment and rang the bell, she opened the door, looking stunning and composed. I couldn’t fully appreciate her beauty for some reason, a stark contrast to when we were younger, carefree and filled with innocence. “You’re quiet,” she observed, sitting gracefully across from me in the car. “I just have a lot on my mind,” I replied, knowing that the truth of my thoughts was far too complicated to share with her. “Care to share?” She probed gently. Not really, I thought bitterly. How could I tell her that the specter of her sister haunted my thoughts? The silence stretched, heavy like lead. I could sense her disappointment as her lips pressed into a thin line. She turned her gaze to the window, and I could almost feel the tension crackling in the air. Sighing, I shifted, drumming my fingers on my thigh, praying the trip would end soon. Upon arrival at the venue, I exhaled a breath of relief. The car halted, and I stepped out, extending my hand to help Emma from the vehicle. As we walked the red carpet, the camera flashes began, each one a blinding reminder of the world I found myself entangled in. “Mr. Woods, is it true that you’re now with Emma Sharp, your ex-wife’s sister?” one reporter yelled. “Some say that Miss Emma is the love of your life, while circumstances forced you to be with Ava Sharp,” another chimed in. “Where is your ex-wife, Mr. Woods?” I felt Emma’s grip tighten on my arm at the last question. I guided her through the throng, their inquiries a relentless tide. At last, we entered the venue, greeted by the charm of the decorations. I was not one for these extravagant displays, but even I had to admit the ambiance was striking. Our table awaited, where Gabe, Travis, Letty, and Christine had already settled in. I bypassed the usual greetings, helping Emma to her chair before taking my own. My mind, however, remained adrift, preoccupied with thoughts of Ava and her perilous situation. It was difficult to keep focus until a single name shattered my reverie. “What the hell is Ava doing here?” I blurted, looking up to find Emma glaring daggers behind me. Turning, I spotted Ava, ethereal and radiant in a gold shimmering dress, her long curls cascading around her shoulders. She walked in with Ethan, who, to my chagrin, had his palm resting gently on the small of her back. As they approached, she beamed at Letty while ignoring the rest of us altogether. When Ethan leaned in to kiss her cheek, a surge of something primal roiled in my chest — a maelstrom of longing and fury. What the hell was wrong with me? She wasn’t mine anymore. “The cop probably invited her,” Christine commented dismissively. “Did some digging and found he’s from a wealthy family up north. His presence makes sense. As for Ava, we all know she isn’t the type to be invited to these extravagant shindigs.” Her remark stung, pulling me from my angry reverie. The snide laughter of the table washed over me as if I were invisible. Letty scoffed. “But we all know you wouldn’t even be here without Rowan’s connection. Same with you, Emma. You wouldn’t have gotten an invite if it weren’t for Rowan. So why not keep your royal attitude in check?” “Letty…” Travis warned, his voice low and dangerous as the tension escalated. “No! Christine is badmouthing Ava because, just like Emma, she’s insecure. Tell me, Christine, what are you besides a glorified secretary? Where’s your star power? You were nobody before Rowan made you something!” Letty retorted fiercely before turning to Emma. “And you? When are you going to grow up? Nine years and you’re still a bitter child. Ava messed up, sure, but life moves on. Instead of trying to tear your sister down, maybe tend to your own failing relationship with Rowan!” Emma’s jaw clenched, her fury palpable. This was clearly uncharted territory; no one dared speak to them this way. “Enough, Letty! I won’t tolerate you talking to Emma like that. She’s my sister, and if you can’t respect her, then just leave,” Travis growled. Letty glanced at Emma, her disdain palpable before she turned back to Travis. “And what about Ava? Let’s not forget who’s caught in the crossfire of this ridiculous feud — your sister! You’re all complicit in treating her like garbage!” Without warning, Letty rose, her anger flaring. “I’d rather be home alone than endure this farce with a bunch of self-absorbed idiots!” she spat, striding away from the table. Realizing the aftermath of her departure lingered in the air, we sat in stunned silence. Letty attempted to leave the venue, but a bodyguard intercepted her, redirecting her back into the hall, past us, where she was soon embraced by Ava. Their laughter and companionship filled the room, starkly contrasting the tension we had just endured. Moments later, the solid presence of another bodyguard approached our table, fixing his gaze on Christine. “Ma’am, I’m afraid I have to ask you to leave,” he stated, his demeanor cool and authoritative. “What?!” Christine’s voice climbed an octave in disbelief. “Please stand and exit. I don’t wish to embarrass you by dragging you out,” he replied, the line between protocol and courtesy evident. “What did I do?” Christine protested, scrambling for a lifeline. “I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care. I’m just following orders, so please don’t make this difficult.” Christine opened her mouth to argue but clamped it shut under my challenging glare. One glance around the table revealed the scrutinizing eyes of everyone in attendance, addressing a drama unfolding under the glittering lights. As the bodyguard guided Christine away, all heads turned towards us, the atmosphere thick with judgment and speculation. The shame she must have felt was palpable, leaving her with little choice but to exit the prestigious gathering. “What the hell just happened?” Gabe muttered, confusion etched on his face as we all exchanged glances, trying to piece together this latest turn of events. Before we could digest the spectacle, the voice of a woman at the podium pierced the chaotic noise. “Good afternoon,” she greeted, a keen smile on her face as she captured our collective attention. The room hushed as all eyes turned expectantly toward her. “My name is Mary, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your presence here today,” she continued. “This banquet celebrates each of you, and before we begin the festivities, I have the honor of inviting the founder of the Hope Foundation to deliver a speech.” A murmur of curiosity rippled through the crowd — the identity of the foundation’s founder remained a mystery for years. Who were they? Once the room settled, Mary prepared to unveil the secret. “Without further ado, please join me in welcoming the founder of the Hope Foundation…” She paused, crafting a tantalizing moment filled with suspense. “Miss Ava Sharp.” The name hung in the air like a revelation, stunning us into silence. My heart raced, a thousand thoughts colliding in my mind as I processed the whirlwind events of the night ahead.