Chapter 52 Univited guests.

Chapter 52: Chapter 52 Univited guests.

BLOODY TRUTH OR DARE!!

Who in the world named a game that?

Okay.

Nope.

He wasn’t participating.

Absolutely not.

"I know that look," Killian chuckled. "But come on, it’s harmless. Nothing’s going to happen while we’re all here. Just take it as a unique birthday gift."

Noah flashed him an awkward smile as they descended the grand staircase together, Killian holding his hand with surprising gentleness.

The moment they appeared—

Everything stopped.

The music.

The conversations.

Even the laughter.

It was as though the entire hall had collectively forgotten how to breathe.

Every single pair of eyes slowly shifted toward the staircase.

Toward him.

Noah unconsciously stiffened beneath all those gazes.

Normally...

He would’ve handled this without blinking.

Back in his own world, he had always been the confident type.

As one of New York City’s elite, ordinary things had never managed to catch his attention. He walked through life with his head held high, carrying himself like royalty because, in a way, he practically was.

His family had stood proudly among the top five most influential families in New York City.

Back then...

Confidence came naturally.

Nothing could shake him.

But that was before the disaster.

Before he found himself trapped inside a novel.

Now...

Everything felt different.

Why should he still be confident when he couldn’t predict anything anymore?

His entire existence had become one giant mystery.

Every choice he made could either lead him toward success...

Or drag him straight into disaster.

And now Philip had entered the picture.

That only proved one terrifying thing.

It wasn’t just the four obsessive male leads chasing after him anymore.

Now there was...

Whatever Philip was.

A strange being completely fascinated with him for reasons Noah couldn’t begin to understand.

Nothing about that felt normal.

Absolutely nothing.

As if that wasn’t enough, he was now about to participate in a game that could easily expose every secret he had been desperately trying to protect.

What if someone asked him who he really was?

He couldn’t lie.

Would he answer Ashton Lane...

Or Noah Evernight?

Obviously, it’d have to be Noah.

The truth was the only thing he’d be capable of saying.

Just thinking about it made his stomach tighten.

The moment they reached the bottom of the staircase, people immediately surrounded him.

Compliments came from every direction.

"Your hair looks amazing!"

"I’ve never seen curls suit someone this well."

"That outfit is incredible."

"You seriously look like a prince."

Noah smiled politely at everyone.

His purple curls framed his face perfectly, giving him a softer appearance than usual.

Combined with the elegant designer clothes Killian had secretly prepared for him, he looked completely different from the Ashton everyone knew.

Honestly...

He should probably thank Killian properly later.

Every piece of clothing Ashton originally owned looked like something someone would wear while staying home all day.

There was no way those outfits would’ve survived a birthday celebration like this.

"Ashton!"

Eugene suddenly pushed through the crowd before gently pulling Noah away from everyone.

Noah almost applauded him.

The guy had somehow noticed how uncomfortable he was despite the smile on his face.

It was honestly impressive.

Once they reached a much quieter corner of the hall, Eugene let out a relieved sigh.

"Feeling better now?"

Noah nodded before releasing a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

"Much better."

"Thanks, Eugene."

Killian immediately looked guilty.

"I’m sorry," he admitted quietly. "I didn’t notice you were uncomfortable. My mind was somewhere else. I honestly thought you’d enjoy all the attention."

Noah quickly shook his head.

"No, that’s not what I meant."

He smiled reassuringly.

"I love everything you’ve prepared."

His eyes wandered around the beautifully decorated hall.

"Really."

"It’s just..."

He laughed awkwardly.

"The crowd is a little overwhelming."

"I thought this was supposed to be a small gathering."

The moment those words left his mouth—

Killian slowly turned to Eugene.

Eugene scratched the back of his neck.

"...Okay."

He raised both hands in surrender.

"That might actually be my fault."

Noah blinked.

"I told one friend..."

"Who told another friend."

"Who apparently told several more."

He smiled sheepishly.

"And... well..."

He gestured toward the massive crowd filling the mansion.

"...this happened."

Noah stared silently at the hundreds of unfamiliar faces.

Then he sighed.

Tonight...

Was definitely going to be one hell of a night.

Just as they were about to continue walking, Eugene lightly tapped Noah’s shoulder.

"I think the game’s about to begin."

He pointed toward the VIP section.

"Come on."

"You should head over."

Noah noticed Eugene subtly glancing toward the entrance.

Curious, he followed his line of sight.

Marcus.

Marcus had just entered the mansion.

And beside him...

Sylvia.

Noah’s expression instantly stiffened.

"Are you sure I should join?" Noah asked, trying to sound casual. "I’m really not that good at Truth or Dare."

Eugene, however, wasn’t listening anymore.

He exchanged a quick look with Killian before discreetly pointing toward Marcus.

Killian immediately understood.

"Oh!"

He smiled brightly.

"Ashton, it’s actually really easy."

"Come on."

"I’ll teach you a few tricks first."

Without giving Noah another chance to refuse, Killian gently guided him through the sea of guests toward the exclusive VIP area where the game was already being prepared.

"Sit here."

Killian pointed at one of the luxurious seats.

"Watch a few rounds first."

"You’ll understand everything."

Noah nodded before taking his seat.

Meanwhile—

Eugene calmly walked away from them.

His destination...

Marcus.

Marcus was leading Sylvia through the crowd, still holding her hand as they searched the hall.

The moment he noticed Eugene approaching, he sighed.

"Dude..."

"What now?"

"Why are you coming over here like that?"

He didn’t even get to finish speaking.

BAM!

Eugene’s fist crashed directly into Marcus’ face.

The impact was so brutal Marcus almost saw heaven before collapsing onto the polished floor.

Gasps erupted throughout the hall.

People immediately turned to watch.

Marcus slowly sat up, blood dripping from the corner of his lips.

Eugene stood above him, his eyes blazing with fury.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

His voice echoed through the hall.

"After everything Ashton told you?"

"He asked you to stay away."

"And somehow you still thought showing up was a good idea?"

His finger shot toward the entrance.

"Worse..."

"You brought this bitch with you."

"How could you be this heartless?"

Marcus slowly wiped the blood from his mouth.

"I..."

He swallowed painfully.

"I only came to apologize."

"Nothing else."

He lowered his head.

"Sylvia begged me to let her come."

"She insisted on tagging along."

Eugene stared at him in complete disbelief.

"...Are you actually hearing yourself?"

He laughed.

It wasn’t a pleasant laugh.

"So because she wanted to come..."

"You agreed?"

"On Ashton’s birthday?"

"The same Sylvia who has made it painfully obvious that she can’t stand him?"

His voice became colder.

"And you’re seriously telling me you don’t think she’ll try something?"

Marcus opened his mouth.

Nothing came out.

Eugene immediately turned around.

"Sylvia!"

His sharp voice cut through the hall.

No answer.

He frowned.

"Sylvia!"

Still nothing.

His eyes quickly searched every corner of the room.

She wasn’t there.

She had completely disappeared.

"What the fuck..."

Eugene muttered.

"Sylvia!"

"Bitch!"

"Where the hell are you?"

Guests immediately began looking around as whispers spread through the hall.

Nobody had seen her leave.

It was as though she had simply vanished.

Eugene slowly turned back toward Marcus.

His expression had become even darker.

Marcus immediately understood the seriousness of the situation.

"I’ll find her."

"I promise."

He was already preparing to run.

But Eugene stopped him with one final warning.

"You better."

His voice was frighteningly calm.

"Because if she ruins Ashton’s birthday..."

"In any way."

"In any form."

"I swear to you..."

"I’ll never forgive either of you."

His eyes narrowed.

"And that whore?"

"I won’t forgive her either."

Without waiting for another response, Eugene turned around and walked away.

Marcus remained standing there like an absolute fool.

His fists slowly tightened.

"...Shit."

He rubbed both hands over his face.

"What have you done, Marcus Lockwood..."

His breathing became uneven.

The plan had been so simple.

Bring Sylvia.

Make Ashton jealous.

Maybe force him to finally acknowledge his feelings.

Instead...

He had probably brought the biggest source of trouble into the happiest celebration Ashton had ever had.

And judging by Sylvia’s disappearance...

Something told him the night was only just beginning.