His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Not keen on going, huh?" Juan mused, thinking the party was just about singing, dancing, and unwinding. "You not showing up wouldn't sit right, especially since you're the only one with a gold award." "Just tell them I've gone back home," she said, clearly not in the mood.

Juan scooted a little closer, "I've heard that estate is stunning, with unique architecture. It'd be quite an experience."

Eliza gave Juan a sideways glance, speechless. After all, he'd lived abroad for years and was a top exec. How could he act so... pedestrian? Or maybe he had his own agenda.

"So, you're eager to go because..." Eliza pointed a finger at him, as if she'd cracked his code.

He chuckled, holding her fingertip, "See, Eliza, you're sharp. Our company's hit a creative wall, and I really want to break through. That estate, from any angle, could spark some inspiration."

Juan did have his motives. But he genuinely wanted Eliza to have a break too.

He tried another angle, "That's not the main thing. The party's host is the big shot behind the awards. Your prize money came straight from him. Being the only gold winner and skipping out... might come off a bit rude, right?" Juan had a point. Skipping would be awkward. But with her heading home tomorrow and socializing tonight... it was a drag.

"Fine, I'll go. Happy now?" She huffed, clearly annoyed.

Juan clapped, thrilled, "I hear the wine's top-notch."

The party was nothing short of extravagant. Guests kept pouring in. As Eliza, elegantly linked with Juan, walked into the estate, a man on the second-floor window spotted them.

Dillon noticed too, turning to Casper, "Mr. Casper, you threw this party just to catch another glimpse of her, didn't you?"

Casper didn't answer, but his silence

spoke volumes. His eyes were

distant a mix of pain and self-mockery under his silver mask, "Am that pathetic? Letting go, yet my heart still clings."

Dillon couldn't judge, only feeling Casper's plight was truly heartbreaking.

"Why not take this chance to tell her... you're still alive?"

"In her mind, it's better I'm dead than alive," the man replied, his gaze vacant, voice rough and low.

"How could you think that?" Dillon's heart ached, "I could tell her for you."

"No need."

He never intended to. Eliza could find happiness with anyone else. Why drag her into a life with someone caught between life and shadow?

At the party, the vibe was laid-back.

The committee chair showed up and

had a warm chat with Eliza. People mingled, sipped wine, until the enigmatic sponsor appeared quieting the crowd. FindNovel

Eliza looked up. Tall, dressed in black, with a black cloak and a

striking silver mask. His ent

wore matching masks. He sat regally, like he ruled the

world,

holding destinies in his grasp Beneath his authority was an

intense, suffocating aura

Everyone in masks? Was it for mystery, or something else? She couldn't quite grasp the whims of wealth. But his look was undeniably intimidating.