Birthday party

Dressed in a regal navy-blue suit with a similar colored hat and a silver inlaid cane, Alex disembarked from the carriage before reaching out to help Nadia.

The latter stepped out, dressed in a similar colored saree and an added touch on her makeup to add to the enticing beauty that made her the number one girl on the list of every eligible bachelor in BoneHaven.

Glancing around at the elaborately decorated garden in the Goldberg Manor, Alex couldn't help but appreciate the beauty.

"Whoever worked on this must have given their best."

"It is indeed pleasing to the eye," Nadia added as they made their way toward the mansion.

Several other nobles were present with even a few middle-class men attending the event.

The Goldbergs were one of the leading families in the banking sector, owning a large chunk of real estate.

With the birthday of the matriarch of the family, no one of substance in BoneHaven would dare to miss the event.

It was an opportunity to make connections and even get some favors from the celebrant's family while at it.

Alex and Nadia were stopped at the door by security with one of them asking for identification.

Promptly pulling out his work card, Alex handed it over as he spoke up. "Alexander Regulus and this is my partner, Ms. Nadia Sanders."

The security guard took a look at the ID card and then at Alex before tossing it back to him nonchalantly.

"I do apologize Mr…"

"Regulus."

"Yes, but you aren't on the list of those invited to the party."

"Oh, I see." Alex calmly said.

Nadia on the other hand wasn't so calm as she raised a brow. "So what are you saying?"

"Ah, Ms. Nadia, what I'm just trying to say is that you may enter but Sir Regulus cannot."

"I see." Nadia nodded with slight annoyance.

Not bothering to waste her time talking, she turned to leave amidst chatter from the nobles behind them.

"Ah, Ms. Nadia please wait." The security guard remarked.

Alex hadn't moved from his spot as he watched the security guard toss him a side eye before rushing inside to consult someone.

Clicking her tongue, Nadia returned to her earlier position before resting her head on Alex's chest.

As a few envious gazes pointed in his direction, Alex didn't bother to take them seriously, instead going a step further to spite them as he wrapped his right hand around Nadia's slender waist.

Soon the security guard returned and upon seeing the position they were in, nearly burst into fury.

But of course, he could only swallow his anger.

'He acts like he is getting cucked or something.' Alex mused inwardly.

"You may go in." The security guard remarked after which he stood aside for Alex and Nadia to pass.

Revealing a most brilliant smile, Alex reached out and tapped the guard on the cheek. "Good sport."

If looks could kill, Alex knew for a fact he would already be dead.

***

Fancy food, even fancier music, and eye-catching dresses.

The birthday party of Mrs. Goldberg was indeed quite lavish with ice sculptures placed about with colorful chandeliers placed above.

But then, despite the soul-calming music alongside the mouthwatering dishes, the air within the banquet hall was quite tense.

With everything that had happened over the past few days, the nobility in BoneHaven had realized just how weak they were.

It gave them quite the reality check.

From having an entire noble house wiped out to watching as two noble houses were stripped of their titles, the nobility was currently walking on a tightrope.

Realizing how easy it was to be murdered or worse, being disgraced caused them to stay alert.

Especially since the culprit responsible for the downfall of the Richmonds and Neville's was attending the banquet alongside them.

"They seem quite nervous." Alex joked as he took a glass of wine off the tray of a well-dressed servant that walked past.

Nadia casually replied. "They should be."

She didn't seem to be enjoying the party, partly because it was filled with nobles she didn't like and also because… Alex wasn't here to enjoy himself but was here for something completely different.

'Would things get better after tonight?' she wondered as she recalled the sensation of Alex's firm hand on her waist.

She wasn't one to enjoy being weak but that feeling caused her to want to melt into Alex's embrace.

Using her palm to cover her face briefly, Nadia managed to hide her blush.

"Ah, Ms. Nadia." An old voice was heard from behind.

Nadia turned to find a man dressed in a formal black suit with a tuft of white hair, standing alongside a brunette dressed in a white dress.

Both were smiling but Nadia was no fool.

She was well aware of why they had approached her.

"Sir. Desmond. It's nice to see you are still kicking."

The old man… no, Sir Desmond replied. "Hah, these old bones could collapse at any moment."

"Well, here is to you living many more years." Alex chipped in as he came to stand beside Nadia.

"And this is?"

"Alexander Regulus, star journalist for the Morning Weeklies and my fiance."

"Ah, interesting. I had thought you would be attending the party with Oliver."

"Why though?"

"No reason," Desmond replied with a chuckle.

Nadia revealed a knowing smile as she inquired. "Is there something you want to discuss, Sir Desmond?"

"Ah, well, yes, you see… with everything that's happening in BoneHaven now, coupled with the recent witch-hunt of the nobles by your newspaper, things are quite messy. I was wondering, is there a way to get you to put an end to the witch-hunt?... All I wish is to ensure that BoneHaven remains safe."

"For the nobles, I presume?"

"Hmm?"

"You wish for BoneHaven to be safe for nobility, yes?"

"Well, you see…"

"Mr. Desmond, I am a journalist by heart. What I do is get the truth and share it with the world. You call it a witch-hunt but I call it justice."

"Ms. Nadia… how about you take a step back?... Going ahead with this could lead to severe consequences."

"Hah." Alex suddenly chipped in causing Desmond to glare at him.

However, he maintained his composure as he returned the gaze.

In a soft but firm tone, he inquired. "Do I take it you are threatening my woman, Sir Desmond?"