Chapter 5: I heard De.king will be there.

The unlimited edition Bentley cars stopped slowly in front of a tall building of glass and light.

The Cluster Hotel.

It rose high against the New City skyline, its golden letters glowing like fire. Inside, crystal chandeliers lit the Foyer, the marble floor shining like water.

Guards in black suits stood by every door.

This was not a place for ordinary people. Only the richest could afford to breathe here.

Derick stepped out of his car.

At once, voices lowered. Some bowed. Some whispered. His name ran through the air like electricity.

“De.King…”

He didn’t look at them. His bodyguards pushed the crowd aside as he walked into the hotel bar.

The scent of wine and expensive perfume hung thick in the air. Politicians, CEOs, and socialites filled the lounge, their laughter sharp.

Derick ignored them all. He dropped into a leather chair in the VIP section, lit another cigarette, and waved at the bartender.

“Whiskey.”

Lisa was there again, sliding into the seat beside him like she belonged.

She touched his sleeve, smiling. “You’re always so serious, Derick. Loosen up.

This is your hotel. Your world.”

Derick’s eyes flicked to her hand, then to her face. Cold and Empty.

“It’s just a building,” he said. Then he turned away.

Derick’s eyes slid away, the smoke curling

between them. He didn’t care to say more.

He turned his head, leaving Lisa’s painted smile to fade into the haze.

...

"Tina."

“Mira! Stop sitting there like a lost puppy, we’re going out tonight.” Tina said with a smile all over her face.

Mira’s head jerked up from where she was folding her clothes neatly into the small wooden drawer. Her stepsister Tina stood in the doorway with her usual proud look, one hand on her hip, her lips painted bright red.

“Out? Where?”

Mira asked softly, already tired of Tina’s endless trouble's.

“To a party, of course. My friend is celebrating her birthday at the Cluster Hotel bar.” Tina’s voice carried a shine of pride. “We’re going.”

Mira froze, blinking at her. “The… Cluster Hotel?”

“Yes.”

“As in, the Cluster Hotel owned by the Lingard family?”

Tina sighed loudly, rolling her eyes. “Yes, Mira. Do you have to repeat everything I say? You act like you’ve never heard of it.”

Mira’s chest tightened. Everyone in New City knew the Cluster Hotel. Only the wealthiest could afford to step inside, and the Lingard family’s name floated around it like gold dust. It wasn’t the kind of place for a girl like her.

“I don’t belong there,” Mira whispered.

Tina gave a sly smile and walked further into the room, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.

“Don’t be silly. This is our chance to shine big people with influence are going to be there.

Besides…” She lowered her voice, pretending to share a secret.

“I heard De.King will be there.”

Mira’s eyes widened instantly. Her heart skipped a beat.

“What?”

“You heard me,” Tina said, watching her carefully.

“He always goes there after his concerts. People say he practically lives in the Cluster bar. So… do you still want to stay home?”

Mira’s lips parted, but no words came.

Just the thought of seeing him of being in the same place as Derick Lingard—was enough to send her heartbeat racing.

Her crush on him was foolish, she knew that. He was a world-famous star, a Lingard billionaire, adored by millions. surrounded by beautiful female fans. She was just an ordinary girl with nothing but a broken family and dreams she hid inside her chest. But even so, she couldn’t stop herself from hoping.

“I… I don’t know,” she said weakly.

Tina watched her with sharp eyes. Inside, she smiled to herself. Hooked. She had no idea if De.King was really going to show up tonight, but she didn’t care. She only needed Mira to follow her.

The trick had worked.

Her lips curved into a wicked satisfied smile.

Mira noticed. “What are you smiling about?”

“Nothing,”

Tina said quickly, covering her triumph with fake sweetness.

“I’m just so excited you’re finally coming with me.”

Mira frowned a little. It was rare for Tina to act this nice. But her heart was too distracted by the thought of maybe—just maybe—seeing De.King to question it too much.