EPISODE-01 MURDER

Episode-01: Murder

Noxbridge—a city of ambition and shadows. Here, those who dared to dream and worked tirelessly could rise to claim the spotlight, while those who overstepped found themselves erased so completely that not even their shadows were remembered.

Tonight, however, the grandeur of Noxbridge shone brighter than ever. One of the city's most opulent hotels hummed with life as laughter, music, and elegant conversations filled the magnificent ballroom. The prestigious Lopez family, one of Noxbridge's upper-echelon families and counted among the city's top four households, hosted the lavish banquet. Every influential figure had gathered to celebrate the first major achievement of Clara Lopez—a milestone that promised to etch her name permanently into the annals of Noxbridge society.

The ballroom buzzed with whispered admiration, concealed envy, and quiet calculations. In a city where fortune and ruin walked hand in hand, tonight was not only a celebration of triumph but also a night where the smallest mistake could make someone disappear without leaving a trace.

Far above the glittering ballroom, Crescencia Aldridge stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, silently looking down at the sea of elegantly dressed guests below.

The door behind her opened.

"Why are you in such deep thought, Encia?" Kim Jiu asked as she stepped inside. "It's party time, not a meeting room."

She walked over, casually sitting on the armrest of the couch beside Crescencia before following her gaze toward the crowd below.

"Found something interesting down there?"

The corner of Crescencia's lips curled upward.

"Soon."

Kim turned to her before smiling helplessly.

"What a bad friend. You knew a good show was about to happen and didn't even send me an invitation. Am I supposed to enjoy the show alone while eating melon seeds?"

A soft laugh escaped Crescencia's lips as she lightly clinked her wine glass against Kim's.

"It won't be a secret for long, Jiu."

Her sharp gaze drifted back toward the ballroom.

"Everyone will eventually know the show that's about to begin."

Kim rested one arm lazily along the backrest behind Crescencia before snorting softly.

"Fine. If you say so, then I'll wait for the show to begin and enjoy it thoroughly."

Crescencia took a small sip of her wine, her eyes never leaving a particular figure downstairs.

"Very well."

After a brief silence, she asked,

"Oh? What about Clara?"

Kim shrugged carelessly.

"Busy socializing."

A faint smirk crossed her lips.

"She's the main protagonist tonight. How could those old foxes possibly let her go so easily? Not to mention those madams. Every one of them wants Clara as their future daughter-in-law. Their sons may not amount to much, but that won't stop them from trying to tie the Lopez family's sensational daughter to their households."

Rolling her eyes, Kim clicked her tongue.

"The hypocrisy is unbelievable. Their sons aren't even worthy of carrying her shoes, yet they shamelessly expect Clara to marry them."

Crescencia slowly swirled the wine inside her glass, her expression turning cold.

"You can't entirely blame them for being mothers, can you? Not every parent is willing to admit their children's flaws."

She paused before continuing in a calm, almost indifferent tone.

"If their sons don't want someone and reject a woman because they believe she has flaws, yet when those same women reject their priceless sons, then suddenly the woman doesn't know what's good for her."

She gave a quiet scoff.

"What a regressive mindset."

Kim sighed in irritation.

"This is exactly why I hate attending these kinds of events."

Just then—

Knock. Knock.

Crescencia turned away from the window.

Kim also turned toward the door.

The door opened, and Mikhail Aldridge stepped inside with a mischievous grin.

"There you two are," he laughed. "Everyone downstairs is looking for you, sisters."

His grin widened.

"Don't be so shy and hide in here."

Kim rolled her eyes.

"Brat got quite the tongue."

A soft chuckle escaped Crescencia's lips as she turned toward Mikhail.

"Are you enjoying yourself, little sixth?" she asked with a gentle smile.

Mikhail scratched the back of his head sheepishly before smiling.

"Just my rare break away from work," he replied. "Nothing much to enjoy, fifth sister."

He brightened a little.

"Let's go downstairs together."

Kim folded her arms and looked at him with amusement.

"You're an idol, Mikhail. At least have some presence and be image-conscious."

Mikhail laughed awkwardly.

"I'm just the youngest here, not an idol."

Crescencia stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress.

"Let's go."

Before walking out, she shot Kim a meaningful glance from the corner of her eye.

Kim immediately linked her arm with Crescencia's, an arrogant smile tugging at her lips.

"Then let's witness the show you've written."

"...?"

Mikhail blinked in confusion as he watched the two women leave.

He scratched his head before hurrying after them.

What are they talking about?

...

DOWNSTAIRS – PARTY HALL

The moment they entered the ballroom, Esthera Aldridge spotted them from across the hall.

"Where have you gone?" she asked.

Crescencia calmly sat beside her mother.

"Nowhere. Mother, I was just upstairs resting."

Esthera nodded before gently holding her daughter's hand.

"Stay here with me. Don't go anywhere without telling me."

Crescencia looked at her mother's worried expression. Her usually cold eyes softened before a reassuring smile appeared on her face.

"Nothing is going to happen, Mom. You're worrying too much. I'm not a child anymore."

Esthera tightened her grip on Crescencia's hand.

"You'll always be my kid."

Crescencia let out a helpless sigh.

"Got it."

Her gaze slowly swept across the crowd. Several familiar faces entered her sight, and a cold smile briefly crossed her lips.

Let these evil-hearted people reap what they have sown.

"I'll stay close to you."

Esthera finally relaxed.

"Yes."

The banquet continued as though nothing could disturb the glamorous atmosphere. Elegant laughter blended with music while guests chatted merrily beneath the crystal chandeliers.

Then—

A servant's desperate scream shattered the celebration.

Every conversation came to an abrupt halt.

The guests instinctively turned toward the grand staircase.

A servant stumbled down the marble steps, his clothes soaked in blood. Crimson stains spread across the pristine white stairs as he collapsed onto the floor.

For one terrifying second...

Silence.

Then the ballroom erupted into chaos.

Guests screamed in horror and stumbled backwards, terrified of the bloodied servant lying motionless before them.

"It's murder!"

"Call the police!"

"Someone died!"

Panic spread like wildfire.

No one knew who had shouted first, but it was enough to send everyone into complete disarray. Guests rushed toward the exits, only for the guards and hotel security to immediately seal every door, preventing anyone from leaving.

Esthera's heart clenched with fear.

Her eyes darted frantically through the panicked crowd.

"Encia... Where is Encia?"

Her body trembled violently as she searched everywhere.

Suddenly, she saw another familiar figure approaching.

"Mom."

Auristella Aldridge, the eldest daughter-in-law of Esthera hurried over.

Relief washed over Esthera's face as she tightly grasped Auristella's hands.

"Auristella... thank goodness you're safe..." Her voice trembled. "But... Encia... she's not here."

Auristella frowned, though uneasiness flickered in her eyes.

"Mom, don't worry. Alexander is here. He'll handle everything. Let's go to the lounge first and wait for the police."

Unable to steady herself, Esthera leaned weakly against her daughter.

"My Encia... God, please..." Tears welled in her eyes. "Don't let anything happen to her again. I beg you... Spare her."

Auristella pressed her lips together.

"She'll be fine."

Yet as she glanced around the ballroom consumed by panic, a deep sense of dread quietly settled in her heart.

They can't afford to let the tragedy occur this time.

Not long afterwards, the police arrived.

The sealed doors were finally opened, and officers quickly took control of the chaotic scene. Guests who had been arguing and demanding to leave fell silent, many letting out shaky sighs of relief.

Most of those present belonged to influential families, making their safety a matter of utmost importance.

From a distance, hidden from everyone's attention...

Crescencia silently watched it all unfold.

A faint, unreadable smile lingered on her lips.

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