The ballroom was a sea of shimmering gowns and polished shoes. Crystal chandeliers scattered light like stars caught in glass, but all eyes seemed drawn to Darren and Aria as they entered.
Victoria Lancaster approached first, her steps graceful and deliberate. Her cold gaze was like ice wrapped in silk.
"Darren Kairos," she said, voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable edge, "I must admit, you've stirred quite the curiosity around here. Not many newcomers make such a splash."
Darren met her gaze evenly, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Curiosity can be a powerful thing, Victoria. Sometimes it reveals truths others try to hide."
Victoria's eyes flickered. "Bold. I like that. But don't mistake boldness for recklessness. This world has teeth."
Before Darren could respond, Sabrina Montgomery swept up beside Aria, laughter lilting like a challenge. "And here I thought you two were just shadows from the past, barely worth a glance."
Aria's eyes sparkled with fire. "We're here to prove we're much more than that."
Sabrina's grin widened. "Good. Because around here, only the strong survive… and the clever rule."
Across the room, Alexis Whitmore leaned in, her voice low and conspiratorial. "If you want to play the game, you'll need more than fire and bold words. Watch the shadows, learn their secrets. It's the silent moves that change everything."
Darren's system whispered in his mind: Social Insight active. He scanned each heiress subtly — Victoria's caution masked ambition, Sabrina's teasing concealed sharp instincts, Alexis's boldness hid a strategic mind, and Evelyn Carrington… well, Evelyn was still an enigma.
The tension hung in the air, an invisible battle of wills. Darren knew this was just the opening move.
He raised his glass slightly. "To new beginnings — and to rewriting the rules."
The heiresses exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. This wasn't just a party. It was a battlefield.
And Darren Kairos was ready.