Vanya's POV
In the afternoon, the Hammond family's lobby was decorated exceptionally lively.
Wilmot usually surrounded himself with friends who were more like troublemakers, rarely hosting a proper birthday party.
Tonight, many rich second-generation heirs and socialites had shown up, but Wilmot was completely uninterested in them.
These people had simply heard that the second son of the Hammond family was celebrating his birthday and had brought gifts to get close. In reality, Wilmot couldn't even remember most of their names.
I sat to one side, occasionally glancing at the clock.
The masked ball had already started, and I was racking my brain for a good excuse to take Wilmot away.
Just then, Edwin's personal bodyguard approached us.
"Alpha Edwin says there's a masked ball tonight. He wants you to attend on his behalf, but under no circumstances should you reveal your identity or let anyone know that someone from the Hammond family is attending," the bodyguard said.
"How convenient..." Wilmot looked at me with a puzzled expression. I had mentioned wanting to go to this ball just this morning, but Wilmot had no idea what was so special about it that Edwin would take it so seriously.
It was also strange that Edwin, who rarely attended social events, would send Wilmot in his place and even give him the badge.
What was he trying to hide?
Grace noticed my hesitation and whispered in my ear, "Stop overthinking it. Let's go. If we don't leave now, we'll miss it."
I nodded. There was indeed no time to dwell on it anymore.
As long as Wilmot could get us into the ball, my goal would be achieved.
Soon, Grace and I had changed into our outfits, applied exaggerated makeup, and put on masks.
Wilmot's bright red hair was impossible to hide, so I provided him with a cloak to conceal his identity at the masked ball.
An hour into the ball, the guests had already consumed quite a bit of alcohol.
I looked at the badges pinned to their chests and couldn't help but smile mischievously.
Despite knowing about the tension between M Group and Cliff, everyone had still shown up.
"Vanya, I'll cover for you. Go change quickly," Grace said.
I nodded. "Thanks. I'll leave Wilmot to you."
"No problem. Hurry up!"
"Okay."
With Grace's cover, I slipped into the crowd.
The noise and flashing lights made it hard for me to see clearly.
Suddenly, a large hand grabbed my arm.
I looked up to see a man dressed as a vampire. Instinctively, I tried to pull away, but he pulled me into his embrace.
Theodore's calm and steady voice came from above. "It's me."
I stopped struggling and looked up to see the faint amusement in Theodore's eyes.
"Follow me," he said, leading me toward a corridor in the corner.
A makeup artist was already waiting. Theodore pushed me into a chair.
Looking at Theodore's exaggerated makeup in the mirror, I teased, "You look so different. Even without a mask, I wouldn't recognize you."
Theodore replied calmly, "Even if you wear a mask and more makeup, I'd still recognize you."
Hearing this, my face suddenly felt warm.
The makeup artist quickly added a few more strokes to my makeup and brought out the costume I had requested—a clown outfit.
I asked, "Is Cliff here?"
Theodore's expression soured slightly at the mention of Cliff. He replied indifferently, "I don't know."
Third Person's POV
Meanwhile, in Todd Group's office, Cliff was staring at the badge he had received earlier, lost in thought.
Elliot said, "Alpha Cliff, M Group is hosting a masked ball at the Night Club tonight. Everyone is required to wear a mask. It's said that... Kendrick will make an appearance. Should you go check it out?"
Cliff frowned slightly. He had thought that the person behind M Group had stopped making moves, but this was an unexpected twist.
Cliff asked, "Still no information on Kendrick's personal details?"
Elliot replied, "No, we haven't found anything on Kendrick, not even a single photo. This person is extremely mysterious. I think many companies will attend this masked ball because of M Group's sudden rise and the mysterious figure behind it."
Elliot hesitated for a moment, then added, "Alpha Cliff, this is a great opportunity to investigate Kendrick. If we miss today, who knows when we'll get another chance."
"Where is Vanya?" Cliff asked.
"Luna Vanya? Well..." Elliot said, "After she left last night with Grace, she seemed to have gone to the Hammond family and hasn't come out since."
Cliff's brow furrowed.
Elliot continued, "Also, regarding Miss Coleman, I've sent someone to negotiate, but Mr. Hammond has spoken. It will be difficult to get her bailed out. She might have to stay in jail for a few more days."
Cliff rubbed his temples and said, "Let's go to the ball first."
"Yes, Alpha Cliff," Elliot replied.