The night at Lady Goodwin’s yacht was alive with an air of elegance, wealth, and exclusivity. The boat was buzzing with conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the low hum of private deals being made in the corners. The crowd of seventy elite guests was a mix of Hollywood’s high society, top-tier business moguls, and powerful political figures. Among them were the Reynolds brothers and their circle, and, of course, Stacy, Sonia’s closest friend.

Sonia, the birthday girl, glided through the crowd, a beacon of charm and grace. She greeted every guest with a smile and a warm thank you for attending her celebration. Despite the glamorous setting, Sonia’s humility stood out. Unlike many of her HU colleagues, she wasn't caught up in the opulence of it all. Instead, she exuded an easygoing nature that made her more relatable to those around her, despite the elite crowd she was a part of.

Beside her was Tyson Crook, his arm draped possessively around her shoulders. He was practically attached to her side, introducing himself to anyone who would listen as her boyfriend. He was loud and boisterous, clearly eager to prove his place in Sonia’s world. Sonia, on the other hand, was visibly uncomfortable with his display, her face flushed with embarrassment. His constant need to validate their relationship made her uneasy, but she couldn’t bring herself to confront him publicly. Instead, she put on a polite smile and silently endured his childish behavior.

As they made their way through the throng of guests, they eventually arrived at a corner where their parents were mingling. Sonia's parents were already deep in conversation about their plans to marry her off to Tyson. They embraced her and Tyson, congratulating them on their future together, speaking with passion about the family ties and business advantages such a union would bring. Sonia’s stomach churned at the thought, but she said nothing, choosing to endure rather than argue.

Tyson, feeling the weight of the discussion and sensing an opportunity to assert control, suddenly brought up the subject of Jamie. He raised his voice a little too loudly, clearly trying to make a point. 

"Remember that lowlife Jamie from Momentuum Nightclub? The one Sonia defended like he was some kind of hero? You might want to ask your daughter if she has any feelings for him." 

He turned to Sonia’s parents, his tone dripping with disdain. "I’ve done my research. That kid has nothing to his name, and he’s only a stepbrother to the Reynolds family—exiled after his mother’s death. He’s a nobody."

Sonia flushed, mortified by his words. She quickly responded, trying to keep her composure. "Tyson, it’s not like that. I only felt sorry for him after everything he’s been through. He's not a bad person. He’s actually quite good, unlike you."

Tyson scoffed at her response, clearly displeased. "Good? A guy with nothing? Who’s always in trouble? Please. You’ve got it wrong."

Her parents, sensing the tension in the air, quickly intervened, reminding Sonia of the family’s expectations. They cautioned her to not get too attached to someone of Jamie's background. 

"Tyson is a good match for you, Sonia. This marriage will be beneficial for both families, and you need to think about your future, not some misguided compassion for a boy with no prospects."

At another corner of the yacht, the Reynolds brothers were enjoying a selection of the finest champagne money could buy. Jonathan and Nathan were laughing, carefree and animated, while Amanda and Olivia chatted in quieter voices. The mood quickly shifted, however, when they spotted their sister, Stacy, walking towards them. She was distracted, her eyes scanning the crowd nervously.

Jonathan called out to her, but there was something off about her demeanor tonight. She wasn’t dressed to the nines like she usually was. Her accessories were missing, and her outfit seemed incomplete.

"Stacy, what’s with the missing accessories? You always look perfect," Jonathan remarked, his voice tinged with concern but also judgment.

Stacy didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she looked over her shoulder, scanning the party. Her mind was clearly elsewhere. "I’ve been worried about Jamie," she admitted, her voice quiet and shaky. "He’s not been answering my calls, and I heard about what happened with you guys at Momentuum Nightclub. I don’t know what’s going on now, but I just want to know he’s okay."

Jonathan rolled his eyes, scoffing at his sister’s concern. "You’re seriously worried about that loser?" He glanced at Nathan, both brothers smirking. 

"What did you even see in him? A stepbrother to the Reynolds family, exiled after his mother’s death. He’s got nothing, Stacy. Nothing at all."

Stacy’s face flushed with anger. "Don’t talk about him like that. You have no idea what he’s been through. And don’t forget, Jamie’s mother was the one who took care of us when Mom left." Her voice cracked, but she held firm.

Jonathan sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Your precious Jamie and his dead whore of a mother, right? You really want to stand by them? You’ve got a lot of nerve."

The slap Stacy delivered across Jonathan’s face was loud, resounding across the crowded deck, instantly silencing the group. Everyone turned to watch, eyes wide in shock. Stacy’s chest heaved with emotion, but she didn’t regret what she had just done.

“Don’t you ever dare talk about her like that!” He warned with venomous breath.

Sonia rushed to her side, concern etching her face as she inquired about the situation. Amanda, who had witnessed everything, quickly filled in the details, explaining that Stacy had slapped Jonathan for insulting Jamie and his late mother.

Sonia, who had been standing at a distance, immediately sided with Stacy. "You had no right to say that about Jamie, Jonathan. He’s been through enough, and you know it."

Tyson, overhearing the confrontation, stormed over, his anger now fully on display. "Oh, so now you’re defending him too? Again at this party, even in his absence. What’s next, Sonia? Are you going to tell me you’ve got feelings for that lowlife? Just admit it." His voice was loud and filled with venom.

Sonia’s father, Mr. Goodwin, noticed the escalating tension and immediately intervened. "Enough!" he snapped, his voice commanding silence. "This nonsense ends now." 

He turned to the group, his gaze stern. "We are here to celebrate, not argue over some kid. Let’s focus on what’s important tonight. A powerful subordinate of the Ashfords is in attendance, and we need to behave accordingly."

The mention of the Ashford family instantly silenced everyone. The name Ashford carried weight—tremendous weight. Mr. Goodwin, never one to be undermined, warned the group that any further disruptions would not be tolerated. "The Ashfords do not tolerate nonsense. So, you’d better behave."

He went on to educate everyone on how much he had labored to get the Ashford to at least send a subordinate to the party. All the strings he pulled, the financial investments, and months and months of follow-up. He wasn’t going to tolerate anyone ruining this opportunity for him and his family.

“I swear on my life that I will throw you overboard if you so much as make a noise that slightly interrupts my special guest. All of you, better be warned…”

As if on cue, the yacht’s captain announced that a helicopter registered under "Ashford Private Airlines" was making its way to the helipad. The crowd held its collective breath, their eyes now fixed on the sky. 

Mr. Goodwin’s voice grew urgent. "This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. This guest is someone special. No one disrupts this event. Not tonight."

The tension was palpable as the helicopter descended, its rotors cutting through the air in a steady rhythm. As it landed, the security team rushed forward, preparing to escort the guest. The crowd watched in rapt attention. There was only one person who could use an Ashford aircraft—the Ashford family themselves. This meant only one thing to Mr. Goodwin who knew more about the Ashfords than anyone else at the party…

“This is no subordinate of the Ashfords. Only a born Ashford can use an aircraft registered under the Ashford Private Airlines.” His demeanor changed from excitement and anticipation to one of fear and reverence, compelling everyone to go down on their knees in a bow.

The door of the helicopter swung open, and to everyone’s shock, it was Jamie who stepped out first.

Dressed in an immaculate tuxedo, his shoes gleaming with diamonds, Jamie exuded an air of authority that stunned everyone in his path. The entire crowd was frozen in disbelief, staring at the figure who had once been a nobody in their eyes. He was unrecognizable in his new attire, his presence commanding attention.

For a full minute, no one spoke but remained on their knees. Then, murmurs began to ripple through the crowd as the truth began to sink in. Was this really Jamie? The same Jamie they had dismissed and ridiculed? The same boy who had been exiled and looked down upon? What’s going on? Were they dreaming or something?