The invitation said black tie.
But Damon Black didn't follow rules.
He set them.
The custom matte-black Lamborghini Revuelto roared into the gated circle of The Santiago Gala, a private affair held inside an ancient cathedral converted into a palace of sin and secrets. Only legacies walked through its doors.
And now… so did Phantom.
System Social Mode Activated: High-Profile Event — Tier I
Status: All eyes on you
Aura Pressure Multiplied x4 (Custom Suit Bonus + Vehicle Presence + Wealth Pulse)
Style Flex Reward:
– Passive Skill: "Center of Gravity" — The moment you enter a room, conversations pause, and all dominant attention shifts to you.
Inside the Gala
Red chandeliers. Live orchestra. Models walked on water — literally. A shallow reflecting pool split the floor with marble edges and white mist.
Damon stepped in, escorted by Nova and Kai.
Zeke already had a tech rig set up in the VIP shadow booth, monitoring facial scans of every heir, diplomat, and underworld heir present.
The moment Damon appeared?
Silence followed.
Phones stayed down.
Eyes didn't.
Vera Santiago stepped down the marble stairs like a queen made of silk and gunpowder.
When her eyes found Damon, she didn't blink.
"You wore war to a party."
He smirked.
"I am the party."
Romance Progress – Vera Santiago:
90% Interest
61% Strategic Tension
48% Temptation Spike (Triggered by Outfit + Power Display)
The Flex Begins
Within 20 minutes:
– Damon bought a custom Versace suit live at auction — $180,000, paid in crypto, then gave it to the charity host and walked away.
– He ordered 15 bottles of Dom Pérignon — and didn't drink a single one. Just left them at a table labeled "For the Clones."
– He stepped into a billionaire's poker circle — beat them, then tipped the dealer $100,000 and told him: "Quit tonight. Start your own spot tomorrow."
Spender's Dominion Active — All major flexes return x4 over the next 72 hours
ROI Estimate: +$1.6M (Business attraction, media buzz, psychological intimidation)
But Then — The Assassin Moves
A woman in a silver dress approached — hair dark, heels silent.
She smiled like she knew secrets no man could survive.
As she passed Damon, she slid something into his jacket pocket.
He reached in.
A single playing card.
The Queen of Spades — with one word written in blood-red ink: "Soon."
System Alert: Contracted Assassin Within 10m Radius
Threat Level: Omega Tier (Known Global Killer)
Alias: Shade. Only operates under billion-dollar contracts. Zero failed attempts.
Warning: Conflict Avoidance Recommended — OR… Prepare for Public Display of Dominance.
Damon smiled slowly.
He didn't panic.
He lifted the card, placed it in his drink, and let it burn in the top-shelf whiskey.
"You'll have to do better," he whispered.
Eyes turned.
Vera heard it.
Nova saw it.
Tasha — now watching from a distant balcony — felt it in her chest.
Phantom wasn't just dangerous.
He was unfazed by death itself.