The music swelled, and the dance floor transformed into a vibrant tapestry of swirling gowns and laughter. Even the "Dwarves," initially hesitant amidst the corporate formality, were drawn into the festive atmosphere. Happy, surprisingly light on his feet, twirled a bewildered socialite. Doc, with a bemused smile, swayed gently with a surprised executive. Bashful, emboldened by the music, even managed a clumsy two-step with a giggling guest. Grumpy, however, remained on the periphery, his sharp eyes scanning the room, a silent guardian of Snow's well-being.
As the evening wore on, the initial tension faded, replaced by a fragile sense of camaraderie. Even Alex, his usual sardonic edge softened by the shared objective of ensuring Snow's enjoyment, engaged in surprisingly lighthearted banter with Andreas. It was a fleeting truce, a temporary suspension of their rivalry, all centered around Snow's unexpected grace and the transformative power of the music.
But the night couldn't last forever. As the final song drew to a close, the "Dwarves," ever protective, gathered around Snow. "It's getting late, Snow White," Doc said gently, his voice carrying an unspoken concern. "Time to head home."
Snow, her face flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and a lingering sense of exhilaration, nodded gratefully. The magic of the evening was fading, replaced by the familiar tug of weariness and the unsettling memory of Ravenna's threats. She knew the "Dwarves" were right; it was time to retreat to the safety of EdenTech.
Andreas, his gaze tender as he watched Snow interact with her loyal protectors, stepped forward. "I'll see you home," he offered, his voice low, his hand gently touching her arm.
But before Snow could respond, Alex interjected, his tone casual, but his eyes holding a sharp intensity. "Nonsense, brother," he said, his smile deceptively charming. "The lady needs her rest. And a bit of… uninterrupted peace. I'll ensure she gets home safely."
Andreas's jaw tightened. He didn't trust Alex, not for a second. But he also recognized the subtle challenge in his tone, the unspoken claim of protecting "what was theirs." He couldn't force the issue without causing a scene, and Snow looked utterly drained.
"Perhaps," Andreas conceded, his voice carefully neutral, "a compromise is in order. Alex, you escort Snow. But I'll have my security detail follow at a discreet distance, just to ensure her… uninterrupted peace."
Alex's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he nodded, accepting the compromise. It was a subtle power play, a silent declaration that while they might share a temporary truce regarding Snow's happiness, the underlying rivalry remained.
As Snow and the "Dwarves" made their farewells, a sense of unease settled over Grumpy. He didn't trust Alex's sudden chivalry, and Andreas's insistence on a security detail, while reassuring, felt like a premonition.
Unbeknownst to them, Alex had indeed issued a quiet order to his head of security, a man named Kane, a hulking figure known for his ruthless efficiency. "Follow Snow White," Alex had instructed, his voice low and devoid of warmth. "Everywhere she goes. And report back to me. Everything." He hadn't specified the reason, but Kane understood the implication.
As Snow, accompanied by the "Dwarves," stepped into the waiting limousine, a second, unmarked vehicle, driven by Kane, slid into the shadows, tailing them into the night. The fragile peace of the Gala was shattered, replaced by a sense of impending danger. The battle for Snow White was far from over, and the shadows were closing in.