"I'm not even sure how to process this," David muttered, shaking his head. "We were out here debating cake flavors while she was running an empire."
Keifer stood silent at first, arms crossed and expression unreadable. His usually teasing smirk was gone — replaced by something softer, almost proud… and a little shocked. "She hid this from me," he murmured under his breath. "That little menace."
Rakki grinned. "Well, the menace just became the most powerful woman in the world."
And then, as if the universe had impeccable timing, the grand doors opened — and in walked Jay.
The entire hall turned.
Gone was the girl who lounged on couches in hoodies. Tonight, Jay Mariano was a vision — dressed in a fitted midnight-blue gown with a diamond-trimmed collar that shimmered like a constellation. Her hair fell in elegant waves, and the glint of her League insignia hung subtly as a pendant at her throat.
She moved with a calm confidence that silenced even the cameras.
Behind her came her gang — Adam, Samuel, and Michael — all in tailored black suits, eyes sharp, expressions unreadable. Wherever she went, the energy shifted.
Keifer blinked twice, stunned. "She's unreal," he whispered.
Yuri elbowed him. "You look like a man who just realized he's been flirting with the world's richest human being."
Keifer smirked. "Correction — I've always known* she's worth the chase."
Cin groaned. "Oh lord, he's doubling down."
As Jay approached their group, everyone scrambled to act normal — which, for Section E, was a lost cause.
Cin was the first to recover. "Okay—WHO in the world hides this kind of secret from their best friends?"
Percy raised a shaky finger. "You made me pay for coffee once."
Blaster groaned. "She literally made me carry her books! The world's youngest trillionaire made me her delivery boy!"
Jay grinned. "You all needed exercise. Consider it a favor."
"FAVOR?! I'm emotionally damaged!" Blaster yelled, dramatically clutching his chest.
The others burst into laughter, the tension finally breaking.
keifer walked closer, his eyes never leaving her. "So, let me get this straight—you were running the biggest company in the world, attending classes, annoying teachers, and still making time to ruin my sleep schedule?"
Jay smirked. "Multitasking, Watson."
He chuckled under his breath. "You're impossible."
"Flattery will get you nowhere."
"Oh, I'm not flattering you," he said, voice low and teasing. "I'm flirting. Big difference."
Cin groaned audibly. "Please, get a room before the stock prices rise again."
Jay laughed, covering her face. "You guys are hopeless
Even in her gown, she hadn't changed — the same mischievous spark in her eyes, the same warmth when she looked at her friends.
But then the crowd stirred. The music softened. The announcer's voice filled the hall.
"Presenting His Royal Highness, Prince Adrien de Avrillon of the Kingdom of Lucire."
A collective murmur rippled through the crowd. Cameras clicked as the young prince entered — tall, striking, with dark hair brushed back neatly and ocean-blue eyes that gleamed with charm and mischief.
Jay turned slightly, her calm composure unwavering, though the gang behind her exchanged knowing looks.
"Oh boy," muttered Michael. "Here we go."
Prince Adrien smiled as he approached Jay, offering a courteous bow. "Miss Jasper Jean Mariano… or should I say Jay. I've been waiting for this introduction."
Jay raised a brow. "I didn't realize royalty waited for anyone."
"Only for the woman who built a trillion-dollar empire before turning eighteen," he said smoothly.
Keifer nearly dropped his glass. "Oh, no. Not this royal flirt."
Cin whispered to Yuri, "Ten seconds before Keifer loses it."
Keifer stepped forward, sliding an arm around Jay's waist with a grin that was all teeth and jealousy. "Sorry, Your Highness, but she's taken."
Jay rolled her eyes. "Keifer."
"What?" he said innocently. "Just protecting my investment."
The prince chuckled, clearly amused. "Ah, the infamous Watson heir. I've heard of you. Bold, confident, a bit possessive."
"And you," Keifer shot back, "seem to like what's already mine."
The air thickened for a moment — tension, laughter, curiosity. Jay sighed, clearly used to handling both kingdoms and chaos.
"Relax, both of you," she said calmly. "Let's not turn this into a duel of ego."
But the crowd around them was eating it up — cameras flashing, whispers spreading like wildfire. The CEO and the Prince. The heir and the trillionaire.
Even Angelo, watching from a distance, shook his head with a faint smile. "Of course she'd cause international headlines in under five minutes."
Before the tension could escalate further, the music shifted again — a deep, regal tone echoing through the room.
The announcer's voice rang out once more."Presenting His Majesty, King Alaric de Avrillon of the Kingdom of Lucire."
The entire hall fell silent.
The King entered, dressed in a dark ceremonial coat lined with gold embroidery, his presence commanding yet calm. His crown caught the chandelier light, scattering it like stars.
Everyone bowed as he walked in — everyone except Jay, who merely inclined her head respectfully.
The King's sharp eyes swept over the crowd before landing on her. And then, unexpectedly, a faint smile touched his lips.
"Miss Jasper Jean Fernandes Mariano," he said, his voice deep and measured, carrying easily through the hall. "It is an honor to finally meet the young woman who not only revolutionized global industry but also restored hope where there was none."
The crowd listened, breathless.
"Your corporation's initiative has funded over three thousand schools and rebuilt a hundred shelters across nations," he continued. "You've trained thousands of women and men in self-defense and security — empowering them to stand on their own. The world speaks of wealth, but you have built something greater — dignity."
Jay bowed slightly, her voice calm. "Thank you, Your Majesty. S&J was never just about business. It was about survival… and making sure no one else had to live in fear again."
The King nodded, pride gleaming in his eyes. "A rare heart in a world of greed. You remind me of someone I once knew."
The words lingered in the air, heavy with quiet admiration.
Prince Adrien smiled faintly. "She always leaves an impression, doesn't she, Father?"
The King's gaze softened. "Indeed."
Then, turning toward the crowd, he raised his glass. "To Jasper Jean Fernandes Mariano — a symbol of courage, innovation, and grace."
The applause that followed wasn't polite — it was thunderous. Cameras flashed, lights danced, and for the first time, Jay wasn't just the "menace" of Section E. She was a legend standing before them — the girl who changed the world before she became an adult.
As the noise filled the room, Jay exhaled softly. Keifer leaned close, whispering with a grin, "Guess I'm officially dating the world's most wanted woman."
Jay smirked without missing a beat. "Good luck surviving that."
And as laughter returned, the King's words echoed quietly in the background — a promise, a recognition, and a warning all at once.
"You remind me of someone I once knew."
Something told Jay… that wasn't just flattery.It was a connection.And it was only the beginning