I watched from a distance how everyone seemed mysterious with their masks on. It's hard to believe that this "masquerade ball" was the idea of the infamous Winzenried twins. I have to admit, they may be quite irresponsible, but their choice in an event like this is fantastic. And it is also quite fitting for welcoming me into the world of business and expenditure.

I was told by the organizer of this event that I will only appear to everyone once I was introduced.

Honestly, to hell with the organizer! I don't care what she wants. Everyone is wearing a mask anyway. They won't even notice that the host of this party is now mingling with them. As long as I don't introduce myself, I don't think there will be a problem.

Besides, it's better to get to know these people before getting out from the shadows. Talking to them without knowing who I am will surely bring out their true colors. Because even for a few minutes, I can learn the intentions and ulterior motives of most people around here, and it's all thanks to the masks.

When Prince Luca and Prince Cedric proposed ("forced" is more likely the appropriate term if I'm being honest) the theme of wearing a mask, I was skeptical. The royal twins are famous for their weird antics, and according to some of my father's advisers, they like scheming things. But nonetheless, I accepted their proposal. And it turned out to be in my favor.

Part of the reason I accepted was because their company is or biggest investor. They also promised to attend on behalf of their parents, who are in a business trip. Having a royal representative in a party attracts the attention of every businessman.

I went to the ballroom and was pleased with what I saw. Of course, this is where I will find the predators in the business world. These people have no sense of mysteriousness. Once they targeted some potential investors, they take off the mask and reveal another but different kind of mask to them.

Some women are clinging to their men, and some are just being envious of the place.

Did I mention that my father insisted on buying this bullshit of a penthouse for me?

I already agreed to have a welcoming party but forcing me to have this as my living space in the city was going overboard. Who, in their right mind, would want to live alone in a huge house? It has too many rooms. What does my dad think? Did he think I could cut myself in pieces, so I could sleep in all those rooms?

Control, I told myself.

I have to focus on my mission. But thinking about my father and the things I planned on doing seemed suffocating.

I was about to go to the balcony when a girl in a red dress bumped into my chest.

"Whoops, sorry."

"Careful miss–" I started but she was so busy dragging another girl somewhere. "Yeah, careful"

I know I haven't been introduced to everyone and currently wearing a mask but somehow, people not knowing bothers me a bit. But I guess the mask worked, to say the least.

But that was a surprise. I didn't think I would see people playing around in this party.

As I approach the balcony, I immediately recognize Mr. and Mrs. Border at the glass rails. They obviously recognized me too as Mrs. Border waved for me to join them.

"Alexander, dear. This is a great party," she said as she gave me a hug. In all honesty, Mrs. Border has been the nicest woman I have ever met after mom.

"Thank you, Mrs. Border. I hope you are enjoying yourselves," I said as I shook hands with her husband.

"Oh, we are. It's just a shame that our daughter wasn't able to attend. By the way, I have to ask. Where is the bathroom here? I just have to fix my hair. The wind managed to destroy the beautiful hairdo my stylist did."

I cleared my throat. "Yes. The bathroom is just a hallway from the dining area."

"Thank you, I'll be back."

"Want me to come with you?" Mr. Border asked, teasing his wife. Mrs. Border just rolled her eyes and went inside.

I was left alone with Mr. Border and a couple of men at the other side of the balcony.

"You have a lovely wife, Mr. Border," I said, trying to start a conversation. The Border Corporation is one of our most important investors. It is part of the modern Triumvirate in Europe. The other two is The Winzenried Group, and of course, the Kinsley Holdings. Some of our clients and investors, as well as the other guests are not aware of the triumvirate thing, but they will be after this night.

"Thank you. But I don't think the word lovely would suffice to describe her," he said, lighting up the semi-uncomfortable mood.

"How about she's an incredible woman?"

"Close enough."

I chuckled and leaned on the railing. I can feel Mr. Border staring intently at me, but I kept silent. He removed his mask and leaned on the railing beside me as well and said, "your mother must be very proud of you."

"I hope so, too."

"Of course, she does." He puts his hand on my shoulder and gave me a soft pat. "Stop blaming yourself, kid. You know, and she knows that it was an accident."

"Sir, thank you for the comfort. But everything is already in the past now. Whatever I do, think, or even get won't be bring my mother back to life," I said, a little bit harshly. Creating some tensions seemed to be my specialty because I managed to make this conversation gloomy in every sense.

Vincent Border is the CEO of the Border Corporation. I didn't mean to speak roughly but bringing up the past, especially that part of my past, unnerves me and makes me lose my composure.

"Don't be so hard on yourself," he advised, as if that would make me feel better. "Your mother is an amazing woman."

"She was."

After saying that, I felt something changed. The atmosphere of the conversation was already cold the moment he mentioned my mother. But I feel like the temperature dropped even more. Vincent Border's eyes are on me, and I feel that he's looking at me intently.

"Alexander, we were informed that your mother had died in one of the properties your family once owned."

"I don't know where this conversation is going but I can assure you, sir, I don't want to go on that topic," I said. I can feel that my patience is growing thin. I love my mother. And then, she died. There's no point on talking about this.

"Listen, I understand that this is a bad timing, but I would really like for us to have a talk," he said as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

This is familiar territory. Many friends, and colleagues have offered their advice. They always say the same thing: "Don't blame yourself."

Who else should take the blame?

I've had enough of that. I don't need their pity. I don't need anyone's advice.

"I understand that you think that I will give you some petty advice or my condolences. But I can assure you, that will not be the purpose of our talk. The accident happened years ago. I will not put you in situations that will unnerve you any further."

Hearing the business tone in Vincent Border's tone made me regain my confidence. At least now, we're back on business.

But before I could answer, the two gentlemen at the other side of the balcony approached us. I cleared my throat and faced them. I was caught off guard seeing the Border couple that I didn't realize that the two men are still present.

With all the talk on my personal life, I'm more than relieved on the mask that hides my vulnerability.

"I don't suppose we are interrupting something important?" one of the men asked.

"Not at all," I replied. "I hope this party is to your liking."

Before we even introduced ourselves and started a formal conversation, one of the organizers approached us, and informed that, and I quote: "Mr. Kinsley will be introduced any moment, so will everyone please proceed to the ballroom to welcome him." The two other men followed the person in-charge while the Border's CEO gave me another pat.

"Think about it," he said before going in.

"I will," I replied even though my answer won't be heard.

Instead of following them, I stayed for a while.

I just needed a moment.

I leaned again on the railing and stared at the streetlights of New York.

After a few moments, I felt a presence behind me. I was immediately annoyed thinking that it was the organizer again. I turned and came face-to-face with a girl in a white gown, wearing a mask.

"Xavier."