Matthew found himself on his way to a charity party where he would need to stand out, keeping himself in the favorable line of sight of high society. These events, full of impeccable smiles and speeches of generosity, were just a facade. Most of the guests, rich and powerful, wore masks of public kindness while hiding dark secrets.
Sitting in the Stellar X1, which was gently transporting him through the avenues of K City, Matthew adjusted his suit as he stared out the window, almost bored with what was to come.
"Matthew, these are the names of the party guests," Aether said in a professional tone, through the discreet electronic device in his ear.
The sound of a notification interrupted his thoughts, and Matthew took out his cell phone to see the list of guests, sent by the faithful Aether. Among the names, one stood out, immediately catching his attention.
"Aether... wasn't the mayor being investigated for corruption and child abuse?" Matthew murmured, frowning, his voice low but full of disdain.
Aether, with his usual analytical tone, answered without hesitation. "The latest news indicates that the headlines have been withdrawn, and the charges have been revoked by the alleged victims."
Matthew observed the faces of his colleagues at the event projected on his holographic screen, as Aether continued. "As for the corruption charges, the case has been closed. Interestingly, the mayor's main opponent and whistleblower was reported missing a few days ago."
Matthew sighed, a trace of skepticism coloring his expression. "Same old, then."
The impeccable facade of charity masked a tangle of corruption and power games. Even without looking up, Matthew knew that the party would be a theater where everyone pretended to be saints.
---
"We now have a rare, genuine jade porcelain dating back to the Shang dynasty and donated by the renowned collector Mr. Huang," the auctioneer announced, his voice echoing through the hall as he displayed the piece on a velvet tray. "The auction has confirmed its authenticity, and the starting bid is 400,000 Aurums."
"Four hundred and ten!" a voice rang out from the audience.
"Four hundred and thirty!" another guest interjected, raising the price without hesitation.
"Four hundred and sixty!"
The voices of the guests, interested and excited by the bidding, echoed as the numbers rose. The excitement grew in the main room, but in the VIP area, with a privileged view, Mateus watched everything with a mixture of boredom and contempt.
Sitting in an immaculate leather armchair, with a glass of whiskey in one hand, he crossed his legs and watched every move with a critical eye. These charity events, which were supposed to be dedicated to good causes, were to him a cynical theater, where the rich and powerful sought nothing more than visibility and prestige.
"My foundation does much more honest work," Matthew muttered, with a touch of contempt. "These idiots, putting on a show... deep down, everyone knows that this exorbitant amount will be diverted to money laundering."
He sighed, twirling the glass between his fingers and watching the amber liquid reflect the lights in the room.
Matthew looked around the room, his expression bored as yet another item was displayed with exaggerated enthusiasm by the auctioneer. He adjusted the earpiece in his ear, speaking softly.
"Aether, have I finished my time here as a 'good man' of society?"
"Almost, sir," Aether's soft, precise voice replied. "One more item, and then I can claim an urgent problem at the company for your discreet exit."
Matthew pursed his lips, muttering to himself. "This place disgusts me..."
Aether, attentive, caught the comment, but kept her tone neutral. "Wait a moment, sir. I'll be ready to activate the exit plan."
Minutes later, Mateus left the event. Already inside the Stellar X1, he leaned back in his seat, massaging his temples and remembering every boring moment of that night.
"This event was a complete waste of time," he sighed, looking at the ceiling with irritation. "Aether, take note: no future invitations to these types of occasions."
"Understood, sir," Aether confirmed, logging the request into his system.
After a brief pause, Matthew added firmly, "And transfer another 15 billion to my private charitable foundation… No, on second thought, make it 20 billion. Let's actually do something useful."
Aether recorded the order, while Matthew allowed himself a slight smile. Unlike those who masked dubious intentions at public events, he would make a difference the right way, without the spotlight.