The return of Richard Whitmore sent waves through Ravenwood University. Known for his lavish lifestyle and condescending attitude, Richard had spent the past year in Europe on an exchange program. A wealthy heir to one of the city's old money families, Richard was infamous for his arrogance and penchant for flaunting his wealth. To mark his return, he planned a grand party at the Aurum Palace, the most prestigious hotel in Ravenwood.
The Aurum Palace was a symbol of opulence, a place where the city's elite gathered to celebrate their power and privilege. Its golden chandeliers, marble floors, and five-star services made it an icon of luxury. For Richard, it was the perfect venue to reassert his dominance over his peers.
Arnold, meanwhile, had resumed his usual routine at the university, attending lectures and managing his growing portfolio of ventures. The buzz surrounding the City Plaza Project and Lumé had faded, and he welcomed the quieter days. His dormmates—Damien Caldwell, Andrew Smith, and Daniel Anderson—often joked about Arnold's rise from a poor scholarship student to the owner of Crownspire Horizon.
One evening, Damien burst into their shared living space, holding a printed invitation.
"Guys, guess what? Richard Whitmore is throwing a party at the Aurum Palace tomorrow night," Damien announced.
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "That guy? The one who thinks he's the king of Ravenwood? Pass."
Daniel laughed. "Didn't he bully Arnold when he was still a scholarship student?"
Arnold smirked but said nothing, his thoughts returning to the humiliating encounters he'd endured under Richard's mockery.
"Come on, guys," Damien pressed. "Let's go. It's not every day we get to step inside the Aurum Palace, even if it's Richard's party. Arnold, you're coming too, right? You can even the score."
Arnold hesitated but eventually relented. "Fine. Let's see what Richard has in store."
The next evening, the four friends arrived at the glittering gates of the Aurum Palace. The hotel's grand facade loomed above them, its golden exterior reflecting the evening lights. A line of luxury cars—Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris—stretched along the valet station. Arnold, who had chosen not to bring his own luxury car, opted to walk with his friends.
As they approached the entrance, Richard Whitmore appeared, flanked by a group of equally haughty acquaintances. Dressed in a designer suit and wearing a smug expression, Richard surveyed the arriving guests like a monarch addressing his court.
When his gaze fell on Arnold and his friends, his expression turned mocking.
"Well, well," Richard drawled. "If it isn't Arnold Sinclair and his merry band of peasants. What are you doing here? This is a party for people of class, not… charity cases."
Andrew bristled. "You don't know anything about Arnold. He's not who he used to be."
Richard laughed, a cruel sound. "Oh, I know exactly who he is. A scholarship kid who got lucky. No car, no designer clothes—just the same old Arnold pretending to fit in where he doesn't belong."
Damien stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Watch your mouth, Whitmore."
Richard slapped Damien across the face, the sound echoing in the air. "Don't speak unless spoken to, Caldwell. You're even more pathetic than I remember."
Arnold's eyes darkened, his anger simmering just below the surface. But instead of lashing out, he turned to his friends.
"Let's go," Arnold said calmly.
Richard smirked. "Good choice. Walk away before you embarrass yourselves further."
Arnold and his friends walked a short distance from the hotel's entrance, stopping near a bench in the plaza. Damien rubbed his reddened cheek, muttering curses under his breath.
"I should've punched him," Damien fumed.
"Not yet," Arnold replied, pulling out his phone.
"What are you doing?" Andrew asked, confused.
"Fixing the situation," Arnold said simply.
Arnold placed a call to his contacts at the Sinclair family's real estate division, which managed high-value assets across the country. The Aurum Palace was one such property, owned by a consortium that had ties to Sinclair Enterprises.
In a calm and businesslike tone, Arnold negotiated the immediate purchase of the hotel. The deal was expedited thanks to his resources, connections, and the influence of his family name. Within minutes, the Aurum Palace officially changed hands.
Arnold returned to the entrance with his friends, his demeanor calm but resolute. He nodded to Robert, who had discreetly accompanied him to the hotel in the shadows.
"Make sure security understands the situation," Arnold instructed.
Robert moved swiftly, relaying orders to the hotel staff. Moments later, Richard was confronted by a stern-looking manager.
"Mr. Whitmore," the manager said, "I'm afraid you've been asked to leave the premises."
Richard blinked, stunned. "What? Do you know who I am?"
The manager didn't flinch. "The new owner of the Aurum Palace has requested that you vacate immediately."
"What new owner?" Richard demanded.
Arnold stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Me."
Richard's face turned pale. "You… you can't be serious."
"Very serious," Arnold said coldly. "Now leave."
Humiliated, Richard was escorted out of the hotel by security. His entourage quickly scattered, unwilling to face similar embarrassment.
Arnold turned to his friends. "The party can continue without him. Let's go upstairs."
The group took the private elevator to the Sky Room, the Aurum Palace's most luxurious penthouse suite. The room offered a breathtaking view of Ravenwood, its floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city's glittering skyline.
Arnold wasted no time ordering the finest food and drinks for the group. He also called Ethan Sterling and June, inviting them to join the private celebration.
"Bring whoever you'd like," Arnold told June when she asked if her friends could come.
Damien and Andrew also requested permission to invite their girlfriends, and Arnold agreed without hesitation.
The penthouse quickly filled with energy as the guests arrived. June brought three friends, one of whom, Chloe, was an aspiring singer. She took to the small stage in the suite and began singing, her soulful voice captivating everyone in the room.
Her two friends joined her on the dance floor, creating a lively atmosphere. Damien's and Andrew's girlfriends, initially shy, eventually joined in, laughing and dancing with the others.
At one of the tables, Damien, Andrew, and Daniel enjoyed the gourmet dishes, joking about Richard's humiliation and the surreal nature of the evening.
Arnold stood by the windows with Ethan and June, discussing business. Ethan updated Arnold on the progress of their restaurants at City Plaza, while June talked about the art competition Arnold had asked her to organize.
"Whenever you're ready to host it," Arnold told her, "you have my full support."
The party continued late into the night, filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie.
The next morning, Ravenwood University buzzed with gossip about Richard's party at the Aurum Palace.
Students praised the event as a success, completely unaware that the host, Richard, had been absent for most of the evening. Rumors swirled about a mysterious gathering in the penthouse suite, with only the most exclusive guests invited.
Richard, meanwhile, stewed in anger and humiliation. His attempt to showcase his return had backfired spectacularly, leaving him with a tarnished reputation and a bitter grudge against Arnold.
For Arnold, the night was a reminder of how far he had come—and how far he still had to go.