The Ridgeview Event Hall hummed with excitement as the high school reunion reached its peak. Leon basked in the limelight near the refreshments table, surrounded by a small group of guests. Lucy stood at his side, her laughter overly loud as Leon boasted about his life and achievements.
"And that Aston Martin DB11 parked out front?" Leon said, his voice just loud enough to carry across the room. "Three hundred grand. Paid for in full. Not everyone gets to live like this, you know."
Lucy beamed up at him, adding, "Not everyone has the talent and resources Leon does!"
From across the hall, Arnold stood with Steven and Benjamin, casually sipping his drink as he watched the display.
"He hasn't changed," Steven muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Still the same show-off," Benjamin added.
Arnold chuckled softly, his calm gaze fixed on Leon. "Well, if he hasn't changed, then maybe it's time we gave him a reality check."
Arnold excused himself and stepped out into the hallway, pulling out his phone. With a few quick calls, the atmosphere of the party began to change dramatically.
The modest refreshments Leon had provided—platters of sliders, tacos, and wings—were quietly removed by the staff. Within minutes, a professional catering team arrived, carrying trays of gourmet dishes. The aroma of freshly prepared sushi, Wagyu beef, and lobster rolls filled the air, turning heads as guests noticed the upgrade.
The basic bar Leon had arranged was replaced with a full cocktail station, manned by professional mixologists. Guests soon found themselves sipping on expertly crafted martinis, mojitos, and glasses of fine wine.
Finally, the quiet playlist Leon had chosen faded out, replaced by the smooth melodies of a live jazz band setting up in the corner. The room was transformed into a sophisticated and elegant affair, elevating the reunion far beyond its humble beginnings.
As the buzz around the upgraded food and entertainment grew, Arnold stepped forward to address the crowd. His calm, confident voice carried easily over the conversations.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, drawing all eyes to him. "I couldn't let this reunion pass without celebrating something special."
He gestured toward Steven and Benjamin, who stood proudly beside him.
"This isn't just a reunion," Arnold continued, "it's a celebration of progress. Amber Ridge has undergone an incredible transformation, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Steven and Benjamin. They've turned our hometown into a shining example of what vision and perseverance can achieve. Tonight is for them."
The room erupted into applause, with guests cheering for Steven and Benjamin. Both men nodded humbly, their smiles wide.
Leon, standing near the drinks table, clenched his fists as he watched the attention shift away from him to Arnold and his friends.
As the night went on, it became clear that the focus of the party had completely shifted. Guests swarmed the sushi station, raved about the Wagyu sliders, and sipped on premium cocktails. The jazz band set the perfect tone, making the evening feel more like a high-class gala than a high school reunion.
"This is incredible," one guest said, savoring a plate of sushi. "I've never seen anything like this at a reunion."
"Arnold really knows how to throw a party," another added, raising their glass.
Even Catherine and Clara couldn't help but admire Arnold's gesture.
"You've completely stolen the show," Catherine said with a smirk, raising her cocktail in a toast.
Clara grinned. "Leon looks like he's about to explode."
Arnold shrugged lightly. "It's not about stealing the spotlight. I just wanted to make sure everyone had a night to remember."
As the evening reached its peak, the doors to the hall opened, and a man in a tailored suit entered, flanked by two aides. It was Mayor Jonathan Walker of Amber Ridge, his presence commanding immediate attention. Conversations hushed as guests turned to see him.
Arnold, Steven, and Benjamin stepped forward to greet him.
"Mayor Walker," Arnold said, shaking his hand. "We weren't expecting you tonight."
The mayor smiled warmly. "I couldn't resist stopping by. I've been hearing incredible things about Amber Ridge's transformation, and I wanted to congratulate you three personally."
He addressed the crowd, his voice filled with pride.
"Amber Ridge has always been a town with great potential, but it's thanks to the vision and hard work of these young men—Arnold, Steven, and Benjamin—that it's finally flourishing. They've not only revitalized the town but also set an example for what can be achieved with dedication and community spirit. They are role models for the younger generation, and I hope their story inspires others."
The crowd erupted into applause once more, with guests cheering for Arnold and his friends. Catherine and Clara clapped enthusiastically, their admiration for Arnold evident.
Leon, meanwhile, stood off to the side, his face red with frustration.
As the party wound down and guests began to leave, Leon saw an opportunity to reclaim some attention.
"Before you all go," he called out, motioning toward the parking lot, "take a look at that beauty."
All eyes turned to the sleek Aston Martin DB11 parked near the entrance, its metallic finish gleaming under the lights.
"Three hundred grand," Leon announced proudly. "Not a lease, not a loan—paid for in full. Now that's what success looks like."
Guests murmured politely, but their interest was short-lived.
The low growl of an approaching engine silenced the crowd. A sleek Aston Martin Valkyrie, its futuristic design and powerful presence, pulled into the lot. Its roaring engine turned heads and dropped jaws.
Moments later, a fiery red Ferrari SF90 glided in behind it, its unmistakable silhouette and luxurious design adding to the spectacle.
The cars parked side by side, transforming the parking lot into a luxury showroom.
Arnold walked over to Leon, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Nice car, Leon," he said, his voice calm but cutting. "But next time you're shopping, maybe consider something like this."
Before Leon could respond, Arnold turned and climbed into the Valkyrie with effortless grace.
"Catherine, Clara," Arnold called out, gesturing toward the Ferrari. "You're with me, right?"
The two women exchanged amused glances before making their way to the Ferrari.
Catherine paused before getting in, glancing back at Leon with a smirk. "It's been a great night, hasn't it?"
Clara added with a grin, "Thanks for hosting."
As the Ferrari's engine purred to life, Steven and Benjamin followed suit, getting into their Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS SUVs.
The convoy of luxury cars pulled out of the lot, leaving the stunned crowd—and a humiliated Leon—behind.
Leon stood frozen in place, his face a mixture of disbelief and anger. Lucy tugged at his arm, whispering something, but Leon didn't respond.
"Leon?" she asked hesitantly.
Still, he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the spot where Arnold's cars had disappeared into the night.
Inside the Valkyrie, Steven's voice crackled over the car's Bluetooth system.
"Did you see his face?" Steven laughed. "I almost feel bad for him."
Benjamin chuckled. "Almost."
In the Ferrari, Catherine leaned back in her seat, her voice filled with amusement. "Arnold, you didn't just steal the show—you stole the entire night."
Clara grinned. "Leon deserved it. He's been insufferable for years. That was the perfect way to put him in his place."
Arnold smiled faintly. "Leon needed a reminder that arrogance without substance doesn't get you far. Maybe this will teach him to think twice before trying to belittle others."
As the convoy of luxury cars sped into the night, leaving Ridgeview Event Hall behind, the laughter and admiration of the evening lingered—a fitting end to a night that would be remembered for years to come.