Darkstone Code

"Social events?" The girl couldn't help but raise her eyebrow, "Sorry, my schedule is quite full and I might not have the time to attend..." She laughed, "Sorry, I'm not intentionally mocking anything, it's just that I really don't have time for some social events."

She instinctively thought Lynch's social events might not be too high-level, something that some might consider to be youthful innocence, but in reality, it stems from her inherent arrogance.

Growing up in a family like this, the people she hears, sees, and interacts with every day are either top tycoons, important politicians, or celebrities.

She may seem naively natural when interacting with people, but she still carries an air of superiority.

"Aren't you curious about the social event I'm attending?" Lynch wasn't upset, having seen a lot over decades—both at the top and rolling in the mud—and not about to be shaken by a mere girl.

The girl's tone was indifferent, "Well, tell me, maybe I can squeeze out some time."

Up to this point, her words, her tone, and her attitude all showed she was just humoring him.

"I've been invited to attend the celebration event for the new President's inauguration, but I'm missing a suitable female companion. Do you understand what I mean?"

The still calm voice froze the confident smile on the girl's face. She seemed puzzled, "Did you just mention the President?"

A celebration following a new President's inauguration isn't unusual and certainly not unspeakable.

The President's campaign team and supporters spent tens of millions of Federation Sol, supporting their President through thick and thin to ultimately reach the pinnacle of power in the Bail Federal. Isn't there reason enough to celebrate such a public achievement?

Of course, not only will there be a celebration, but it won't be done secretly. It'll be a grand event.

Its scale and class can be said to be the highest in the Federation, and at that time, all eyes will be focused here. This will become the most dazzling stage in the Federation.

Every guest attending the President's celebration will, for months and even years, be a focal point of discussion and attention. Their every move will have a significant social impact.

Severa's father was also invited to such a celebration ceremony, but he brought his wife instead of his daughter, which secretly angered the young girl.

Girls, or most children, are like this. They hope for more recognition; nothing proves this more than their most admired father inviting them to join a significant political event.

Now suddenly hearing of an opportunity to attend such an event, imagining herself under the flash of cameras, her father's surprised face when they meet, and the President holding her hand calling her "lady," Severa's heartbeat skipped a beat.

Lynch's voice remained as calm and controlled as before, "It seems you're very busy lately. I'm terribly sorry for interrupting your rest so late. Goodbye, Miss Severa!"

Lynch decisively hung up the phone amidst Severa's shock; she shouted several times into the receiver, but it was only busy beeps.

This wasn't a prank, the call was indeed hung up, and this very end of the call instantly flipped the dynamics between both parties.

Originally, Lynch was inviting the girl to be his companion for the event, placing him in a passive position, but now he successfully piqued the girl's interest and decisively cut communication by hanging up. As long as the girl calls him, it signifies she relinquished control, placing all power in Lynch's hands.

Due to the girl's shouting, the nearby butler softly interrupted her outburst with "Miss," forcing Severa to contain her temper. She smoothed a strand of unruly hair and took a deep breath, "I'm not sure what happened, the communication broke off. Did Mr. Lynch ever mention anything about himself?"

"Like his contact information, or any way I could reach him?"

The butler, having witnessed far more events than the girl, nodded, "This is Mr. Lynch from Sabin City."

"Sabin City?" The girl was puzzled, "What kind of place is that? Why have I never heard of this place?"

"Miss, Sabin City is located in the southwestern part of York State within the Federation. It's not the capital of the state and remains an obscure small city, so it's quite normal you haven't heard of it. Many people aren't aware of this small city."

Severa gave a reserved nod, "So, do we have any way to obtain Mr. Lynch's contact information?" She added, "Perhaps the sudden disconnection will make him think I did it purposely, and he might not call again. I need to proactively reach out and apologize for the incident."

The butler's role is to solve problems for the master, "Certainly, Miss, you'll know Mr. Lynch's contact information by tomorrow morning."

"Well done, Wolf, I'm waiting for your good news..." Just a few steps in, Severa paused, "Such sudden communication breakdowns are bad. I don't want any negligence to make my father face such issues in important calls. Let's replace whoever maintains these lines, alright?"

Butler Wolf gave a slight bow, indicating he understood what needed to be done.

After nodding respectfully, the girl left quickly, knowing she was going to lose sleep tonight.

The electrician from the manor faced sleeplessness too. Working at Wardrick Manor had been quite pleasant, with a monthly salary above four hundred dollars and great benefits.

They enjoyed fresh and delicious meals every day, and the job wasn't strenuous. Butler Wolf and the manor's owner never questioned how much was spent on materials, demanding only the safest and best.

This generous attitude reduced much of the daily maintenance work; an enterprise-level installation powered such a small manor, ensuring no issues would occur even without maintenance for a year.

Yet unexpectedly that night, the butler abruptly announced his dismissal, instructing him to pack up and leave. This sudden blow led to his sleepless night.

He couldn't understand if it was because he was caught snacking in the kitchen or disposing of some finger-thick waste copper wires ranging from inches to meters long that caused it all. He didn't want to lose this, but was helpless.

The next day, Severa finished freshening up by around nine and began enjoying breakfast, also receiving a note with Lynch's contact information, left on the dining table.

From the handwriting on the note, it was undoubtedly penned by Wolf. Serving the manor and the Wardrick Clan for a long time, the butler knew how to get along with everyone in the house.

After breakfast, Severa went back to her room, picked up the phone, and dialed. The call was soon answered, letting Severa breathe a sigh of relief.

A bit of genuine smile appeared on her face—a small fraction of sincerity among remaining insincerity, "Is this Mr. Lynch? I'm Severa. We spoke yesterday, you mentioned you're a fan of my books..."

A pretense Lynch used to pique her curiosity to take the call now became her reason to bridge the relationship with Lynch. Sometimes, the transition in "attack and defense" is simply magical.

"I remember your voice, Miss Severa." His voice always stable and gentle, as if nothing could disturb his emotions.

"You can call me Rella, that's what my friends call me."

Listening to the bright and lively voice of the girl on the phone, Lynch's face showed some smile, realizing these girls—or women—are just the same.

Though he looked young, and with a fresh face, seeking out renowned socialites to accompany him would feel awkward.

It's like everyone expects youth to act youthful, even if they themselves didn't embody youth when they were young, they would use universal values and moral standards, higher than societal expectations, to impose upon others, even if inappropriate.

Thus this girl was the first choice. If casting the net failed, Lynch would then consider other socialites without direct interests, though it might leave reputational comments like "indulgence."

Fortunately, the fish was hooked in the end.

Nicknames like this are typically reserved for close circles, many people bristle at others using them. The girl's attitude said it all.

Of course, the battle wasn't over, "Alright, Rella, was there anything you wanted?" Before Severa could answer, Lynch added, "I'm quite busy now, you know."

"Did I interrupt your work?" Severa asked knowingly, apologizing, "I'm sorry, but yesterday, my communication line suddenly broke off, I should apologize, it's not your fault, and about what we discussed yesterday..."

Feigning ignorance isn't exclusive to Severa, Lynch did as well, "What about yesterday?"

Severa tightly gripped the bedsheet, "About inviting me as your date, I haven't officially responded yet..."

Lynch intercepted once again, "Oh? I thought you were too busy. I don't wish to interfere with your life."

"No!" Severa's tone was firm, "Lynch, I have time!"