Nick kept it brief on the phone, stressing the importance of attending the cocktail party and awaiting further instructions from him.

I didn’t press for details and assured him I’d be there. Nick was clearly using this party to arrange a meeting with Atlas.

Sure enough, I spotted Nick at the reception, with Stella by his side. He was introducing her to other high-level executives from different companies.

After all, Nick was the head honcho of the Torado headquarters, so his presence was expected. As the ATL Empire representative, Stella demonstrated the company’s importance. With these two representing the ATL Empire, they made their presence known.

It was unspoken knowledge that Atlas was indisposed because of the car accident. Everyone was wondering how serious his injuries were.

All the hushed conversations at the reception revolved around this.

I mingled in the crowd and exchanged pleasantries with other CEOs. Meanwhile, I watched Nick closely, afraid to miss his instructio