The prestigious Moonlight Valley University was glowing under the golden hue of the setting sun. Students streamed out of lecture halls, some giddy with excitement about the Midnight Union Games, others deeply unsettled by the storm of secrets unraveling behind the scenes. But behind the laughter and events, new enemies were sharpening their knives.
Inside the luxury suite of the off-campus Ruby Bloom Hotel, Celestine Mwangi stood in front of a mirror, dressed in an emerald-green silk robe that matched her hypnotic eyes. Her phone buzzed.
> Incoming call: Bianca Asher
Celestine didn't hesitate to answer. "Finally decided to speak?"
"You had no right to transfer here," Bianca snapped from the other end. "This isn't your city."
Celestine chuckled. "Darling, cities are nothing but stages. And you, cousin, are just my opening act."
She hung up before Bianca could respond.
---
Back on campus, Ochieng was meeting with the head of student affairs—Dr. Fiona Kingsley, a stunning woman in her late 30s, with sharp cheekbones, a reputation for discipline, and a secret weakness for younger men. Her office was filled with the scent of roses and tension.
"Mr. Ochieng," she said, crossing her legs as she sat. "You've caused quite the stir. Again."
"People are just allergic to the truth," he replied, his voice smooth.
"Is that why the dean received an anonymous video of you and Sasha… in the tech lab? After hours?"
He smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe someone's scared I'm becoming too powerful."
Fiona leaned closer. "Careful, Ochieng. Power has a price. Even gods fall."
But Ochieng wasn't just battling university politics. His tech company, AetherCorp, had caught the attention of international investors, including Prince Daemon Xao, heir to a Southeast Asian empire. The prince had flown in with his entourage and a mysterious woman—Naomi Sinclair, a red-haired financial analyst known for bankrupting two corporations with nothing but legal loopholes and seduction.
"She's like a venomous rose," Sasha warned. "Beautiful, deadly, and always in bloom."
Meanwhile, Tesslyn had formed a secret alliance with Professor Malcolm, blackmailing him into giving her access to faculty records in exchange for keeping his affair with Zara out of the press.
"You're playing with fire," Malcolm whispered.
"I was born in it," Tesslyn replied, slipping the USB into her boot.
---
At the student union hall, a surprise event was announced:
"The Masquerade of Motives" — A Night of Hidden Identities and Revealed Truths.
It was to be held in the heart of Vintelle City, a lavish town known for billionaire-owned penthouses, vintage cars, and seductive nightlife.
The invite list? Select students, faculty members… and undercover shareholders from various companies, pretending to be students.
Ochieng entered the grand ballroom in a sharp black suit and a golden mask. At his side was a new face—Maya Rivers, 21, a bewitching law student with soft cinnamon skin, long silver braids, and a dangerously flirtatious smile.
"I know who you are," she whispered as they danced. "But do you know what I'm here to destroy?"
Before he could respond, a glass shattered. The lights flickered.
A figure stood at the entrance in a crimson mask.
"Let the real game begin," the voice boomed.
And then, one by one, the masks came off. Secrets spilled. Lovers kissed the wrong partners. A hidden marriage certificate fluttered across the floor.
And someone—someone unexpected—was declared pregnant.
But by who?
Ochieng narrowed his eyes. Too many players. Too many motives.
But only one king.
And he planned to keep his crown.