Billionaire's Birthday Surprise

The tall glass exterior of Adrian Blake's empire's crown jewel, the Blake Tower, was bathed in a warm glow from Manhattan's bright lights.

Adrian stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of the opulent penthouse suite, looking out over the expansive metropolis below.

Through the thick glass, the subtle hum of the busy city reverberated, serving as a continual reminder of the world he had ruled.

Nevertheless, a gnawing emptiness stabbed at his breast despite the glittering skyline and the empire he had established.

As midnight drew nearer, he could hear the wall clock ticking louder. Adrian's extravagant celebration was already well underway below, and his 30th birthday was just minutes away.

From the ballroom, he could hear the hushed laughing, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the lively pace of the DJ's set.

The man who seemed to have it all was being celebrated by everyone who was anyone in New York's finest circles.

But something much deeper than success clouded Adrian's piercing blue eyes, which reflected the city lights.

A quiet voice cut through his thoughts, "Mr. Blake?" His closest confidante and childhood friend, Chloe Hart, entered the room.

She held a glass of champagne and smiled playfully at him, her blond hair framing her face.

"The honored guest evading his own gathering? You're not acting like a billionaire at all.

Adrian forced a grin as he turned to her. "Just needed some time to reflect."

"Consider?" Setting the drink on the neighboring elegant marble table, Chloe arched an eyebrow.

"How about? What will you do with your next billion?

He laughed, but it was a cold laugh. "That kind of thing."

As Chloe examined him, her face softened. She knew Adrian well enough to recognize the warning signs.

"You have been aloof lately. Even more than normal.

What is happening? Adrian paused.

What was the reason behind the bizarre dreams that had been haunting his nights?

His sleep was disturbed by visions of dark woods, shrill howls, and bright eyes that made him uncomfortable and restless.

Although he had always been motivated, he had been feeling a little off lately due to an odd energy buzzing beneath his skin.

Before he could reply, the room door opened and Mark, his helper, stuck his head inside.

"I apologize for disturbing you, Mr. Blake, but your visitors are requesting you. The clock is ticking down to midnight.

Adrian nodded slightly to Chloe. "Duty calls."

She was worried, but she followed him out. The clamor from the ballroom increased as they went down in the private elevator.

With its golden draperies, crystal chandeliers, and immaculately attired attendees conversing over pricey cocktails, the lavish venue was a vision of extravagance.

Adrian came into view with a charming smile on his face, and the audience cheered.

"He's right there!" someone exclaimed, lifting a glass.

Adrian gave a polite wave to the audience.

As Chloe moved into the background, she observed how effortlessly he moved around the room.

She couldn't get rid of the feeling that something significant was going to happen, even though he was an expert at concealing his actual feelings.

Adrian was in the middle of the room with friends, acquaintances, and business associates as the countdown started.

With their voices mixing into a cacophony, the crowd chanted, "Ten, nine, eight." drian's heart was racing, but not with joy.

He was experiencing an odd, almost primordial feeling that grew stronger by the moment.

"One, two, three... Cheers to your birthday!

Cheers and applause broke out throughout the room.

The champagne flowed freely and confetti fell down.

Adrian, however, hardly heard any of it.

The joy was drowned out by a piercing, nearly deafening ringing in his ears.

The dizziness took hold of him and he staggered back, gripping his head.

"Adrian?" Chloe's voice could hardly be heard over the din. "Are you alright?"

The ballroom's magnificent double doors slammed open with a loud boom before he could respond.

As everyone's gaze shifted to the entry, the room became quiet.

The light from the hallway outlined the silhouette of a woman standing in the doorway.

He was striking, with flowing chestnut hair, deep hazel eyes, and a quiet power that seemed to capture everyone's attention.

After a brief period of clouded vision, Adrian experienced an unexplained attraction to the stranger.

She took a step forward and looked directly into his eyes with such passion that it made him shudder.

"Adrian Blake," she uttered in a steady yet urgent tone. "I know you, but you don't know me.

And you must accompany me if you wish to survive the night. Right now.

Whispers and murmurs filled the room.

This woman was who? What was she discussing? Adrian's thoughts were racing, but a spooky howl reverberated throughout the ballroom before he could react.

The temperature appeared to plummet as the lights flickered.

As shadows moved strangely along the walls, panic swept through the audience.

Dark, ominous figures surged into the room as the windows suddenly smashed.

Their motions were predatory, and their eyes radiated an odd radiance.

As visitors frantically tried to flee, screams erupted, but the attackers' horrifying speed blocked all escape routes.

Adrian didn't yet know the woman's name, but she took hold of his arm and introduced herself as Selena Cross.

She was strict without being cruel.

She murmured, looking into his hazel eyes, "You're in danger."

"There isn't time to elaborate.

I assure you that you will not survive this ordeal.

Adrian paused, instinct telling him to push back.

However, the instinctive force that had been building inside of him erupted, and he felt compelled to follow her.

He nodded curtly and let Selena to yank him to a side entrance.

With a determined although pallid face, Chloe emerged at his side.

"I will accompany you," she stated firmly.

Selena interrupted, "No." "She's going to slow us down."

Adrian's mouth clenched.

With no space for debate, he declared, "She's coming."

Selena scowled at him but gave in.

"All right. Keep close and follow my instructions carefully.

The three of them crept through the confusion, avoiding the savage assailants who appeared to be aiming especially at Adrian.

Adrian's mind whirled as they ran away into the chilly night.

Who were these animals?

With him, what did they want?

Who was this enigmatic woman who appeared to have more knowledge about his life than he did?

However, he had a deep-seated knowledge that his life would never be the same.

⸺THE END⸺