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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3 : The Charity Gala Trap

The city skyline glittered with gold and sapphire lights as evening settled in. Luxury cars lined the drive of the grand Exotica Building, one of the top ten beauty corporations in the country. A massive red carpet stretched toward the doors, guarded by sharply dressed staff and towering security.

Alex adjusted his tie in the reflection of the limousine window. The black designer suit Alia had sent him fit perfectly, emphasizing his tall, lean frame. He looked every bit the elite playboy the world expected, and yet, inside, he was calculating every move.

Alright, system, let's see what you can do for me tonight.

[Ding! System Status Update:]

[Influence Points: 8]

[Active Skill: None]

[Side Quest: Attend the Exotica Charity Gala – 10 Influence Points reward + 1 Random Skill Card.]

[Optional Objective: Create an initial connection with a female supporting lead.]

Alex slid out of the limo, and the paparazzi flashes instantly turned his world into a whirl of light. Cameras clicked, voices shouted his name, and a wave of excitement pulsed through the crowd. He gave a slow, practiced smile, the kind that melted hearts and left minds dizzy.

'Not bad for a first impression,' he thought. But the real work hasn't started yet.

Inside the gala, the room was a palace of opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting prismatic light across the marble floors. Women in designer gowns moved like predators and prey, their conversations tinged with power, influence, and subtle competition. Men—rare and carefully chosen—acted as ornaments, status symbols, or pawns.

Alex felt the familiar thrill. This is my playground.

"Alex! Over here!" a familiar voice called.

He turned to see Alia approaching, the epitome of controlled elegance. Her silver gown shimmered under the chandelier lights, and her high heels clicked like a metronome of authority. She stopped in front of him, eyes scanning critically.

"You're punctual," she said, her voice calm but commanding. "Good."

Alex bowed lightly. "I try to keep up appearances."

Alia smirked, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly. "Appearances aren't enough. Tonight, you'll need to charm, observe, and react. Watch closely—there are several female leads here, each with their own agendas. Your task: gain Influence Points without drawing unnecessary attention."

[Ding! System Notification:]

[Alert: Multiple female targets detected. Emotional response variance will yield different Influence Point levels.]

[High potential targets: Helena Moore (CEO Heiress), Lila St. James (Fashion Mogul's Daughter), Vanessa Kline (Media Starlet).]

Alex's eyes scanned the room. Sure enough, women moved like chess pieces across the gala floor. Helena Moore stood near the champagne table, her diamond necklace glittering as she laughed at a male executive's joke. Lila St. James examined the charity auction items with cool calculation, her hand brushing delicately across an antique vase. Vanessa Kline, the media starlet, posed for selfies with photographers, her smile radiant yet carefully practiced.

'So many choices,' Alex thought. Which one first?

Before he could decide, a server approached with champagne. Alex took a glass, swirling it thoughtfully. He had to make his first move carefully—one wrong step, and he'd be nothing more than background decoration.

He spotted Helena first. Her laugh was melodic, her presence commanding. A few steps in her direction, and he leaned slightly, giving her a charming, "accidental" smile.

Helena turned, eyes catching his immediately. "Oh! Aren't you…?"

Alex raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider. "I've been called many things. Care to guess one?"

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "A charmer?"

[Ding! Influence Points +3 – Minor Emotional Engagement Detected.]

Alex bowed slightly. "I'll take that as a compliment."

They chatted lightly, about charity work, city developments, and fashion trends. Alex subtly mirrored her movements, gestures, and tone. Every slight laugh, tilt of the head, or raised eyebrow fed points into his system. By the time the conversation ended, he had managed to subtly charm her without appearing manipulative.

[Ding! Influence Points +5 – Target Engaged Successfully.]

Next, Alex moved toward Lila St. James. The young heiress was evaluating a rare painting. He approached casually, pretending to admire the artwork himself. "Interesting choice," he remarked.

Lila glanced up, eyes narrowing slightly. "Indeed. But can you really appreciate it, or are you just pretending?"

Alex grinned. "I can appreciate many things… including the opinions of those who understand value."

[Ding! Influence Points +4 – Target Emotional Response Detected: Respect.]

She smirked, intrigued. "Confident… perhaps too confident."

Alex bowed slightly. "Confidence is often misunderstood. But then, most things are."

While engaging Lila, he noticed Vanessa Kline approaching with a group of photographers. The starlet's eyes sparkled as she caught his gaze. Alex waved casually, and she giggled.

[Ding! Influence Points +2 – Target Emotional Response Detected: Amusement.]

'Not bad,' Alex thought. Already 14 points tonight, and I haven't even touched the main events.

But then, a sudden voice interrupted his calculations.

"Alex Reigns."

He froze. The voice was smooth, powerful, and dangerously familiar. He turned to see a woman in a crimson gown, her posture regal and eyes sharp like a predator sizing him up.

System notification:

[High-Risk Target Detected – Emotional Impact Potential: Extreme.]

Alex's heart rate quickened slightly. This was Veronica Hart, a hidden master of the corporate world, known for her intelligence, cunning, and influence over major deals in the city. She rarely attended galas—her presence tonight meant she was watching him.

Veronica approached, scanning Alex with a calm but deadly gaze. "I've heard… interesting things about you."

Alex smiled lightly, keeping his composure. "I hope they're all positive."

She smirked. "Some are. Some… not so much. But let's see if you're as clever as they say."

[Ding! Influence Points +10 – Extreme Emotional Engagement Initiated.]

Alex's system buzzed, glowing with activity. This… this is big.

Alia appeared beside him silently, her eyes briefly meeting his. A subtle nod—understood. She trusted him to handle this without failure.

Alex took a deep breath. Time to play smart. Extreme targets mean extreme rewards… or extreme risks.

He leaned slightly closer to Veronica, his voice smooth as silk. "Well, I do enjoy interesting challenges. Shall we see where this one leads?"

Veronica's lips curled into a faint, approving smile. Ding! The system panel lit up brightly:

[Side Quest Update: Extreme Emotional Influence Target Locked.]

[Potential Reward: 25 Influence Points + Rare Skill Card.]

Alex glanced at Alia again, then around the gala. The stakes were high, the room glittering with power and elegance. Every smile, laugh, and gaze was a move in a dangerous game—and he was at the center.

Let's see… just how much charm can really change this world.

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