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By: OrderNerd
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The cameras shook in the hands of journalists, packed tightly in front of ValeTech's gleaming tower in Metropolis. The red carpet stretched all the way to the main entrance, illuminated by floodlights that turned night into day.
In the financial heart of the city, the event promised to gather some of the biggest names in industry and raise millions for Gotham City's orphanages and shelters — an urgent cause after the recent outbreaks of violence.
LIVE FROM METROPOLIS — DAILY PLANET
[STINGER • The Daily Planet globe spinning over Metropolis]
Billboards flashing, news helicopters circling overhead. On the ticker below:
LIVE • METROPOLIS • VALETECH CHARITY GALA — FUNDS FOR GOTHAM'S ORPHANAGES AND SHELTERS
Ron Troupe (in the studio):
"Good evening! We are live in Metropolis, where ValeTech is hosting some of the biggest names in politics and industry at its annual charity gala. Tonight's fundraising will go directly to Gotham City's charities and orphanages — a much-needed boost after the recent incidents there."
Ron Troupe (in the studio):
"The expectation tonight is the appearance of Nathaniel Vale, the public face of the company, along with major shareholders. However, rumors suggest that his younger brother, Ethan, might be representing the family this time. Let's head over to the red carpet with our reporter."
[CUT • RED CARPET •]
Cat Grant (shouting over the noise):
"Thank you, Ron! The atmosphere here at ValeTech headquarters is pure spectacle. We've already seen executives from LexCorp arriving — representatives from Wayne Enterprises have been spotted in the VIP lounge as well. Other giants are making their presence felt too: Queen Industries, and even some independent philanthropists."
Forum screen — "MetroLeaks.com"
Thread: "TRENDING #ValeGala #GothamRelief #WhoShowsUpForTheVales"
💬 User @FinanceNerd: If ValeTech + LexCorp lock in a joint fund, we're looking at a billion-dollar impact for Gotham's shelters.
💬 User @LexWatch: LexCorp involved? Who honestly trusts that?
💬 User @GothamOrphanCare: Every cent tonight means lives saved tomorrow. Thank you, ValeTech.
💬 User @Ihaterich: Big deal, a bunch of rich people flaunting glamour. I want to see who actually puts money down for the poor.
💬 User @InterCop: Lex Luthor is as twisted as the Joker — difference is he's rich. Why do people still believe he'll help anyone?!
Back to the studio
Ron Troupe (with interest):
"The truth is, little has been said about Nathaniel's younger brother, Ethan Vale. Until now, he's stayed far from the spotlight — known more for his troubled past than for public appearances."
Cat Grant (with a sharp smile):
"Exactly. But according to some reports, he's been actively involved in certain sectors of the company. So it wouldn't be impossible for the second Vale heir to make an appearance tonight."
📸 Outside
A sleek black limousine pulls up. The chatter intensifies as flashes begin popping even before the door opens.
Photographer 1:
"Who is it?"
Photographer 2 (adjusting the lens):
"… wait… is that…"
The door swings open.
Ethan Vale steps out, dressed in a flawless black suit. The flashes explode like lightning. The once-troubled heir now looked every bit the prince.
The crowd erupts.
Photographer 3:
"No way… it really is Ethan Vale!"
Photographer 1:
"Who would've thought… the CEO's brother showing up in Metropolis. This is tomorrow's front-page headline."
But the climax hadn't arrived yet.
Ethan circled around and opened the second door of the limousine.
The flashes multiplied, bursting like exploding stars. From the vehicle stepped Raven. Not in her dark Titans attire, but in an elegant dark gown with subtle purple accents, light makeup, and her hair loose, swaying softly under the lights.
For a heartbeat, silence fell over the photographers — only to erupt into absolute chaos a second later.
Ron Troupe (nearly shouting over the crowd):
"Wait… that's— that's Raven of the Teen Titans?!"
The uproar was immediate.
"Raven! Raven, look over here!"
"Ethan! Ethan, how did you two meet?!"
"Is this an official partnership with the Titans or something more personal?!"
The two walked side by side down the red carpet. Ethan, in his flawless suit, wore a controlled expression, though his eyes betrayed the constant attention fixed on Raven. She, composed, kept her serenity intact, ignoring the questions with the same icy poise she used always.
📱 Meanwhile, on social media…
Trending Topics: #ValeGala #EthanVale #Raven
💬 @GothamGirl92: NO WAY. ValeTech's heir just arrived WITH RAVEN?? #CoupleOfTheYear
💬 @DailyPlanetFan: Is this real?? Raven, a Teen Titan, at a corporate gala?? Something big is happening…
💬 @LexWatch: Don't trust this one bit. Raven in Vale's pocket? LexCorp lurking around? This stinks.
💬 @TeenTitansStan: AAAAA I have a new ship!! #Valeven 😭💜🔥
💬 @Ihaterich: That girl's only with him for the money. Ridiculous to romanticize this.
💬 @LexWatch: This changes the political board tonight.
💬 @WayneRumors: Wayne Enterprises reps are watching in silence. 👀
💬 @PhotoFlashMax: Photo of the year, folks.
💬 @GothamCare: If this partnership brings in funds, the kids win. Focus on the cause.
Cat Grant (with professional excitement):
" It's done. Ethan Vale and Raven have just entered the ValeTech charity gala. We continue live from Metropolis, covering the arrivals at the ValeTech Charity Gala. The night still promises major surprises…"
Stay with us — we'll be right back, here on the Daily Planet."
(continue...)
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📰 Chapter Update — "Under the Spotlights"
This chapter was a little different: instead of being inside Ethan's head, we experienced the story through the eyes of the journalists and the public, following the live coverage of the ValeTech Charity Gala in Metropolis.
We saw the arrival of the guests, the political and financial weight of the event, and of course, the big surprise of the night — Ethan Vale stepping out alongside Raven, stealing every flash and headline. It was a chapter with the rhythm of a spectacle, showing how the world sees them from the outside.
In the next episode, we return to Ethan's perspective. We'll dive into how he truly feels being "under the spotlights," and the consequences this appearance will bring to his journey — and to his connection with Raven. 👀🔥