Morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Luca Hale’s villa, bathing the spacious bedroom in warm golden light.

The digital clock on the bedside table quietly displayed 8:17 A.M.

Luca slowly opened his eyes.

He remained where he was for a few moments, enjoying the rare luxury of an unhurried morning. After the whirlwind of the previous week, the calm felt almost unfamiliar.

He stretched lazily before reaching for the phone resting on the nightstand.

The moment his fingers wrapped around it, he remembered the conversation he’d had with Amelia the previous evening.

’A party at the club tonight...’

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Clubs had never really been his scene. He usually preferred quiet evenings, dinner nights, or simply relaxing somewhere peaceful. Still, after spending the past week juggling work while making the most of Naomi’s final days before her trip to France, a change of pace didn’t sound like the worst idea.

Besides...

Amelia was surprisingly fun to be around.

She somehow managed to turn even the most ordinary conversation into something entertaining.

Without thinking much more about it, Luca unlocked his phone and tapped her contact.

The call connected after only two rings.

A sleepy voice drifted through the speaker.

"Morning..."

Luca smiled.

"You actually answered."

"I wasn’t expecting you to call this early."

"Were you expecting someone else?"

"No."

She yawned softly.

"But I definitely wasn’t expecting you."

"I figured I’d make sure the invitation you gave me last night hadn’t mysteriously disappeared while you were sleeping."

A quiet laugh escaped her.

"You seriously thought I’d cancel less than twenty four hours after inviting you?"

"I’ve seen stranger things."

"Hmph."

"You really don’t trust me."

"I trust you."

He paused deliberately.

"I just don’t trust your ability to make sensible decisions."

Amelia gasped dramatically.

"The audacity!"

"I’m simply being honest."

"How rude."

She clicked her tongue.

"I already regret inviting you."

"No, you don’t."

"Yes, I do."

"No, you don’t."

"Yes, I do."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don..."

She stopped abruptly before groaning.

"Not fair! You tricked me!"

Luca burst into laughter.

"You walked right into that one."

"I hate you."

"No, you don’t."

"...You’re lucky you’re funny."

Their laughter lingered for several moments before gradually fading.

Amelia pushed herself upright against her headboard, brushing a few messy strands of hair behind her ear as morning light spilled across her bedroom.

"Since you’re already calling," she said, "I might as well tell you the details."

"I’m listening."

"The party starts around eight tonight."

"Got it."

"It’s at Eclipse Club."

Luca raised an eyebrow.

"Eclipse?"

"You’ve heard of it?"

"I’ve heard the name."

"Well, tonight you’ll finally see it."

There was unmistakable pride in her voice.

"It’s one of the most exclusive clubs in San Fierro. Celebrities, wealthy heirs, entrepreneurs, influencers... if someone has money or influence, chances are they’ve been there."

"Sounds expensive."

"It definitely isn’t cheap."

She laughed.

"But don’t worry. You won’t have to deal with any of that."

"Oh?"

"My friends and I are getting there early."

"So when you arrive, just give me a call."

"I’ll come meet you outside."

"Works for me."

"Good."

She hesitated before speaking again.

"And don’t disappear halfway through the night."

"I’ll try."

"’Try?’"

"I can’t make promises before I’ve seen the place."

"You’ll survive."

"I appreciate your confidence."

"You should."

Another comfortable silence settled between them.

Neither of them seemed in any hurry to end the call.

Eventually Amelia sighed.

"I should probably start getting ready for work."

"And I should stop stealing your morning."

"You’ve only stolen five minutes."

"So generous."

"I know."

"I’ll see you tonight."

"Tonight."

The call ended.

Luca lowered the phone and smiled to himself before placing it back on the bedside table.

For a brief moment, the room fell silent again.

He stared out through the enormous windows overlooking the gardens.

Normally, Naomi would’ve had some plans for today or was even already at his villa. She would probably be teasing him for sleeping in or insisting they have breakfast together before either of them buried themselves in work.

Instead, the room felt unusually empty.

He shook the thought away.

’She’s chasing her dream.’

’One week will pass before either of us knows it.’

With that, he climbed out of bed.

After a quick shower, he changed into a simple black T-shirt and a pair of dark jeans before heading downstairs.

The villa was quiet.

Most of the household staff had already finished preparing breakfast and respectfully kept their distance, allowing him to enjoy the peaceful morning undisturbed.

Fresh coffee filled the dining room with its rich aroma.

Luca poured himself a cup before making a light breakfast.

Toast.

Eggs.

Fresh fruit.

His Master-Level Culinary skill was still paying off, though you wouldn’t need to be a master cook to make toast and eggs.

He settled into his usual seat at the long dining table.

Instinctively, his eyes drifted toward the empty chair across from him.

He smiled faintly.

’France...’

’I wonder how she’s doing.’

Knowing Naomi, she’d probably already thrown herself into interviews and rehearsals without giving herself a chance to rest.

He made a mental note to call her later that evening before leaving for the club.

After finishing breakfast, Luca carried his coffee into his workspace.

Several of his newly acquired companies required his attention, and although competent executives handled the daily operations, he still preferred reviewing major decisions personally.

Hours slipped by almost unnoticed.

Luca glanced at the elegant watch on his wrist.

Almost six.

He rolled his shoulders to ease the stiffness that had built up from sitting all day.

"That’s enough work."

After freshening up and putting on his finest cologne he headed towards his garage.

His eyes met his sleek silver and black Koenigsegg One:1.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"It’s been a while."

He reached into the glass display cabinet mounted along the wall and picked up the matching key.

The cool metal felt pleasantly familiar in his hand.

Recently he found himself driving the G-Wagon more often than this beauty.

Tonight felt different.

If Amelia was taking him to one of the city’s most exclusive clubs, arriving in one of the rarest cars on the planet hardly seemed inappropriate, if anything it should be the bare minimum.

He pressed the unlock button.

The Koenigsegg responded with a soft electronic chirp as its lights flashed to life.

Luca walked around it slowly, appreciating its sculpted bodywork before opening the driver’s door and sliding into the seat.

The cockpit wrapped around him perfectly.

His fingers rested lightly on the steering wheel.

He pressed the ignition.

The engine awakened with a deep, powerful growl that echoed through the spacious garage before settling into a smooth idle.

A satisfied grin spread across his face.

"Now that’s more like it."

Tonight promised to be a welcome break from boardrooms, contracts, and endless meetings.

For once, he wasn’t heading into another negotiation or business acquisition.

He was simply going out to enjoy the evening with a friend.

Still...

Knowing his luck, peace and quiet rarely stayed around him for long.

Luca chuckled to himself as the garage doors slowly began to open.

"I have a feeling tonight is going to be interesting."