A Shadow Behind the Laughter

Silverhaven City.

Black Eclipse Lounge.

Zyan Ashbourne, the man countless women dreamed of marrying and the media often praised as the nation’s ideal husband, casually clinked his glass against those of several stunning women gathered around him.

As the eldest son of the Ashbourne family, Zyan had inherited every bit of his father’s striking appearance. Tall, handsome, and effortlessly charming, he attracted attention wherever he went.

Unfortunately, he had also inherited something far less admirable—his father’s infamous weakness for beautiful women.

The lounge pulsed with life.

Heavy bass vibrated through the room as lively music filled the air. Brilliant lights swept across the crowded floor, flashing over elegant suits, glittering dresses, and crystal glasses filled with expensive liquor. Laughter drifted from every corner while the rich aroma of fine wine blended with luxurious perfume, creating an atmosphere where pleasure ruled the night and tomorrow felt like someone else’s problem.

For Zyan, it was just another evening.

Back at the Ashbourne estate, his father had been confined to bed for days. His condition had worsened with each passing hour, and the family’s private doctors barely left his side.

Yet none of it seemed capable of interrupting Zyan’s carefree routine.

In his mind, worrying accomplished nothing.

He wasn’t a doctor.

What difference would it make if he sat beside his father’s bed? It wasn’t as though his presence could miraculously cure the illness.

Besides...

Someone had to carry on the Ashbourne bloodline.

The old man had spent his entire life building the family’s empire. Surely he deserved a little rest now.

With that shameless excuse comforting his conscience, Zyan laughed without the slightest hint of guilt and lifted another glass.

"Cheers!"

The women around him happily joined in.

Some admired the fortune behind the Ashbourne name.

Some were captivated by his handsome face and effortless charisma.

Others simply enjoyed the glamorous lifestyle that followed wherever he went.

Glass after glass disappeared.

The warmth of alcohol spread through his body, gradually dulling his thoughts. A faint flush colored his cheeks, and his balance grew noticeably less steady, but his confident smile never faded.

Pushing himself up from the luxurious leather sofa, he straightened his jacket and looked around at the women with the same playful grin that had won over countless hearts.

"I’m heading to the restroom," he said with an easy smile. "Don’t start without me. We’ll keep drinking when I get back... and afterward..."

He deliberately paused, letting his gaze sweep across the group before his smile widened into something far more suggestive.

"...I’ll take all of you out for some real fun."

His emphasis on the last word instantly changed the mood.

The women exchanged embarrassed glances before breaking into laughter.

One of them quickly covered her face, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson.

"You’re impossible..."

Another lightly smacked his arm, trying to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

"You’re such a bad influence."

Their playful complaints only made Zyan laugh louder as he casually waved a hand and turned toward the restroom, completely unaware that before this night was over, his carefree world was about to change forever.

Despite their embarrassed complaints, the excitement hidden inside their eyes betrayed their true feelings.

Seeing their reactions, Zyan laughed proudly.

This was the response he enjoyed the most.

Without another word, he casually adjusted his expensive suit before making his way toward the restroom.

The lively sounds of music gradually faded behind him.

Compared to the noisy main hall, the hallway leading toward the restroom was much quieter.

Only the muffled bass from the speakers vibrated faintly through the walls.

The cool air from the central air conditioning washed over him, helping clear his mind ever so slightly.

Still feeling dizzy from the alcohol, he rubbed his forehead while muttering to himself.

"Looks like I drank a little too much..."

He pushed open the restroom door.

Just as he stepped inside, another man happened to be walking out.

The man was tall and powerfully built.

A thick beard covered most of his face, giving him a rough and intimidating appearance.

His broad shoulders almost blocked the doorway.

Neither of them slowed down.

Bang.

Their shoulders collided heavily.

Zyan instinctively took half a step backward from the impact.

Before he even had a chance to speak, the bearded man glared at him with cold eyes and cursed first.

"Are you blind? Can’t you watch where you’re going?"

The harsh words instantly shattered the little patience Zyan had left.

His expression darkened.

As the eldest young master of the Ashbourne family, people usually greeted him with smiles and respect wherever he went.

Very few dared to insult him to his face.

Especially not some random stranger.

The alcohol surging through his body only fueled his temper.

His jaw tightened.

"So you’ve got a death wish..."

Without thinking any further, he raised his hand and slapped toward the bearded man’s face.

The slap cut through the air.

However—

The bearded man reacted astonishingly fast.

With a slight tilt of his head, he effortlessly dodged the incoming strike.

At almost the same instant, his body twisted forward.

His fist shot out like a steel hammer.

Bang!

The heavy punch landed squarely on Zyan’s chin.

The impact echoed throughout the restroom.

Zyan’s vision instantly spun.

His head snapped backward as stars exploded before his eyes.

Already heavily intoxicated, he couldn’t withstand such a powerful blow.

His body swayed twice before collapsing onto the cold tiled floor with a dull thud.

He lost consciousness on the spot.

This was typical of the second-generation wealthy in feel-good novels.

Drained by wine and women, with poor character and low intelligence, Zyan Ashbourne was no exception.

The bearded man looked down at the unconscious young master without showing the slightest emotion.

He crouched briefly to confirm Zyan had completely blacked out.

Satisfied, he grabbed him beneath the shoulders with practiced ease.

To anyone watching, it simply looked like a drunk friend helping another drunken companion.

Without attracting attention, the bearded man calmly carried Zyan out through the back door of the lounge.

The cool night breeze greeted them the moment they stepped outside.

Behind them, laughter, music, and celebration continued inside the building as though nothing unusual had happened.

No one paid much attention to his actions.

It was normal for drunk people to be carried out.