ARCANUM

CHAPTER 20

PETER POV

I had forgotten what it was like to have a partner. Turns out it wasn't bad at all. I admit the progress I got from this mission was much better after we planned it together. Ruby is really great. She has strong analysis and is a reliable tactician. I've been able to see that since in the SCPD. I also can't deny the truth that thanks to her we got an invitation from Valdo. It's all because he was attracted to Ruby. But I won't let him get close to her that easily. I promised myself that I would protect and look after my partner.

The long-awaited day has arrived. I arrived at the Mansion, where Valdo Bykov's invitation was held, in a Lexus LSS 500h Hybrid Nightfall Mica. As soon as I stopped in front of the Mansion lobby, an officer wearing a red coat complete with a hat opened my door, and I handed over my keys to Valet parking.

The Valdo Bykov Mansion is very grand and luxurious. It seems that he is not half-hearted to hold events. And from the looks of the guests that some have come before me, or even after me, they were all wearing formal attire. It was clear that those present were rich and important people. But of course, my current appearance is no less than theirs. Some even looked at me when I got out of my car. As soon as I handed my keys to the valet staff, I straightened a black Dormeiul double-breasted tuxedo, complete with a matching bow tie.

Curious eyes followed me through the already open double doors, led me into the vestibule of the Mansion that screams luxury with magnificent Chandeliers hanging in the middle, double stairway covered in the carpet along the walls on the right and left leading to the upper floors of this mansion, and the double doors in the middle of the stairs that I knew would lead me to the great Hall where the event was being held. Several people standing inside this vestibule were also looking at me curiously. Maybe because it's their first time seeing me.

A butler greeted me at the door, and I showed him my invitation. And then he nodded to let me in after he checked it. I entered further into this vestibule by walking slowly and observing every corner of the room while waiting for my partner, who would arrive shortly as we had planned. I pretended to be interested in the structure and design of this vestibule then turned to take a glance at the front door, just as my partner stepped out from the back door of the white sedan which was opened by the valet.

Ruby descended elegantly. She was wearing a simple long black dress, but I knew it would be very charming and show her curves perfectly even though a black long coat was slung over her shoulders. She styled her hair up casually but still made her very beautiful. Just like me, she entered and handed her invitation to the butler on guard accompanied by the curious gazes of those who had already arrived. Even I saw some men in a formal dress watching her from top to bottom. And it made me subconsciously clench my jaw.

As soon as the invitation was accepted, another guard wearing formal attire removed the long coat that draped over her shoulder and put it away. That's right, the long black lace sleeves off-shoulder dress that reaches to her feet makes her look elegant. The low v front shows a bit of her stunning cleavage. The long slit on her dress rose to the middle of her thighs, revealing her white and smooth skin every time she walked.

Even though it was quite warm in here because of the heater, the clothes she wore would still chill her with the front door open. Therefore, I immediately approached her and greeted her. This wasn't part of the plan, but I couldn't let those mashers stare at her with eyes that stripped her naked.