A GOLDEN EMPIRE

CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR

THE NIGHT SKY OVER LOS ANGELES glittered like diamonds, but inside Aurora's family's sprawling BRENTWOOD estate, it was the people who sparkled. Aurora's party was already shaping up to be the event of the year. Every senior at LA Prep, and even a few from neighboring private schools, had been talking about it all week.

Aurora stood at the top of the grand staircase, surveying the scene with a sense of satisfaction. The expansive foyer was filled with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Students filled every corner—draped across the velvet couches in the living room, dancing near the pool outside, and mingling near the bar, which was stocked with the finest selection of drinks money could buy.

Aurora was wearing a shimmering gold dress that hugged her frame perfectly, the kind of outfit that ensured all eyes were on her. This was her night, her domain, and she intended to reign supreme. Justin stood beside her in a tailored navy suit, effortlessly cool as always, keeping watch over the party as if he were a prince at a royal ball.

"You really outdid yourself this time," Justin said, a hint of admiration in his voice as he glanced at the crowd. "Everyone's here."

"Of course," Aurora replied, her lips curving into a smile. "This is just the beginning. It's senior year—we're going to make it unforgettable."

As she scanned the room, her eyes landed on a figure that stood out from the rest. Lex Montgomery. He was standing near the bar, looking every bit as put-together as he had in class, though now with a relaxed confidence that made him even more intriguing. He wore a casual yet sleek black button-down and dark jeans, a stark contrast to the more overdressed crowd, but somehow it worked.

Aurora narrowed her eyes slightly. Lex had been polite but distant all week—he wasn't the type to easily fall into the social circles of LA Prep. She hadn't yet figured out what made him tick, but tonight was as good a time as any to start.

Before she could make her move, Autumn sidled up next to her, handing her a glass of champagne. "So, are you going to make your grand entrance, or just stand here like a queen surveying her subjects?"

Aurora smirked, taking the glass. "Both."

Autumn laughed. "Seriously, though, the party's amazing. Everyone's talking about it. Even the underclassmen are trying to crash, but security's on point."

"That's the way it should be," Aurora said, her eyes still on Lex. "I think I'm going to go say hello to our new friend."

Autumn followed her gaze, arching an eyebrow. "Lex Montgomery? He's cute, I'll give him that. Mysterious, though."

"That's why I'm interested," Aurora replied, already heading down the staircase. "Keep an eye on things up here for me, will you?"

"You got it," Autumn called after her.

Aurora made her way through the crowd, greeting people as she passed, each interaction carefully measured—just the right amount of charm and control. By the time she reached the bar, Lex had noticed her approach. He turned to face her fully, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp.

"Enjoying the party?" Aurora asked, flashing him her signature smile.

Lex took a sip from his drink, something dark and strong. "It's impressive," he admitted, his voice smooth and low. "You've got quite a crowd."

"That's the idea," she said, leaning against the bar next to him. "I throw the best parties in LA. You'll get used to it."

Lex raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Confident, aren't you?"

"I prefer the term assured," Aurora replied with a playful glint in her eye. "But yes, I know what I'm doing."

He chuckled softly, and for the first time since they'd met, Aurora saw a crack in his cool exterior. "I'll give you that. It's a step up from the New York parties I'm used to."