Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 126: Invitation

The fire in Arthur’s private study crackled softly, casting playful shadows that danced across the walls.

He sat at his sleek obsidian desk, swirling a glass of rich red wine in one hand while gazing thoughtfully at Evolon, the AI with an ethereal blue visage.

Arthur had long dreamed of acquiring an Exascale Quantum Computer for Evolon, but his current circumstances made that dream seem impossible.

Sure, he could buy it from the system mall,if only he had a place to put it! After all, Evolon had just mentioned that such a machine is "the size of the moon."

With a frustrated shake of his head and a deep sigh, Arthur pondered his predicament.

Just then, Evolon’s voice broke through his thoughts: "You have an incoming priority message."

Without looking up, Arthur asked faintly, "From where?"

"Neo-Luminara Municipal Office. Marked as mayoral correspondence," Evolon replied quickly.

Arthur paused for a moment, setting down his glass and raising an eyebrow. "Play it!"

The screen shimmered to life as a golden 3D invitation unfolded before him. Elegant script burned into existence:

Oiffce Of The Mayot Of Neo-Luminara

Honorable Damien Armitage

Cordially Invites

Arthur Osborn

ToHos 50th Birthday Gala

January 6, 2027 | 8:00 PM

Neo-Luminara Grand Ballroom

Black Tie Required

Arthur stared at the shimmering text, confusion knitting his brow. "What the hell is this?"

Evolon’s form rippled slightly as he responded calmly: "Scanned for traps. No digital toxins or tracking algorithms,just... an invitation."

Leaning back in his chair with fingers steepled beneath his chin, Arthur mused aloud: "But I’ve never met the mayor before! I’ve never done business with him or had any dealings whatsoever! In fact, if not for this invitation, I wouldn’t even know that the mayor of Neo-Luminara is named Damien Armritage. So why would he invite me?"

"But you have met someone connected to him," Evolon interjected smoothly.

Arthur narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Oh? Who?"

"Jessica Armitage."

The name hung in the air like a thunderclap. Arthur’s fingers froze mid-tap against his glass. "The policewoman?" he exclaimed incredulously. "You mean that big-breasted troublemaker who was causing issues for us with Chief Tom?!"

"Yes sir," Evolon confirmed without missing a beat. "Background check reveals she is the mayor’s daughter, his only child."

Arthur let out a sharp exhale through his nose, his surprise evident as he muttered, "No wonder she was so arrogant back then, she’s the mayor’s only daughter!" He couldn’t believe that the infuriating policewoman, Jessica, was connected to such power.

"Wait a minute," he thought, piecing it all together. "If the mayor invited me and Jessica is his daughter then he must already know about the grudge between me and his daughter. So why would he want me there?"

As if on cue, Evolon’s form shifted, pulling up multiple data streams with ease. "Three possible scenarios," it began. "One: This could be a reconnaissance play, bringing you into a controlled environment to assess you personally. Two: Jessica has convinced him you’re a threat, and this is an elaborate trap. Three..." Evolon paused dramatically before continuing, "...he genuinely wants you at his birthday party!"

Arthur swirled his drink thoughtfully; the red liquid danced in the glass like a mischievous smile. "I can see how the first two options make sense," he replied slowly. "But that last one? Nah..."

Leaning forward with narrowed eyes, Arthur’s mind raced with possibilities. "What if he’s colluding with that guy Christopher? After all, Chief Tom and that insufferable Jessica knew who was targeting my family but did nothing! If Jessica is the mayor’s daughter, it stands to reason that the mayor knows about our situation, and who’s really pulling Chief Tom’s strings: Christopher! What if the mayor is in cahoots with him or worse...one of Christopher’s men?"

Evolon nodded thoughtfully. "That theory holds water," it replied coolly. "Should I decline the invitation?"

"No," Arthur said slowly, a sly smile spreading across his face. "If the mayor wants to meet me, let’s give him a show! I want to see what game he’s playing."

"What about security protocols?" Evolon asked.

"Standard sweep, no weapons; he’ll expect that." Arthur’s smile turned razor-sharp as another thought struck him. "And have my second aunt prepare a gift, a watch will do just fine."

He raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly before adding, "Oh! And Evolon? Dig deeper on the mayor for me, I want everything from his voting record to what brand of toothpaste he uses."

Evolon’s form brightened momentarily in response to Arthur’s request. "Already compiling! His entire digital history will be ready for you by dawn."

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The grand dining hall of the Osborn mansion shimmered under the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, their light casting playful reflections on polished silver and exquisite china.

The mouthwatering aroma of roasted duck and truffle-infused mashed potatoes wafted through the air as Arthur stepped in last, adjusting his cufflinks with a hint of irritation.

"Finally decided to join us?" Julian, his first uncle, flashed a grin that made his salt-and-pepper beard twitch with amusement as he gestured with his wine glass. "We were about to send out a search party!"

Arthur settled into the head seat at the table. "Apologies. I was buried in security reports from the Noctis operations."

Nathaniel chuckled while expertly carving into his steak. "Always working, this one! At this rate, you’ll turn into a spreadsheet before you hit forty!"

Richard, the quietest of the trio, nodded in greeting but quickly returned to his meal.

Ashley playfully kicked Arthur’s shin beneath the table. "You’re late! I devoured all the crab cakes!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow at the still-full platter nearby. "Clearly."

"So," Julian began, swirling his wine like a connoisseur, "I heard you got an invite to the mayor’s birthday bash."

Arthur’s fork paused mid-air. "Oh? When did you hear that?"

"The household staff gossip faster than light," Nathaniel chimed in with a soft chuckle.

Arthur took a sip of water before answering. "Yes,his fiftieth birthday gala is next week."

Nathaniel whistled lowly. "Damien Armitage? That’s... unexpected."

Richard set down his knife thoughtfully.

"Especially since his daughter has been trying to pin every unsolved crime in the city on you."

"That big-breathed policewoman!" Arthur snorted dismissively.

Ashley leaned forward eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You got invited to his birthday gala! The biggest social event of the season!"

Arthur resumed eating nonchalantly. "It’s just politics."

"Politics?" Ashley scoffed incredulously.

"Come on! The mayor doesn’t just invite anyone!"

Julian stroked his beard contemplatively. "This could be an opportunity; after all, he controls the city’s infrastructure budget."

"Or it could be a trap,"

Richard countered sharply. "Jessica has been gunning for our family for months now,she and Chief Tom haven’t given up yet! Now her father invites you?"

Ashley waved her fork dismissively. "Or maybe Daddy’s just curious about why someone keeps calling his precious daughter an idiot!"

Arthur smirked at that remark. "That’s probably the most plausible theory I’ve heard tonight."

"So, you’re definitely going, right?" Ashley pressed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Absolutely," Arthur replied with a nod, his expression serious.

Ashley clapped her hands together like a kid on Christmas morning. "Perfect! Then I’m coming with you!"

Arthur blinked in surprise. "No, you’re not."

"Why not?" she challenged, her arms crossed defiantly.

"Because it’s a political minefield out there, not exactly a social mixer."

Ashley pouted dramatically. "Oh please! Like I can’t handle stuffy politicians! Besides, you need someone charming to balance out your usual ’brooding CEO’ vibe."

Nathaniel burst into laughter at that. "She’s got a point!"

Arthur shot him an annoyed glare before turning back to Ashley. "Still no."

"Arthur~" she whined playfully, stretching out his name like it was a favorite song lyric. "I promise I’ll behave! I’ll even wear something appropriately boring and won’t embarrass you!"

"You literally can’t go five minutes without causing chaos," he countered firmly.

"That was one time!" Julian chimed in with a smirk. "You mean at the Moon Group gala when you ’accidentally’ spilled wine all over their CEO?"

Ashley waved her hand dismissively. "He was being creepy! I did the world a favor!"

Richard sighed heavily from the sidelines. "The point is, Arthur’s right, this isn’t just some game."

Ashley’s expression softened as she considered his words. "I know that... but you shouldn’t go alone! If Jessica’s there, she’ll try to corner you and make your life miserable. Having family with you sends a message: we’re not intimidated."

Arthur studied her for what felt like an eternity before finally relenting with an exasperated sigh. "Fine! But if you so much as breathe near the dessert table, I’m sending you home in a cab."

Ashley beamed triumphantly. "Deal!"

Julian raised his glass high in the air. "To family then! And whatever delightful mess you two are about to walk into."

As laughter filled the room and glasses clinked together in celebration, Arthur couldn’t help but allow himself a small smile, maybe this wouldn’t be such a disaster after all.