RISE OF THE GREAT SULLIVAN

chapter six

The atmosphere in the house became calm but filled with tension. Erica and her family became surprised and curious to know who Sullivan truly is. The sudden change in things made them wonder and trying to search their mind and memories for who Sullivan truly is but their mind could not bring out anything.

Bella, who has never believed that Sullivan was worth anything, was the first person to break the silence by speaking out.

"I don't believe you Sullivan, you must have gotten the invitations from someone, you must have planned this with someone just to embarrass our family name or even worse, you must have stolen it!" She said in disbelief.

The already charged atmosphere in the room increased as Erica's family members began to believe what Bella said. They were ready to believe what was a lie instead of the truth that was staring right at them.

It was obvious and a common Knowledge that many people have no idea who the dragon General was or have seen him, only a few elite people in the society were privileged to see him or even get close to him, which means that forging the invitation or stealing it was almost impossible, in fact, it was impossible.

Sullivan looked at her mockingly and scoffed, "I bet that you are so used to stealing or using fake things or having fake things that you are so blind when you see original and authentic things." Sullivan said to a bewildered Bella as she stared in shock from the harsh words Sullivan just told her.

However, before the whole issue escalated and became more intense or turn into something ugly, the woman who had delivered the invitation stepped forward, her demeanor calm amidst the brewing storm. With a simple, yet authoritative gesture, she presented the invitation card, directing their attention to the seal stamped firmly on its surface.

"This," she began, her voice steady and clear, "is the original stamp of the Dragon General. These invitations are as real as they come."

With a graceful motion, she pointed to the seal fixed to the corner of the invitation if was a dragon entwined around a sword, the unmistakable emblem of the General. "This stamp is proof of its authenticity. Such a mark cannot be forged easily." Her words, filled with finality, left no room for doubt.

The room fell silent as the family members leaned in to examine the seal. Even the most skeptical among them could not deny the evidence before their eyes. The stamp's intricate details and the quality of the material spoke of legitimacy, quelling the doubts that had started to fester.

One of the elders in the family, the one who had slapped Erica, turned to Vivian to examine it because she and her fat husband already have the invitation.

"Vivian dear, can you please come check the seal and see if it's truly the original stamp of the Dragon General since you and your husband already have the invitation." He beckons to Vivian.

Vivian took one of the invitation card from the woman and brought out her own and leaned in to compare the two stamps. She looked at it and saw that it was the same.

"Yes, it's actually the original invitation card!" She gasped as she turned to her family members.

With the authenticity of the invitation no longer in question, the family's curiosity turned back to Sullivan with renewed intensity.

Erica, who had remained quiet during the exchange, felt a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

Even she had no idea how Sullivan could have secured an invitation to such a prestigious event.

"Sullivan, how did this come about? Even I didn't expect you to have connections with the dragon General," Erica asked, her voice laced with genuine surprise and a hint of concern.

Sullivan, however, remained a picture of calmness amidst the chaos. When he was asked to reveal his identity, his response was cryptic yet intriguing.

"Mr. Sullivan, can you please reveal your identity to us, at least let us know who you really are." Erica's mother said to Sullivan.

"You will see at the party," he stated simply, his tone neither defensive nor boastful. It was a statement that hinted at untold mystery leaving a trail of speculation in its wake.

The air was filled with a mixture of fear and anticipation. The family's earlier condescension had turned into a cautious respect, tinged with the fear of the unknown.

They were forced to accept the possibility that their judgments had been premature, that they had indeed been insulting a figure of significant power under the guise of an ordinary man.

Even in the midst of the different emotions and realizations, Sullivan's countenance and attitude remained unchanged. He was the eye of the storm, calm and unbothered by the suspicions and the sudden shift in perception. With a quiet confidence, he turned to leave, taking Erica away from the scene of turmoil.

The night of the party arrived, Erica's family, dressed in their finest, made their way to the grand venue, each member harboring their own blend of nerves and excitement. The air was electric, charged with the promise of revelations and the allure of the unknown.

For Erica and Sullivan, the journey to the party was silent, but the air was thick with unasked questions and unspoken thoughts. Erica wanted to press Sullivan for answers, to understand the man who had walked into her life and turned it upside down. Yet, a part of her relished the mystery, the anticipation of the reveal that awaited them at the party.

As they arrived at the venue, the grandeur of the Dragon General's residence was unlike anything Erica had seen. The towering gates, the guards adorned in ceremonial attire, and the flow of distinguished guests—all spoke of a world that was both magnificent and intimidating.

Sullivan, with Erica by his side, moved through the crowd with an ease that belied his earlier anonymity. Heads turned, whispers followed, and it became evident that Sullivan was no stranger to this world. The realization dawned on Erica that the man she had known, the man her family had doubted, was indeed someone of considerable significance.

The person anchoring the party held the mic and told everyone to be quiet.

"It's an honor for me to introduce to you all the Dragon General who you have all been eager to meet, only a few had seen him." He paused for the word to sink in.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome to the podium, the Dragon General!" He shouted.

Everyone was eager to see the dragon General and with shock on her face, Erica watched as Sullivan walked to the podium.