Home / System / The Reign of Zane Gardner / Chapter 4 - A Lavish Get-Together
Chapter 4 - A Lavish Get-Together
Author: Herolich
last update Last Updated: 2023-12-14 17:21:37

The charity gala was a lavish affair, boasting an opulent venue adorned with crystal chandeliers and plush velvet drapes. The elite guests were dressed to the nines in designer gowns and tuxedos, exuding an air of sophistication and wealth.

As Zane arrived, heads turned and whispers spread through the crowd. He made his way through the throng of well-to-do individuals, his tailored suit catching the eye of many. The doorman greeted him with a respectful nod as he presented his invitation, granting him entry into the prestigious event.

Stepping into the grand hall of the luxury hotel, Zane took in the scene before him. Soft music played in the background as guests mingled and sipped on champagne, their polite conversations filling the air.

In one corner of the room stood a small stage, surrounded by tables and chairs arranged neatly for the evening's entertainment. Zane confidently navigated through the sea of wealthy patrons, commanding attention with his mere presence. It was clear that among this crowd of privilege and extravagance.

Some people who saw him recognized him. A woman and a man looked at him from a distance, both familiar faces to Zane. She is his ex-wife, Nora, and her new husband, Morel. He didn't seem too happy to see Zane at the event.

“Nora, am I not seeing it wrong? Isn't that useless Zane?” Morel asked skeptically.

Nora turned to see what Morel was looking at.

"Really? That's impossible, right? How is he on this show?" Nora said.

The sight before Nora made her heart stop beating. She was still in denial that it couldn't be Zane, he thought.

But as they walked towards Zane and got closer, there was no denying it. Zane stood alone in the middle of a room attended by rich people. Nora took a deep breath and pulled Morel with her.

"What are you doing here, Zane?" His voice trembled with discord and anger. “Do you know where you are? This is not the place to see someone like you.”

Nora's eyes fell on the clothes Zane was wearing. She wonders where he got the branded suit and it is an expensive suit. He knew that Zane would never be able to afford it.

"And, where did you get this suit? Did you steal it? Even renting it you definitely wouldn't be able to afford it." She continued.

"I don't think I need to explain it to you." Zane said indifferently.

The tension in the air was palpable as all eyes gathered on the unexpected guest. The other partygoers exchanged whispers and curious glances, eager to see how this drama would unfold.

Zane's expression remained calm as he looked at Nora, unfazed by her outburst. His calm demeanor only added to her disappointment.

"Are you losing your mind, Zane?" He pointed at her accusingly. "What could possibly cause you to come here?"

Zane firmly answered, “I was invited here,” expressionless.

Nora's jaw dropped in disbelief. How could he casually come across this famous event? And why is Zane so indifferent to it?

"Hahaha," Morel laughed, Morel's finger poking Zane's face accusingly as he spoke in a disdainful tone. "Do you really expect anyone here to believe your bold claims? This party is filled with rich and successful people, not people like you. How did you get in here? By faking an invitation?" His words were full of scorn and bad taste.

Zane remained calm and collected, his demeanor showing no signs of agitation. "Please call security if it makes you feel better," he replied nonchalantly. “But perhaps instead of judging me based on my past, you should seek answers to your own curiosity.”

Morel turned to the doorman, sounding audible. "Hey you, are you crazy? You let this trash into our exclusive event?"

The doorman stood firm, maintaining his professionalism despite Morel's harsh words.

"But, sir," answered the doorman calmly, "their invitation is valid. They have a right to be here."

Morel refused, refusing to believe what was before his eyes.

"Don't be ridiculous," he retorted angrily. "I know this man. He is just a poor con man trying to pass himself off as a high-class individual. I ask that you remove him from this place immediately." His annoyance and disappointment were evident in his tense body posture and increased gaze.

Morel's face contorted into a mask of fury as he stared at Zane, his eyes blazing with rage. If I were your invitation card, he demanded with a sneer, I would prove to everyone here that it was fake.

Nora shook her head in disgust at Zane's courage. “You have no shame,” he scolded her, “you are not among us.”

But Zane just ignored her words, determined not to let their attitude get to him. “I don't need to prove myself to anyone,” he stressed. “If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of my presence here, please convey this to the organizers of this event.”

Without them realizing it, the invited guests directed their gazes at the three of them.

"Hey, did something happen?" someone asked.

"I don't know, maybe someone got caught faking an invitation?" The second person answered.

"Who? Is that man? From the moment I saw him, I wondered who he was. I've never seen him before." A third person answered.

"Yes, that's true. I'm getting suspicious that he really faked that invitation." A fourth person chimed in.

"You idiot, does he want to look rich and show it off on social media?" The first person to comment.

"Hey," someone intervened, he directed his voice towards Zane. "Never mind, get out of here before you embarrass yourself even more."

"Hahahaha," A mocking laugh echoed throughout the room as someone mocked Zane's nonchalant response.

"Did you hear that, Zane? I don't care where you got that invitation, it's definitely in your best interest to just get out of here." Nora said.

At the entrance, all eyes unexpectedly shifted to one figure stepping in with an air of confidence - Charles Scott, the esteemed organizer of the event and a highly respected 74 year old business tycoon.

Charles approached Zane with a warm smile and extended his hand in greeting. "I've read about you in your profile," he said warmly, "and I'm sure you will make a significant contribution to the business world in our country."

Zane shook hands with Charles. “Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Charles,” he replied gratefully.

The spectators could not hide their shock and disbelief as they watched Charles engaging in friendly conversation with Zane. It was clear that Zane had impressed even the most prestigious among them.

Charles's smooth voice filled the room, his charming smile barely masking the scheming glint in his eyes. "Please, enjoy tonight's event," he said before turning and walking away.

Zane, with his head held high, strode past Nora and Morel without so much as a glance.

"That's impossible," Nora muttered in shock. "How does he know Charles so well?"

Cecilia had warned Zane before that Charles was a close companion of his grandfather. He was aware of Zane's background, even though the details were only based on external sources and not related to cultivation matters. Charles, however, insisted on keeping his identity a secret from everyone.

“I didn't expect to have this much luck.” He muttered softly, he smiled faintly.

Zane sat in the luxurious chair provided for him, he ignored the shocked and confused expressions on Nora and Morel's faces.

"What just happened? How did he get that invitation?" Morel muttered to Nora, unable to comprehend the strange encounter.

"I can't believe this," Nora muttered back, her brows furrowed in disbelief. “He must have deceived Charles.”

Related Chapters

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 5 - Incident in the Charity Event

    Zane settled into the plush chair situated directly in front of the dazzling stage, eagerly anticipating the start of the show.As Charles greeted Zane, presenting him to the crowd, a buzz of whispers suddenly spread through the audience in a wave of curiosity about the mysterious newcomer. People were agog to learn more about Zane. His presence seemed to kindle a flame of interest in everyone present.Charles was an extraordinary individual; he was the wealthiest person in Sunhaven City and one of the richest in the nation. His immense fortune and prominent position had garnered him an immense amount of admiration and recognition among his peers and rivals.After greeting Zane, Charles walked confidently towards the sofa on the stage, accompanied closely by the young woman of twenty-five, Claire - his granddaughter.Her presence commanded attention; her form-fitting red dress clung to her curves in an alluring manner, her luminous alabaster skin illuminated by the contrasting hue. He

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 6 - The Cultivator's Secret

    Before posing his inquiry, Zane discovered that Charles had been a friend of his grandfather, as he had learned that his grandfather had been an exceptionally renowned Cultivator. However, Alfred had already confirmed that Charles had no knowledge of his Cultivating skills.Upon hearing the question, everyone was filled with curiosity, wondering who Zane really was."What did he say? He wants to treat Ms. Claire? Who is he?""Is he a doctor? I don't think I've heard of him before.""Doesn't Ms. Claire already have a doctor and a personal medical team who always accompany her wherever she goes? Why is he offering treatment then?""I think he is just trying to find favor in the eyes of Mr. Scott.""Hahaha, that's true. Maybe he's just a nouveau riche who is trying to get the attention of many people."Nora clicked her tongue in frustration, exasperated with Zane's actions. "I just can't take it anymore," she exclaimed. "What was he thinking, suggesting treatment for Ms. Claire? It's rid

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 7 - Energy Healing Warmth

    Claire, her face contorted with rage, turned to her grandfather Charles and asked, "Grandpa, did I hear this man correctly?"The doctor continued, his voice stern, "Mr. Scott, I think you should show this man out. It seems he's just trying to have some fun. Why does Ms. Claire need to take off her dress?"Claire, her finger pointed accusingly at Zane, declared, "You will regret daring to try this on me!"Zane replied, "I only need to inspect your back, and I won't do anything. I request Ms. Claire's assistance in staying in the room to ensure this."Charles paused for a few moments, recalling his own experience of Zane's grandfather's treatment. He then walked up to Claire and said, "Claire, I am certain Zane has no intention of doing any harm, and if you find his actions or movements to be suspicious, please don't hesitate to call for us to come back."Claire's fists tightened as she fixed her gaze upon Zane. "Fine, but if he does anything wrong, I won't hesitate to put him behind ba

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 8 - Blood Cough

    The room fell into stunned silence as Claire, delicate and poised, suddenly doubled over, coughing up blood. The shock was palpable, faces draining of color as all eyes fixed on the alarming scene.Nora and Morel, seizing the moment, burst through the crowd, their voices raised in a tumultuous blend of fear and accusation. "Look at what you've done!" Nora screamed at Zane, her finger jabbing the air towards him. "You're a monster, Zane! You've harmed Ms. Claire! You should be locked away!"Morel, his face contorted in fury, joined in, his voice booming across the room. "This is what your arrogance has led to, Zane! You'll pay for this. You'll rot in prison for assaulting Ms. Claire!"Amidst the chaos, Charles, with a complexion ashen and eyes wide with terror, rushed to his granddaughter's side. His hands trembled as he knelt beside her, his voice quivering with fear. "Claire, my dear, can you hear me?" His eyes darted frantically around the room, seeking help.The doctors, previously

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 9 - Debate Over Zane's Abilities

    Nora, her voice laced with a tinge of bitterness, stepped forward, unable to contain her vexation. "Mr. Scott, I think you are being too eager in your judgment," she said in an attempt to sound rational. "Zane is not the savior you make him out to be. You must not hastily deliver such flattery about his character."Morel, standing by her side, nodded in agreement. "That’s right," he added. "What happened today may be a mere coincidence. It is too soon to be praising him so highly. This admiration will not last long.”Despite their words, the room was still filled with the joy of Claire's miraculous recovery, and those present exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from disinterest to subtle disapproval of Nora and Morel's perpetual skepticism.Charles, maintaining a composed demeanor and with a measured tone, glanced at Nora and Morel. "I understand your concerns," he said, "but what I have seen today tells me that Zane's actions speak louder than any words of skepticism."Stan

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 10 - Whirlwind of Charity

    Sinking deeper into the seat, Zane finally settled into the luxurious comfort of his sleek car.Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and allowed all the exhaustion that had been accumulating throughout the evening to dissipate.The gravity of the night's occurrences seemed to dissipate as he sat there, taking in the tranquil purr of the engine and the tranquil aura of the dashboard lights. For just a moment, everything was at peace.“I actually did it,” He whispered to himself, a delighted smile appearing on his face.He was filled with gratitude as he had managed to put into practice the cultivation teachings he had learned thus far.Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere was disrupted by a loud screeching noise as Cedric abruptly slammed on the brakes. His wide eyes were just in time to take in the sight of several menacing black cars encircling them, blocking off their escape route."What's going on, Cedric?" Zane inquired, trying to conceal the anxiety that was quickly rising in hi

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 11 - Knife-Wielding

    Cedric's eyes widened with shock as he watched one of the thugs pull out a small knife from his pocket. In a swift, menacing motion, the thug charged forward with the knife pointed directly at Zane's back."Master!" Cedric yelled out from the car, his voice full of urgency. There was no time to intervene; the attack was happening far too quickly.However, Zane, empowered with heightened senses from his cultivation training, was acutely aware of his surroundings. As the knife-wielding thug crept up from behind, he was simultaneously being attacked by two other assailants from the front.Zane moved swiftly and with agility, using the two assailants in front of him as a pivot point and grabbing each of their heads firmly.In one powerful movement, he jumped away from them, his hands bringing the sides of their heads together with a loud thud.At the exact same moment, the thug with the knife failed to reach Zane.Unfortunately, the result was an unintended consequence: he had stabbed one

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   Chapter 12 Power and Persistence

    Under the dim, illuminating streetlights, a man dressed in a luxurious suit stepped out of his sleek car. His blonde hair glimmered in the faint light, and he leaned against the side of his car with a relaxed yet authoritative air. His eyes, sharp and discerning, were fixed on Zane, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The sound of slow, mocking applause reverberated through the quiet street. Zane Gardner stood his ground, his wary gaze fixed on the uninvited stranger. A rich voice, full of sarcasm, spoke up. "Hahaha, what an incredible display of combat, Mr. Gardner." Zane's suspicions were correct - this man had to be behind the attack. His voice remained composed as he asked, "So, you were the one who sent them? And who might you be?" The stranger's grin grew wider and he nonchalantly leaned against a nearby car, crossing his legs. "Ah, it seems my initial assessment of you was spot on. I am a well-known figure among the wealthy elite of this city, yet somehow you

Latest Chapter

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 299 - The Beginning of Forever

    The luxurious Four Dreams Hotel, renowned as one of the finest, gleamed brightly that night. Guests in glamorous attire stepped out of their lavish cars, wearing their finest dresses and suits. A red carpet guided them to the ballroom, adorned with silk drapes, crystal chandeliers, and exquisite white roses. The soft glow of the lights and the gentle hum of the orchestra added to the atmosphere of luxury and excitement. Every detail, from the dishes to the service, was meticulously prepared to welcome the special occasion of Zane and Claire's wedding. Claire stood in front of a large mirror, her magnificent wedding gown fitting her perfectly. Cecilia and Emma stood in awe beside her. “Wow, Ms. Claire, you look absolutely stunning. For the first time, I’m genuinely envious of a woman,” Cecilia chuckled. “Yeah, Claire, you're the luckiest woman alive, marrying Zane. You two are going to be the perfect couple of the century,” Emma added. “Is that so?” Claire looked at h

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 298 - The Proposal

    As the late afternoon slowly turned to dusk, the atmosphere around the island was calm and peaceful. The blue ocean reflected the setting sun as it dipped below the horizon. Guests were enjoying themselves, chatting and laughing in various corners of the island. However, at the edge of the dock, Zane stood alone, his eyes fixed on the horizon, savoring a rare moment of solitude."Zane," a soft voice called out behind him.Zane turned and smiled as he saw Claire approaching. "Claire, come join me," he invited.She carried two slender glasses filled with a bright red drink. Her steps were graceful, her smile gentle, as she handed one glass to Zane. "This is for you," she said softly."Thank you, Claire," Zane replied, accepting the glass.Claire looked at him curiously. "So, what are you thinking about, standing here all by yourself?" she asked, glancing at Zane’s face, which seemed more serene than usual.Zane turned his gaze back to the sea and smiled softly. "Look over there," he

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 297 - Beyond Victory

    The FBI team arrived at the location where Morano and Alessandra were staying. The head of the FBI also received a folder containing evidence of the crimes they had committed. Zane and his team had worked hard to gather all that evidence.After the FBI head opened the folder, he received a phone call, “How is it? The treasure I sent you is valuable, right?”"Lily, thank you. You’ve kindly ensured I won't sleep peacefully for some time."Lily chuckled, "Don't worry, you'll be safe."Since the case was gaining significant attention and involved several important figures in the country, the FBI head was receiving threats from various parties. However, Lily had assured his safety long before.Cecilia and Lily were enjoying their snacks when the news quickly spread, shocking the entire public."Ah... I can already feel a vacation vibe here," said Cecilia. "Ms. Lily, can you recommend an interesting holiday destination?""Hm... I'm not sure. I’ve visited a few private family islands. It

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 296 - The Ultimate Showdown

    Zane stood facing Morano at a close distance. Zane remained calm, while Morano wore a dismissive expression."So, are you sure you want to face me alone, young man? Hahaha."He continued, "I’m not even sure if your grandfather could, let alone you."Without warning, Zane darted forward, his body becoming a blur that was hard for the naked eye to follow. His teleportation allowed him to move at lightning speed, appearing beside Morano and delivering a powerful punch. "Today, I will tear down the empire you’ve built. In the name of my grandfather, I will destroy you."Morano managed to dodge the first attack, but Zane was already behind him in an instant, kicking him hard in the back. Morano staggered but quickly retaliated."Hahaha, young man, you’re truly naive. I will show you who I really am."Their duel grew more intense. Every time Zane disappeared and reappeared, he landed one or two hits. But Morano, with his extraordinary power, began to match Zane's attacks.Punch after pun

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 295 - Revealing Hidden Strengths

    Morano moved his face slightly and signaled for his two men to leave. They cautiously exited the room. Morano, who had been sitting in a luxurious swivel chair behind his desk, now walked towards Zane. They were face to face. Alessandra remained seated calmly on the sofa, observing Zane.She wasn't surprised by Zane's ability to teleport, as she had often heard stories about John Clark from her father, Morano. So, she wasn't shocked, but she hadn’t expected Zane to possess the same ability.Zane locked eyes with Morano and firmly said, "Don’t ever say that again. It’s disgusting."“Hahaha, Zane Gardner, I don’t know what John told you. But, yes, you two were pretty close. I was hurt—it felt like unrequited love, hahaha.”“Stop your nonsense.”“Wow, you’re braver than John, huh? He should’ve learned more from you, hahaha.”Zane remained where he stood. "I don't care about anything you're saying."“So, why are you here? Did your grandfather send you to surrender? Has he finally admit

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 294 - The Final Mission Begins

    Zane and Claire stepped outside and joined the others. Zane gave a speech, expressing his gratitude for the hard work and unity his team had shown. Afterward, Zane offered to grill some meat for his colleagues, and everyone enjoyed the party.After they successfully completed their first mission, Zane returned to his usual routine. The restaurant he managed grew more popular and busy, and as always, Zane continued to handle his office work with precision and discipline. He constantly strived to complete everything to perfection.Occasionally, Claire would visit him, and they would have lunch together. News about their closeness spread widely, and there were even rumors that they were getting married soon. They just laughed at the rumors, but they didn’t clarify anything either.After Zane successfully handed over Maretti, Harris, and Dominic to the FBI, he also had Cecilia upload all the evidence of their crimes onto the internet. The evidence was easily accessible to netizens,

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 293 - Caught in the Spotlight

    Zane stood on top of a building across from the FBI office. He had successfully completed his first mission, and to his surprise, it had been easier than expected. Maretti, Harris, and Dominic lay bound, their hands and feet tied, though their mouths were left free. The flashes from the cameras of journalists bombarded them. "Stop it! You fools!" Harris shouted, demanding the reporters stop taking pictures and recording. "Zane Gardner! This is all Zane Gardner's doing! You're idiots; you should be after him, not gathered here. We are the victims!" Maretti yelled. But their cries fell on deaf ears, as the journalists ignored them and broadcasted everything live on TV and the internet. The headline read: "The Biggest Scandal of the Century: Elite Businessmen Exposed as World Mafia Leaders!" Everyone flooded the comment sections. "What is this? What have they done?" "Can't you read the headline clearly?" "This is the biggest public deception. I always thought they were

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 292 - A Strategic Triumph

    After Zane successfully subdued the three leaders of The Crimson, he put on his advanced glasses, designed for enhanced vision. "Good job, Alfred, I can see everything clearly," he said, speaking into his earpiece. At that moment, Zane could see the busy city and a convoy of black cars. It was obvious that they belonged to Morano’s men. "Yes, Master. Morano’s forces will arrive soon. It’s best if you move quickly," Alfred replied from a rooftop.The sudden cut of the CCTV feed had already made Morano suspicious, so he ordered his men to head to the location where Maretti and Harris were. However, this was something Zane’s team had anticipated.Alfred was in charge of monitoring the area around the restaurant building. After Zane neutralized the mafia leaders, Zane, Laura, his stuntman, and Cedric tied them up and took them to the basement to load them into their vehicle.Meanwhile, Alfred was tasked with slowing down Morano's men from reaching the restaurant building if Zane hadn

  • The Reign of Zane Gardner   

    Chapter 291 - The Game of Illusions

    Zane stood tall before Maretti. As he pulled the syringe from his pocket, Dominic attempted to charge at him.However, his efforts were in vain. The fake Zane quickly intercepted him, and the two became locked in a fight.While the fake Zane was busy with Dominic, Harris tried to help free Maretti. He picked up a chair and aimed to strike Zane with it.But with measured reflexes and senses, Zane calmly lifted his right leg backward. It hit the chair that was thrown at him, causing it to rebound and hit Harris instead.Seeing Zane about to inject Maretti made her act. She tried to push Zane away, but her attempt was useless—Zane’s muscles were too strong.“I’m stronger than you think,” Zane said, cornering Maretti.Without wasting any more time, he grabbed Maretti’s hand with his other hand, the one not holding the syringe.Zane knew they had to act quickly. They were aware that their leader, Morano, wouldn’t sit idly by if something serious happened to his subordinates.At that moment