CHAPTER 120: THE ATELIER

Days Passed...

The city of Star Harbor moved with its usual rhythm, but beneath its glass towers and crowded streets, the weight of new players and new power could be felt.

In those few days, Sterling Security grew into a name that could no longer be ignored. Their marketing campaigns hit every channel—sleek billboards, digital streams, word of mouth from their first high-profile clients. The Wraithbournes stood as their crown jewel, but soon more followed:

Helios Financial Group, who entrusted their vault transfers to Sterling Security.

Aurelius Medical Trust, a private hospital chain demanding elite-level protection.

Ironclad Shipping, a logistics firm once plagued by raids, now boasting the Sterling’s men guarding their convoys.

Each contract sealed was another stone laid in the foundation of Miles Sterling’s empire, and whispers spread that Sterling Security was no mere company—it was a private force.

At the same time, shockwaves rippled through the corporate scene. ACE Group, a global titan, stunned the markets by announcing their expansion of the automobile business into Star Harbor. It was the first time ACE set foot in the city, and the news churned gossip in every boardroom.

What Star Harbor? Why open the gates suddenly after all these years?

The questions burned, but answers were scarce.

While corporations shifted their strategies, another dream quietly came to life.

The restaurant renovation

—once interrupted, once threatened—was finally complete. Elena had walked through its polished halls herself, hands trailing across the new counters, eyes glistening with memories of what could have been and pride for what now was.

She named it The Atelier.

Marketing for the grand opening spread across Star Harbor, the invitation cards and digital flyers carrying a refined elegance. "The Atelier – Where Tradition Meets Heart."

And as the week closed, the anticipation reached its peak.

Sunday night will be the time. The doors of The Atelier would open for the very first time.

The kitchen was ready. The lights were warm. The guests were already on their way.

Miles Sterling, quiet in his own preparation, had ensured the event would not just be an opening—

but a statement.

Sunday Evening – The Atelier

The Atelier stood like a jewel in the heart of Star Harbor, its newly polished glass façade glowing under strings of golden lights. A soft warmth spilled from the entrance, drawing in guests with the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread drifting into the night air.

Inside, the ambience was refined yet welcoming—wooden beams polished to a shine, elegant chandeliers hanging overhead, soft jazz music weaving through the chatter. Each table was dressed in cream linens, decorated with fresh orchids. The place was alive, buzzing with anticipation.

The new staff, clad in tailored uniforms, moved swiftly across the floor. Trays balanced effortlessly, greetings rehearsed with precision, smiles polished but genuine. Tonight, they weren’t just serving food—they were carrying Elena’s dream on their shoulders.

In the kitchen, Daniel and Elena moved in a whirlwind—Elena checking every plate, Daniel coordinating with the chefs. Both wore aprons, their sleeves rolled up, laughter and nervous words spilling between them.

Miles, sleeves folded neatly, stepped in when a crate of supplies needed lifting or a detail required fixing. Quiet, efficient, his presence anchored the chaos.

June stood in the corner with a sleek tablet, eyes sharp, directing staff like a seasoned conductor. One tap, and she solved problems before they even surfaced.

Dion and Flora had rolled up their sleeves as well—Flora arranging the dessert trays with elegance, Dion charming the guests at the entryway, his humor cutting through the wait.

Meanwhile, Hope and Asher ran from one end of the restaurant to the other, wide-eyed explorers. They peeked into the kitchen, poked their noses at the pastry display, their laughter ringing like bells among the guests.

The guest list was no less glittering.

Victor Wraithbourne entered in his crisp suit, Celina at his side in a soft blue dress, her excitement spilling as she waved across the hall. Behind them trailed her best friends—Becky, bold and stylish, and Rose, graceful with a quiet smile—curious to see the Sterling family’s restaurant.

April arrived, radiant in a floral gown, her parents with her. The warmth in her eyes was for Elena first, and the family she’d grown close to.

And then there were others—the polished faces of Star Harbor’s elite. Executives from Helios Financial, representatives of Aurelius Medical, the steely negotiators of Ironclad Shipping. Corporate partners who had placed their faith in Sterling Enterprises.

Later, Daniel stood by the entrance, handing over his heart, welcoming each guest with sincerity. His voice carried pride, a host in every sense of the word.

At last, the chatter dimmed. The crowd gathered near the front, where a ribbon of deep red silk stretched across the entrance to the main dining hall.

Elena stepped forward, hands trembling slightly as she held the golden scissors. Daniel placed a steadying hand over hers. Miles stood beside her, expression calm, eyes glowing with the quiet pride of a son.

June called the attention. Dion raised a toast. The room stilled.

With one cut, the ribbon fell.

The Atelier had been born.

The crowd erupted in applause, cheers filling the air.

"Congratulations!"

"To Elena!" "and family"

Celina clapped with infectious energy, Becky and Rose echoing her cheers. Victor nodded with rare approval. April’s parents smiled warmly, while April herself fought back tears of joy. The corporate guests shook hands with Daniel and Miles, congratulating them, already speaking of business over dinner.

Hope tugged at Elena’s dress, beaming. "Mom, you did it!"

Asher threw his hands up, shouting, "The Atelier is open!"

The sound of laughter, applause, and clinking glasses filled the restaurant, a night of warmth and celebration.

The Atelier was no longer just a dream. It was a legacy in motion.

Just like that, Sunday passed.

The night had been long, exhausting, but it carried the kind of warmth that made the hours feel worth every moment. Guests left with smiles on their faces, voices still echoing with compliments about the food.

They praised the flavor of Elena’s signature soups, rich yet delicate, the buttery softness of the pastries that seemed to melt on the tongue, and the balance of spices in the main dishes—comforting, but with a refined elegance. Many promised to spread the word, vowing to return with friends and partners. "Star Harbor hasn’t tasted food like this in years," one guest said, raising his glass before leaving.

April’s family finally met Elena. Warm introductions turned into shared laughter, and her parents expressed their gratitude for the kindness Miles and Elena had shown April. For Elena, it felt like her family had grown a little larger that night.

Victor Wraithbourne approached her quietly at one point, a glass of wine in hand, his voice deep with nostalgia.

"Long time no see, junior Elena."

The words carried history—memories of old ties and roads once walked. Elena smiled softly, bowing her head in respect.

As the hours wound down, the guests bid their goodbyes, each offering warm wishes for the future of The Atelier. Handshakes, hugs, and promises of return lingered in the air as the lights outside dimmed and the city quieted.

At last, only family and a few close ones remained.

Miles, Elena, Daniel, Hope, and Asher sat around one of the dining tables, joined by June, Dion, and Flora. For the first time that day, the Sterlings and their circle finally enjoyed the food themselves. Plates were passed around, laughter bubbled softly, glasses clinked. It wasn’t about guests or business anymore—just family, celebrating together.

Elena set her fork down, looking at each face glowing under the soft lights. Her voice trembled slightly, but her words were steady.

"Tonight happened because of all of you. This place... was once only a dream. But now, because you stood by me, because you gave me strength, it’s real. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This isn’t just my restaurant—it’s our Atelier."

Applause followed at the table—gentle, heartfelt, carrying more weight than the cheers of the crowd earlier.

And with that, the kitchen lights dimmed, pans stacked, stoves cooled.

The Atelier’s first day had ended.

A Chapter closed not with noise, but with peace.

Night – Pearl Villa

The villa had long gone silent. Downstairs, the house was dark, the lights dimmed. Only Miles’s room carried a faint glow, the moonlight spilling through the window where he sat, phone in hand.

Monica’s voice came through the speaker, steady as always.

Miles spoke first, his tone low.

"Mom was expecting you here today."

A pause. Then Monica sighed softly.

"Sorry... I’ll call her and apologize."

Miles’s eyes flicked toward the night sky, unreadable.

"So. What’s the matter?"

"The recent move by ACE Group—expanding their automobile division here in Star Harbor," Monica reported. "We’ve traced it back. Likely orchestrated by Silvey herself."

Miles leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees.

"And Luna?"

"She stayed with Silvey for two days," Monica continued. "Then rented her own apartment. Since then, her movements in and out of ACE Financial HQ confirm her direct connection to both ACE and Kyle Sterling."

The room grew colder. Miles’s voice was soft, but it carried an edge.

"Then it’s time to enter ACE. I thought I’d live separately from their world. But this is about Dad’s revenge now. I won’t strike all at once. I’ll tear him apart slowly... so he regrets every second of his life."

Monica’s tone never wavered.

"I’m with you, boss. Like always. Tell me—what’s your plan?"

Miles’s smirk flickered faintly in the reflection of the glass.

"Keep tracking Silvey. She’ll be the key to enter ACE."

"Alright," Monica said firmly. Then her tone softened, almost shy. "Boss... actually, my brother’s on semester break. He and some friends are planning a trip to Star Harbor for the beach."

Miles’s expression eased slightly.

"That’s great. Mom wants to meet him anyway. When is he coming? And how many friends?"

"Four total," Monica replied. "A boy and two girls with him. They’ll reach in the morning."

Miles’s lips curved faintly.

"Quite the equality."

Monica chuckled on the other end.

"Tell Chase to contact me," Miles said finally.

"I already did. He’ll call you in the morning."

"Good." Miles leaned back, eyes drifting to the stars. "Alright. Good night."

"Good night, boss."

The call ended.

The room fell back into silence, save for the whisper of the trees outside.

Miles closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Between family, enemies, and ghosts of the past—the night felt heavier than ever.

But he was ready.