The evening unfolded over Star Harbor like a soft velvet curtain, drawing the city into a warm, expectant glow. The Atelier radiated brilliance from the very first step inside. Strings of golden lights draped across the high ceiling, shimmering like stars captured and suspended just for tonight. Fresh lilies and gardenias breathed their fragrance into the air. Soft classical music drifted around the room, creating an ambience that felt almost unreal, almost holy.

Sterling Enterprise's invited guests filled the hall with a steady flow of conversations. The city's top businessmen had come dressed in their finest suits, alongside armed officials, bureaucrats, and powerful figures. The Wraithbourne family stood out among them. General Wilfred arrived in an outfit, Victor walked beside him with an air of authority, and Celina moved with a calm elegance that drew many eyes her way.

Everywhere, beneath the chandeliers, people whispered praises.

"He built all this at his age. Incredible."

"I thought the stories were exaggerated, but look at this. No wonder the president is visiting."

"That young man will be the pillar of the country someday."

Miles heard some of it, ignored most of it, acknowledged the rest. Praises were pleasant but irrelevant compared to everything weighing on his mind. The dinner was meant to be perfect tonight. His mother worked for years for her dream, and if anything made her smile brighter, it was worth everything.

The dining hall had settled into a polite hush by the time the convoy arrived outside. Through the tall windows, red and blue lights glowed like flickers of lightning. And then the doors opened.

President Maxwell Abbott entered with his small team of closely assigned service officers following behind. He carried a calm smile, composed and dignified, yet friendly enough to melt tension from the room. The gathered guests rose respectfully.

Miles stepped forward with Daniel and Elena.

He offered a confident yet warm smile.

"Mr President, welcome to The Atelier."

Elena stepped forward quickly, eyes gentle with warmth.

"Welcome Mr President, it is so good to finally meet you. Please feel at home."

Daniel gave a steady handshake.

"Welcome sir. It is an honour."

Maxwell looked touched.

"It is wonderful to finally meet both of you, Mr and Mrs Keller."

Just then two small figures peeked out from behind Miles and Daniel. Hope and Asher stepped forward holding a giant bouquet together. The bouquet itself seemed nearly larger than Hope.

Hope and Asher chimed in perfect unison.

"Welcome Mr President."

Maxwell bent down to their level and accepted the flowers with a bright smile.

"Thank you. And what should I call the two of you?"

Hope lifted her chin proudly.

"I am Hope."

Asher puffed his chest out.

"I am Asher."

Maxwell chuckled softly.

"You two have such sweet names. And you both look wonderful tonight. Very handsome and very pretty."

Hope and Asher glanced at each other, then beamed.

"Thank you Mr President."

Maxwell stood and looked at Miles with a fond smile.

"It is good to know that you finally found your family, Miles."

Miles returned the smile.

"I am very lucky, sir."

Daniel gestured politely.

"If you come with me Mr President, I will guide you to your table."

The guests resumed their seats. The hall settled as the evening deepened.

A toast was raised moments later.

Crystal glasses clinked gently under the chandelier lights. Staff stepped with careful precision, serving one dish after another. The Atelier's finest cuisine filled the tables. Grilled scallops rested neatly atop saffron cream, fragrant herb infused soups steamed warmly, fresh baked bread brought a comforting aroma, and Elena's special recipes were placed with reverent hands. Every guest was served with exact attention.

Miles sat beside the President as the first course began.

Maxwell took one bite, his eyes widening as if he had uncovered treasure.

"I never knew food in Star Harbor could be this delicious. If my wife discovers what she missed, I fear she may scold me for the rest of the year. Your mother is truly a remarkable chef."

Miles smiled gently.

"It is her dream restaurant. It took many years for her to finally open it. Now she is very happy. And honestly, thank you for accepting our dinner invitation. This means everything to her. People look up to you, and to have you here in our family's restaurant is… an accomplishment that she will never forget."

Maxwell chuckled.

"You finally speak your heart, Miles. Good. Though you were never officially a soldier, you contributed more to this country than most men who wear a badge. People may never know your deeds, and perhaps that is for the best. I gave you the honorary general rank knowing you would never misuse it. Power is a dangerous thing, but you carry it with clean hands."

Miles lowered his gaze slightly.

"I appreciate your trust, Mr President."

Maxwell leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"And remember what I told you this morning. The thing left by your ancestors is not just a legend. It belongs to the Sterling bloodline. You have the right to it. And you must be cautious. The Treasure Hunters have been disbanded for years, but that does not mean their roots have gone quiet. Some of them still have eyes fixed on the Sterling legacy. My permissions are open to you. Use your privileges as a general whenever necessary."

Miles nodded.

"I understand Mr President. I will take care of it."

Daniel and Elena approached the table after checking the kitchen. The twins joined them shortly after, nibbling chocolates given by the staff. Guests laughed softly as little Asher hopped on his toes trying to look taller in his suit.

Dinner continued with warm conversations filling the room. President Maxwell spoke to more guests, including General Wilfred. Elena's eyes glowed with pride as she watched everyone enjoy her dishes. Daniel whispered jokes that made both Hope and Asher laugh so loudly that even the president turned to smile at them.

Eventually the dinner drew to a close.

The President thanked the family personally.

"I will remember tonight. Your family is a treasure of this city."

Hope hugged Elena's leg, Asher tried to salute the President, and Maxwell returned it with a gentle pat on his shoulder.

The family said goodbye to each guest. Celina's family approached too. Victor shook Miles's hand firmly. Celina waved softly with a warm smile.

The Atelier's lights dimmed into a golden glow as the evening ended.

The President departed soon after.

Miles felt a rare calm settle over his heart.

Miles stepped back into the restaurant. The Atelier was no longer glowing under chandeliers and laughter, but instead held a quiet warmth as the staff began clearing tables, rolling away carts, stacking dishes, and sweeping the polished floors. Their movements were tired yet satisfied. The day had been long. The preparation had been endless. And tonight had been perfect.

Miles picked up a glass and a spoon. He tapped the rim gently.

A clear ring echoed through the hall.

Everyone looked up. The cleaners paused, the waiters halted mid step, the chefs peeked from the kitchen doorway with tired but curious eyes. The security in charge stepped closer. In seconds, the entire staff gathered around him. Elena, Daniel, Hope, and Asher stood beside Miles.

Miles looked at all of them, his eyes soft with gratitude.

He took a breath and raised his voice slightly.

"I want you all to stop working for a moment and listen."

The room fell completely silent.

"I know the last few days have been exhausting. Many of you worked long hours in the kitchen, some of you barely slept, some spent entire days arranging designs, making plans, fixing mistakes, adjusting lights, or cleaning every inch of this place. All of this effort was for a single evening."

He paused, letting the truth of it settle.

"But what an evening it was. Tonight was important. Not just because the President came. Not just because the whole city had eyes on us. Tonight mattered because it was a dream come true. A dream that belongs to my mother. And every single person in this room helped her achieve it."

The staff smiled, some trying to hide their emotions. The chefs looked proudly at one another.

Miles continued.

"I saw every detail today. The polished silver, the perfect servings, the care you gave every plate, the speed in your steps, the patience in your voices. You were flawless. And because of your hard work, the Atelier shined. You made this place look alive. You made my mother happy. And that alone is priceless."

People exchanged soft glances. A few teared up.

"So listen carefully," Miles said. "As a reward for everything you have done, every single staff member here will receive a five day vacation with your families. The Atelier will remain closed for an entire week. Travel, rest, or simply sleep until noon. You have earned it. The trip arrangements will be handled by Sterling Enterprises. All expenses covered."

A wave of cheers erupted.

The chefs clapped. The waiters cheered louder. Some of the cleaning staff gasped and covered their mouths. Hope clapped excitedly because everyone else did. Asher declared loudly,

"You all deserve it."

Elena stepped forward, her voice warm and filled with sincerity.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. Truly."

The applause grew louder, echoing around the hall until it felt as if the walls themselves were smiling.

Just then, Miles's phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen.

Adam.

Miles stepped aside and answered.

"Adam?"

Adam's voice came through, sharp and serious.

"You need to come here immediately."

Miles felt a shift in the air.

"What happened?"

"We have the sniper in our custody," Adam said. "The one who tried to infiltrate us earlier."

Miles tensed.

"Was he targeting the President?"

Adam exhaled, the sound heavy.

"No. The President was not the target."

Miles felt his blood run still.

"Then who?"

Adam replied in a quiet, unsettling tone.

"You. You were the target."

To be continued…