CH- 17

CH- 17
Nathan’s POV

I must have envisioned this moment in my life a thousand times. This wasn’t my first tech launch, and it certainly wouldn’t be my last.

But tonight… tonight was different. It felt personal, like the culmination of every late night, every sleepless weekend, every ounce of sweat I’d poured into building something from nothing.

Only Lucas knew why this one meant more to me than all the others combined.

The hall was stunning—elegant chandeliers casting soft light over fifty carefully selected guests, all potential investors.

This wasn’t just about showcasing our product; it was about securing the future of everything we’d worked for.

A tech launch wasn’t some fancy dinner party or celebratory gala—it was a pitch. Without investors, your products were practically worthless. And if there was one thing I’d learned over the years, it was that money talks louder than anything else.

I looked immaculate, as always. Freshly showered, dressed in a tailored suit that screamed power and precision.

Women around the room gave me bold looks, their eyes lingering a little too long. Normally, I might have indulged them, but not tonight. Tonight was business.

The tension I’d carried for years could wait until later. Right now, I needed focus. And maybe, just maybe, when the dust settled, I’d find myself a woman to take back to my suite. But that was for later.

As the host, I made sure to mingle with the crowd, offering snippets of insight into why our products were revolutionary.

My eloquence came naturally, but what truly captivated people was my passion. You couldn’t fake that kind of energy.

When I spoke, heads turned, ears perked up, and wallets opened.

Together with Lucas, I eventually drifted toward the bar section.

I didn’t do anything halfway, and tonight was no exception. Every drink served was top-shelf—the best the city had to offer.

After tasting one shot, I was convinced they’d earned their place here.

“Aren’t we supposed to feel tense?” Lucas whispered beside me, careful not to draw attention. “I mean, we’ve been preparing for today for two years.”

I chuckled softly, remembering my first launch—the way my hands had trembled so badly I could barely hold a pen. How far I’d come since then.

“Don’t worry, my friend,” I said confidently. “What we’ve been preparing for is the pitch. That was months ago. These are just finishing touches.”

Lucas glanced around the room, his expression thoughtful. “Do you actually think this will be a success—as predicted?”

I smirked, taking another shot. “They’d be fools not to buy our products.” The liquor burned pleasantly down my throat. “Hmm, this is good.”

“Hey,” Lucas interrupted, eyeing me skeptically. “Enough of the shots. Let’s take a stroll.”

Before we could move, Amelia appeared before us. Her greeting was directed at Lucas, which didn’t surprise me. She rarely acknowledged me unless absolutely necessary.

“Hey, Ames,” Lucas greeted warmly. “You look dashing. Are you enjoying your evening?”

She did look striking—a black sequined gown that hugged her figure perfectly. The low-cut shoulder design exposed her nape, while a daring slit ran from thigh to hem.

For once, she seemed to command attention, though I doubted she was used to it.

“Surprisingly so, thank you,” she replied with a small smile. “You?”

Lucas shrugged. “Oh, you know, I’m not much for crowds. I’d rather be in a dark room coding.”

“I bet,” she laughed lightly, then turned and walked away without so much as glancing at me.

Lucas shot me a disapproving look. “It’s rude to ignore a beautiful lady like that. Besides, she’s a hardworking staff member of yours.”

“That’s what she’s paid to do,” I muttered, my words already starting to slur. Something about the drinks tonight felt… off.

“Are you okay, man?” Lucas asked, concern creeping into his voice. He steadied me as I wavered slightly. “Did you have too much to drink? You never could handle your liquor.”

I tried to shake off the haze clouding my mind, but it was no use. The room spun, and suddenly, I wasn’t standing in the bustling hall anymore.

I was back in my childhood home, hearing Lucas’s voice echo faintly from somewhere far away. “I wonder what they put in this drink…”

“Come on,” Lucas said firmly, guiding me toward the elevator. “Let me take you to your suite. The launch is almost done anyway.”

By the time we reached the penthouse, my legs felt like jelly. Leaning heavily on Lucas, I collapsed onto the bed as soon as we entered the suite.

“I’ll be back to check on you later,” he said gently. “Just rest, okay?”

I managed a weak groan in response before darkness swallowed me whole.

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When I woke up, the world hit me like a freight train. My head pounded mercilessingly, and a deep sense of dread coiled in my gut.

As I forced myself to sit up, I felt something cold and heavy beside me. Slowly, I turned my head—and froze.

A lifeless body lay next to me. Blonde hair fanned across the pillow, her vacant eyes staring blankly at the wall.

Panic clawed its way up my throat, choking me. Who was she? How had she ended up here? And why couldn’t I remember a damn thing?

Desperation gripped me as I searched my foggy memory for answers. Then I saw it—a faint tattoo on her arm.

Something about it tugged at the edges of recognition, sending a chill racing down my spine.

My stomach churned violently.

What did it mean?

Was I involved in her death?

And most importantly, why couldn’t I remember a damn thing even my name?