The day rose over Washington with a soft and pleasant warmth. But in the shadows, everyone was secretly buzzing with excitement. That evening, a surprise party was going to shake some hearts. Daniella and Andrea were about to celebrate their birthday—but they had no idea.
Since early morning, Diego, Dylan, and Ryder had been overseeing the preparations in a grand hall luxuriously decorated for the event. The walls were draped in shimmering curtains, photos full of memories, strings of glowing lights, and a large stage stood in the center, adorned with white and gold flowers. Servers bustled around. A live band was rehearsing. The atmosphere promised magic.
Dylan had orchestrated everything. It was his idea. He wanted Daniella and Andrea to experience an unforgettable moment. Despite the tension, despite the pain of the past, he cared deeply about their happiness.
Diego, on his end, had ordered personalized gold records engraved with their names and the phrase: "Forever in the spotlight." He had them framed with glittering details. As for Ryder… he had spent sleepless nights editing a video tracing their journey—from their first improvised street songs to the biggest stages. A masterpiece of emotion.
But deep inside him… another feeling was growing.
---
At 6 p.m., Daniella and Andrea were brought into the hall, their eyes blindfolded. When they were revealed, a thunder of applause erupted.
— SURPRISE!!!
Their faces lit up, tears welling in their eyes. They stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed. The love, the effort, the beauty of the venue… it all hit them at once.
— Are you serious? This is for us? whispered Andrea.
— All of this? murmured Daniella, shaken.
— For you, Dylan replied with a sincere smile.
The music started. Guests danced, laughed, toasted. But this was only the beginning of the surprises.
Dylan stepped onto the stage and took the mic.
— Daniella, Andrea… You've always been there for me. No matter what. So tonight, I want to give you something special.
Two real estate agents came on stage with two giant boxes. Dylan pulled out a pair of golden keys and a small box. On the giant screen, two gorgeous neighboring villas in Malibu appeared.
— Two houses, for both of you. In Malibu. And parked inside your garages… two brand-new Ferraris.
The room erupted in screams. Daniella covered her mouth in disbelief, Andrea collapsed into Diego's arms, overwhelmed.
— And that's not all, Dylan added with a wink. Here's a little bonus…
He opened the small box: two checks for one hundred million dollars each ($100,000,000). The room exploded with joy.
— This can't be real! Daniella screamed.
— Dylan, you're crazy! Andrea shouted through her tears.
— You deserve it, he whispered, hugging them.
Then Diego took the stage. He handed them the two gold records amid thunderous applause. Daniella couldn't stop crying. Andrea was speechless.
But it was Ryder who completely melted them. He stepped forward silently and projected his video. Tender, funny, powerful images… Their first steps in music. The memories with Victoire. Nights of hope and tears of struggle.
At the end of the video, he whispered:
— I may not have much… but my heart belongs to you forever.
Daniella embraced him without a word. Andrea too. The emotion was overwhelming.
But behind his mask of friendship, Ryder discreetly watched Dylan. He smiled… but not for the same reason.
> "Keep playing your part, Dylan… Your time is coming. Soon, you'll fall. You'll regret what you did to him…"
Because in his mind, Victoire's shattered face never left him. And Diego had planted a poisoned seed, one he watered every day. Tonight was for celebration. But tomorrow? Perhaps… the beginning of the end.