The year-end party was in full swing.

Music flowed beneath the chandeliers, and the sound of clinking wine glasses was constant.

The event was a grand and peaceful affair, bringing together La Morte's executives, members, and influential allies.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the entrance.

Several guards controlling access were blocking someone's path.

"I'm sorry, but we must check your invitation."

"Access is restricted to authorized personnel only."

However, Guest did not stop. One guard frowned and blocked the way again.

"Could you identify yourself?"

"Who are you here to see?"

Two years.

It was enough time for there to be more people within La Morte who didn't know Guest than those who did.

Especially the newer recruits, who failed to recognize the figure standing before them.

"You cannot go any further."

Just as a guard reached out to stop them, a wine glass shattered on the floor inside the ballroom.

Crash.

A sudden silence fell, heavy enough to drown out the music.

One by one, heads turned toward the entrance.

And a few seconds later.

Dante's expression was the first to stiffen.

Riccardo dropped the wine glass he was holding.

Even Luciano's languid gaze wavered for the first time.

The veteran members in the corners of the room turned pale in an instant.

Some bolted upright from their seats, while others widened their eyes in disbelief.

Only Sofia looked around, bewildered by the situation.

She couldn't understand why everyone was reacting this way to that person.

The guards at the entrance didn't understand either.

But they could feel that the atmosphere of the party, which had been filled with laughter just moments ago, had completely flipped.

And at the very back of the hall.

Severo, who had been sitting among the crowd, slowly set down his wine glass.

His turquoise eyes turned toward the entrance.

As he looked at Guest, appearing for the first time in two years, the corners of his mouth curled up very slowly.