Many professional teams had tried to deconstruct and analyze it, but none had been able to crack it. This programming language had become a legendary and almost untouchable entity in the field.
When they arrived, most guests had already gathered in the banquet hall. Freya's beauty and elegance captivated everyone's attention upon her entrance. The banquet host, familiar with Johnny, greeted them warmly. Just as he was about to speak with Johnny and Freya, a new guest arrived at the entrance. The host froze, thinking he'd mistaken someone. The other guests shared similar reactions of surprise.
Freya and Johnny, facing away from the entrance, missed the initial commotion. However, noticing the sudden expressions of shock and excitement among the other guests, they turned to see what had transpired. After a quick, apologetic glance at them, the host moved past and approached the newcomers.
“Mr. Wilson, Mr. Becker, Mr. Davis—” the host greeted.
Freya's heart skipped a beat. A bad feeling washed over her, and she quickly turned. Seeing the arrivals, her smile faltered. The guests were Matteo, Harry, and Levi—but also Raven. Even more shocking, Raven wore the exact light purple, semi-sheer gown Freya had seen at the boutique the day before—an exquisite dress worth over three million dollars!
Raven's tall, curvaceous figure, combined with her powerful presence, made the gown even more spectacular—luxurious and ethereal, it rendered her alluring and untouchable.
“Matteo, Harry, and Levi! Aren't they rarely seen at banquets? Why are they all here today?” someone whispered in surprise.
“Exactly! What's going on?”
“Who’s the beautiful woman they brought? Is she Matteo’s woman? She’s so stunning, with such an incredible aura. She looks unapproachable, on another level. If I could have a woman like that, I’d happily lose ten years off my life!”
“But I like the one in the beige gown more. Her aura is pure, calm, and gentle. She’s quietly beautiful. I feel like women with her kind of elegance are rarer. Too bad she’s with someone, though. Sigh.”
At that moment, Freya overheard a voice exclaim, “Oh my God, that gown! I saw it yesterday and was stunned! The store owner said it was custom-made for a big shot’s girlfriend, and I’ve been wondering who that was. Turns out it’s Matteo! Three million! Wow!”
“Three million?!”
Freya slowly lowered her gaze. Seeing Raven in the gown, she'd already suspected it might have been intended for her by Matteo. After all, while Raven's Brown family business was thriving, spending millions on a gown for a banquet was currently beyond their means. For Matteo, however, three million was practically nothing. It was clear he'd put a great deal of thought and care into this. The gown, custom-made a half-month in advance, suggested Matteo had planned to bring Raven to this banquet all along.
Matteo rarely accepted invitations to banquets, a fact Johnny knew well. He hadn’t expected this. Even more surprising was Matteo bringing Raven. Johnny looked at Freya, concerned. “Mag…”
Freya offered a faint smile and shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Though initially shocked, Freya no longer cared. Many people had gathered around Matteo’s group, and the thick crowd between them ensured Matteo and his companions hadn't noticed Freya at all. Although Freya appeared gentle and composed, Johnny knew her well. He knew beneath that calm exterior lay a woman of determination—someone capable of taking risks and pursuing her desires. In her profession, as long as she had an idea and interest, she would pour everything into it, even if the result lacked immediate market value.