Chapter 013: The Dawn Club

"Sera, what are you looking at?"

Noticing Seraphina staring upward with an unreadable emotion on her face, Zelda couldn't help but look up as well. However, aside from the various lights on the skyscraper that flickered to life as dusk fell, there was nothing particularly eye-catching.

Her thoughts pulled back to the present, Seraphina withdrew her gaze and offered a small smile. "Nothing."

The Dawn was the largest club in Seahaven—or rather, it was the premier choice for anyone with status in the city. It wasn't a place just anyone could enter; entry was restricted to members, though members could invite guests. Simply put, you needed a membership card to spend money here.

The Dawn had been operating in Seahaven for five or six years now, and rumor had it that fewer than a hundred people held membership cards. Their rarity made them a badge of honor, and those who could frequent the establishment were usually of high social standing.

Consequently, even though Seraphina’s vintage, dignified attire felt somewhat out of place in such a decadent setting, and her ethereal beauty drew many stares, no one dared to approach her. Everyone was wary of accidentally offending someone they couldn't afford to cross.

Of course, some recognized her. Seahaven's elite circle was small, and Seraphina was something of a celebrity. Unlike pop stars who appeared on TV, she performed at concerts and arts festivals. While such events were high-society exchanges with limited tickets, the name "Seraphina Pierce" was far more famous than her face.

As a lead member of the Starry Orchestra—one of the top orchestras in the country—and the youngest to ever join, her reputation was significant. A quick search would reveal a long list of titles. Moreover, she wasn't a total recluse; she attended essential banquets occasionally. Even if they hadn't spoken, many recognized her from a distance. However, being an acquaintance by sight didn't mean they were close, so most people simply looked and looked away.

Both Seraphina and Zelda noticed the attention, but neither cared. Seeing that Seraphina seemed fine, Zelda said, "Let's head inside."

As the third miss of the Zale family and someone who loved a good time, Zelda naturally owned a membership card. She didn't even need to show it; she was a regular.

Upon seeing her, the staff at the entrance greeted her warmly. "Miss Zale, welcome back! How many in your party? I'll arrange a private suite for you."

As he spoke, he glanced at Seraphina. When he saw her face, he was momentarily breathless. Working at The Dawn for years, he had seen all kinds of beauties, but none had given him this sense of timeless elegance. It wasn't just that she was exceptionally beautiful; it was her aura.

Seraphina had been to The Dawn before with Zelda and Finnian, but she hadn't been served by this particular staff member, so he didn't recognize her.

"Is my cousin's private suite available?" Zelda asked. "I'm hosting an important guest today; we can't be casual."

The Zales had many children, but only Harvey and Zelda had membership cards, and only Harvey had a permanent private suite. Even without Zelda specifying which cousin, the staff knew exactly who she meant. He looked at the ethereal woman next to her, assuming she was the "important guest."

"That’s unfortunate. Mr. Zale happens to be here today. Would you like to go to his suite, or should I arrange a different one?"

It truly was a coincidence. Zelda felt a pang of regret. Permanent suites were far superior to standard ones, and her membership level only allowed for the latter. Though at The Dawn, "standard" was still incredibly luxurious. She had wanted to treat Seraphina to the best, given how rarely she came out... but then again, they weren't strangers. Sera wouldn't care about such things.

Just as Zelda was about to ask for a separate arrangement, Seraphina spoke up: "Mr. Zale likely isn't alone. May I ask if it’s convenient to know who is with him?"

Zelda was surprised.

Why is Sera asking that?

Seraphina wasn't the type to pry into others' business. She and Harvey were barely more than acquaintances. Despite her confusion, Zelda didn't ask immediately, deciding to wait until they were alone.

She looked at the staff. "Yes, who is my cousin with? Can you tell us? If it's just a small group and not a serious business meeting, we might just join him. It’s not safe for two girls to be out alone in a place like this at night."

The staff member’s lip twitched. "Miss Zale, The Dawn is very safe. No one dares cause trouble here; you can rest assured."

Safety? A girl who comes here alone all the time is worried about safety?

He knew it was just an excuse.

"While I understand your relationship with Mr. Zale, I'm afraid our policy forbids disclosing guest information. If you wish to know, you can call Mr. Zale directly."

Seraphina hadn't known about this rule. She rarely came here and never cared for such details. In her past life, she always came with Solas, and there were no secrets from her because Solas was the owner of The Dawn. Had she known, she wouldn't have asked.

Zelda knew the rules but thought her family connection might earn her an exception. It didn't. She turned to Seraphina. "Should I call him?"

Seraphina paused. "...No need."

A lightbulb suddenly went off in Zelda's head. She thought she understood why Seraphina was acting out of character. Harvey was Solas Sterling’s best friend!

Zelda couldn't suppress her curiosity and gave a mischievous grin. "Sera, are you trying to find out if the CEO of J-H is here?"

The staff member looked at them in surprise. While the public didn't know the owner's identity, the staff certainly did. He looked at Seraphina with renewed interest.

Is this lady an acquaintance of the boss?

Seraphina shot Zelda a glance, her voice slightly stiff. "No."

Zelda wanted to laugh but held it in. She hadn't expected Seraphina to have such an awkward, shy side.

If you want to see him, just say so!

"Fine, fine. 'No' it is," Zelda said teasingly. Then to the staff: "Arrange a separate suite for us."

"Certainly, Miss Zale. This way, please."

Just as they were about to follow him, a voice called out from behind: "Miss Pierce?"