Party on the rooftop

A luxurious penthouse rooftop in the heart of the city. The night sky is clear, with stars beyond the glow of the city lights. The pool shimmers under soft lighting, and the air is filled with the hum of conversation, laughter, and pulsing music. Guests mill about, dressed to impress. Others lounge by the pool and dip their feet into the water. The elevator doors slide open, revealing Harper, Elena, Lily, Ava, and Mia, stepping onto the rooftop. The girls are immediately enveloped in the thrum. Elena leads the way. She’s in her element here, her vintage dress hugging her statuesque figure, making her look like a starlet from another era. Heads turn as they enter, eyes lingering on the group, but especially on Elena. “Ladies,” Elena says, her voice dripping with confidence as she surveys the scene. “Welcome to the main event.”

Harper takes it all in, feeling a mix of awe and anxiety. The glamor of the party is intoxicating, but she can’t shake the feeling that she’s out of her depth. She clutches her clutch a little tighter, trying to steady herself as they move deeper into the throng.

Before long, a tall man in his mid-thirties catches sight of them and makes his way over. His smile is dazzling, the kind that belongs on a movie poster. This is Andrew Langford, the host of the party and a well-known actor. His collared shirt is open almost to the navel, and he’s wearing shorts to suit the season. “Elena,” he says, his voice smooth and warm like honeyed whiskey. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Andy, darling,” Elena purrs. “You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Andrew’s eyes flick over the rest of the group, offering polite smiles, but his attention quickly returns to Elena. “You look stunning,” he says as his gaze sweeps over her.

Elena smiles, a slow, sultry curve of her lips. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

“Care for a drink?” he offers, signaling to a server who’s passing by with a tray of champagne.

Elena takes a glass and lets her fingers brush against his. “Don’t think you can just ply me with champagne all night. I expect to be entertained.”

Harper turns her eyes away from the flirtation. Lily is beside her. The girl is always tense, the telltale sign of a young lawyer, but it’s different tonight. Lily’s hands grip her purse like claws. Then, Harper sees it. Across the rooftop, standing by the bar, is an older man with graying hair and a powerful presence. His eyes meet Lily’s. She doesn’t say a word to the others as she turns on her heel and walks briskly through the crowd. Harper watches her go.

“Did you see that?” Harper whispers, leaning close to Mia.

Mia follows Harper’s gaze, catching sight of the older man as he discreetly follows Lily toward a more secluded area of the rooftop. “I’m sure she’s fine. Probably just someone she knows from... work.” She grins.