Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1486: Party

Two days had passed since Adam discovered the requirements for forging the Third Grand Star. Now, a small group was making their way toward their high-rise residence.

Adam and Silvana were fully prepared for their arrival. Silvana, in particular, wore a subtle grin as she surveyed the table, which was laden with an assortment of delicacies, snacks, and refreshments.

Her culinary skills were impressive, a result of the training provided at the Operator Academy. Such skills weren't reserved for women alone; Louis, who was expected for dinner alongside Alexia, had undergone the same training.

The spread was comprehensive, featuring everything from savory meats and fish to fresh produce and sweets. Crystal glasses were set out for champagne at every place setting—save for one. Since Trici would be joining them, and she was far too young for potent spirits, a selection of juice and soda had been arranged for her instead.

“Excellent work,” Adam said with a firm nod. “I’m certain Mom will show up with a cake, so let’s leave the center of the table open for it. I’m not sure about Alexia and Louis, as they didn't mention bringing anything, but knowing Louis, it’s unlikely they’ll arrive empty-handed.”

Silvana wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, performing a quick final count of the chairs to ensure everyone had a seat.

“Do you think we should have invited more people?” she asked.

Adam gave a casual shrug.

“Hard to say. This was a bit of a last-minute plan, you know? Don't stress over it; this won't be our final celebration. Besides, this place is massive enough to host an entire battalion!”

Silvana started to reply, but the chime of the elevator interrupted her. Given the astronomical price of their penthouse, the skyscraper featured an elevator that opened directly into their living quarters. It was the height of luxury and convenience, though it had cost them a fortune.

To their surprise, Louis and Alexia were the first guests to step out.

Louis looked sharp in a flawless black suit paired with a composed blue tie and tailored trousers. However, it was Alexia who truly stunned Adam and Silvana—she was wearing a short dress, a sight far more shocking than Louis’s formal attire.

It was a mystery how Louis had managed to convince her to wear it. Whether through promises or threats, the result was the same: she was here.

Step. Step. Step.

Alexia strode forward with confidence, her eyes scanning the room.

“Damn, where did all this credit come from? This place feels more like a floating fortress than a home!”

“Hey, it’s not so bad,” Adam replied with a grin. “Actually, out of all the properties we looked at, this wasn't even the largest—it just happened to be one of the priciest.”

Louis shot Alexia a look as sharp as a blade.

“If you didn't blow millions at the casino after every single mission, you’d be able to afford a place like this easily.”

Alexia winced slightly. That specific look from Louis always managed to intimidate her.

She recovered quickly, though, dismissing his comment with a careless wave of her hand.

“Our house is perfectly fine and we have plenty of money. I don't see why we’d need something this extravagant.”

She looked toward Adam and Silvana, offering a casual greeting.

“Hey. Good to see you guys and all that.”

Before Silvana could even offer a welcome, Alexia had already swiped an appetizer and a pair of shrimp from the table.

“Oh! This is incredible!” Alexia’s eyes lit up as she sampled another bite. “Louis, you have to taste this! Seriously, you need to get these recipes from Silvana!”

Louis shook his head in resignation and approached the hosts, presenting a wine bottle encased in a black box with a heavy glass lid.

“I’d apologize for her lack of manners, but since this isn't your first time meeting Alexia…” He glanced over at Alexia, who was currently aiming grapes into her mouth. “Well, you know exactly how she is.”

Adam nodded solemnly. He could certainly sympathize with Louis.

Silvana gestured toward the bottle in his hand.

“Wow, is that a gift? It looks very high-end. I bet that bottle alone costs a small fortune!”

The corners of Louis’s mouth turned up slightly.

“That might be an exaggeration, but you aren't far off. This is from my private collection. These are quite rare; the series isn't even on the market anymore. I’d estimate its value at somewhere between five and seven thousand credits.”

Silvana’s eyes went wide. She was aware that top-tier, rare alcohol could be expensive, sometimes exceeding twenty thousand credits, but holding such a valuable item still made her curious.

Adam, however, just shrugged it off.

“Heh, after what I just dropped on this penthouse a few days ago, that amount feels like pocket change. Still, I recognize that this is a unique gift.”

Louis nodded. “It is. I hope it’s to your liking. Furthermore…”

“Hmm?”

Louis suddenly produced a simple can of soda. It featured a cartoon character leaping through a hoop and a large cherry decal on the side.

“I know your family is arriving shortly, Adam, and that you have a little sister. This may look like a normal soda, but it’s actually a collector’s item. It was a limited-run promotional item for a game. I thought it would be a perfect alternative to wine for Trici.”

Taking the can, Adam let out a laugh. “You’re absolutely right. Louis, keep up these thoughtful gestures and I might actually start feeling jealous of Alexia.”

Silvana’s eyebrow twitched at that.

“Excuse me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Adam waved her off. “Relax, I’m only joking. Everyone knows a man-and-man dynamic wouldn't work—at least not when it comes to a Phantom and Operator duo.”

Louis didn't reply. He simply sighed and turned his attention to Alexia, who had already claimed a seat in the middle of the table.

“Having a good time, are we?” he asked, leaning his elbows on the back of her chair.

Alexia crossed her legs comfortably.

“Yeah, the food is great and I’m sure the night will be entertaining. Heh, I’m curious to meet Adam’s sister. I wonder if she’s anything like him? They do share the same blood, after all.”

“She’s only eight years old. I’m warning you now: don't ask her anything inappropriate. You don't want to deal with an angry Adam,” Louis cautioned.

She waved his concern away.

“I know, I know. Don't worry, I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise. However…”

Her voice dropped as she looked up at Louis.

“We didn't just come here for the drinks. Adam wants to discuss something specific with me, doesn't he?”

Louis gave a slow, meaningful nod.

“The Third Grand Star. And the conditions for it. That’s what you’re interested in, right?”

Alexia’s lips curled into a smirk.

“Exactly.”