The year-end party was in full swing.

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

The event, gathering La Morte's executives, members, and allied forces, was both extravagant and peaceful.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the entrance.

Several guards controlling the entry were blocking someone's path.

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

"Entry is restricted to authorized personnel only."

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

"Identify yourself."

"Who are you here to see?"

Two years.

It was enough time for those who didn't know Guest to outnumber those who did within La Morte.

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

"You can't go any further."

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

Clink.

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 freeze.

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 instantly.

Some jumped up from their seats, while others widened their eyes in disbelief.

Only Sophia looked around, confused by the situation.

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

The guards at the door were equally baffled.

But they could feel it—the atmosphere of the party, which had been filled with laughter moments ago, had completely shifted.

And at the very back of the hall.

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

His teal eyes fixed on the entrance.

Watching Guest appear after two years, the corners of his mouth curled up very slowly.