Chapter 37

DANTE'S POV

I eventually looked away from Aria as I glanced down at the seat numbers on the invite in my hand, trying to make sense of the row and seat assignments.

They had arranged the seating based on net worth, a clear, unspoken hierarchy on display for everyone to see.

“Looks like we are in the front row,” Arnold said next to me, nudging me with his elbow. He was grinning, as if sitting in the front row was some great achievement. “Right up there where the big players sit.”

I nodded, trying to muster some excitement, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

The front row seats didn’t impress me much. They were just a reminder of the expectations placed on people like us, and the pressure to always be seen and never make a mistake.

Yet, Arnold, my oldest friend, was thoroughly enjoying himself. He thrived on the attention and the validation that came with being seated at the top of the pecking order.

We settled into our seats, the velvet cushions plush and ridiculously comfortable. I leane