Chapter Thirty-Four: The Rooftop Reveal
The day began with a buzz of excitement when every employee at Pearson Specter Litt arrived to find a gilded invitation on their desks. The thick, luxurious paper was embossed with golden letters:
You are cordially invited to a rooftop celebration this evening.
Good food, good drinks, and a night to remember.
- A Friend
The firm immediately came alive with speculation.
"Who throws a rooftop party on a random Wednesday?" Rachel asked, holding up her invitation.
Mike shrugged. "The same person who buys Louis a yacht, Harvey a $2,000 bottle of brandy, and Jessica a chocolate model of the firm."
Rachel shook her head. "This 'Friend' is out of control. Are we sure this isn't some kind of prank?"
Mike held up his invitation. "If it's a prank, it's the most expensive one I've ever seen."
---
By the time evening rolled around, the rooftop had been transformed into an elegant paradise.
White-clothed tables were arranged neatly across the space, each adorned with stunning floral arrangements in soft pastel tones. Plates of gourmet cheeses, smoked salmon, perfectly grilled steaks, and delicate hors d'oeuvres were arranged on long buffet tables.
Scattered among the tables were open bottles of Château Margaux 2009 and The Macallan Rare Cask Black, each worth thousands of dollars. Soft, ambient lighting and a live string quartet completed the atmosphere, giving the event a level of sophistication that rivaled any gala.
Jessica arrived first, her sharp eyes scanning the setup. She paused near one of the tables, picking up a glass of wine and examining the label.
"This is insane," she murmured.
Harvey arrived shortly after, smirking as he took in the scene. "Well, they've got style, I'll give them that."
Jessica shot him a look. "Harvey, this isn't just style. This is calculated."
"Relax, Jessica," Harvey said, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "Whoever this 'Friend' is, they've got good taste and deep pockets. Enjoy it."
Jessica raised an eyebrow but didn't argue.
---
The rest of the firm soon trickled in, their conversations buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
"Have you tried the steak?" Mike asked Rachel, cutting into his plate. "It's like butter."
Rachel nodded, holding up her wine glass. "And this wine? I Googled it. It's $5,000 a bottle."
Mike whistled, glancing around the rooftop. "Who is this person?"
---
Meanwhile, under Donna's desk, Harry was watching the event unfold through a discreet charm he'd placed near the buffet.
"Are they enjoying it?" he whispered.
Donna leaned down, her voice low. "You've turned the office into a gossip machine. They're obsessed-and confused. Jessica's already working the room, trying to figure out who's behind this."
Harry chuckled. "Good. Let them wonder."
Donna sighed, shaking her head. "You know this is only going to make the investigation worse, right?"
"Maybe," Harry said, his green eyes sparkling. "But it's worth it."
---
As the night went on, the atmosphere became increasingly festive.
Louis stood near the buffet table, holding a glass of wine and looking uncharacteristically relaxed. "I have to say," he told Rachel and Mike, "this is one of the best nights I've had at this firm."
Rachel smiled. "It's incredible. But aren't you curious who's behind it?"
Louis shrugged. "Does it matter? They clearly want us to be happy."
Jessica, however, was less easily appeased.
She cornered Harvey near the bar, her voice low. "This isn't just generosity, Harvey. It's deliberate. No one spends this kind of money without a reason."
Harvey sipped his whiskey, smirking. "Maybe they're just trying to boost morale."
Jessica narrowed her eyes. "Or maybe they're manipulating us."
Harvey chuckled. "Relax, Jessica. Enjoy the party."
---
As the party continued into the night, Harry sat beneath Donna's desk, smiling to himself.
"They're suspicious," Donna said, leaning down. "Jessica's practically interrogating people."
Harry shrugged, popping a piece of cheese into his mouth. "Let her. She'll never figure it out."
Donna sighed. "You're impossible."
"And brilliant," Harry said, his grin widening.
---
By the time the party wound down, the rooftop was filled with laughter, empty plates, and the lingering scent of gourmet food and expensive wine.
But as the office buzzed with speculation the next day, one thing was clear: the "Friend" had once again left everyone at Pearson Specter Litt guessing-and thoroughly impressed.
