FIFTY-NINE

IT WAS FINALLY CHRISTMAS!

And Jason Lyndon's "Legendary" Christmas Party was already in full swing.

The ballroom of the Avalon Grand Hotel glittered and sparkled, a vision of opulence and extravagance. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, reflecting the light from hundreds of flickering candles. The floor was polished marble, and the walls were draped in rich fabrics. But it was the people who really made the room sparkle.

Hollywood stars, tech billionaires, politicians, and fashion icons, all dressed to the nines, chatted and mingled, their laughter filling the air.

The band played a jazzy holiday tune, and champagne flutes clinked in celebration. The room was alive with the magic of the season, but underneath it all was a feeling of desperation, a sense of needing to be seen and to be a part of the spectacle.

The buffet table was a wonder to behold. An ice sculpture of a Christmas tree sparkled in the center, and around it were a multitude of delectable dishes.