The luxury hotel’s ballroom shimmered like a field of stars. Crystal chandeliers spilled gold light across marble floors polished to a mirror sheen. The air was thick with perfume, laughter, and the muted clinking of glasses, Waiters in white gloves glided through the crowd, balancing trays of champagne as conversations rippled from one cluster of elites to another.
Catherine entered beside Adrian, her posture elegant but her eyes quietly scanning the ball. She had attended countless events like this, yet tonight felt heavier, more dangerous. The smiles looked sharper; the compliments sounded like veiled threats.
Adrian walked beside her in a simple black suit, no tie, his calm presence somehow drawing eyes without effort. Though he said little, people’s gazes followed him not because they recognized him, but because of the quiet power in his bearing. There was an ease in the way he moved, like someone who knew the world could never shake him.
“Everyone here,” Catherine murmured softly, “has something to gain or something to hide. They exchange favors, trade information, and pretend to be friends. My grandfather has always stood apart from that, and that’s why they want to pull him down.”
Adrian’s eyes flicked over the room, his expression unreadable. “And you think one of this people are the one who tried to poison him before?“”
“I’m certain of it,” she said quietly.
Adrian’s gaze drifted – not just observing faces, but feeling. He extended his senses subtly, tracing faint spiritual signatures. Most people here were ordinary, tainted only by greed and vanity. But he could sense a faint residue of poison qi somewhere faint, hidden, like smoke behind a wall. Whoever had released it before knew how to
—
mask their presence well.
E
His eyes narrowed slightly. “They’re here,” he murmured.
Before Catherine could respond, the crowd stirred. A ripple of laughter and applause drew attention toward the entrance. A group of young men entered, their suits expensive, their arrogance louder than the orchestra music playing in the background. At the center was Liam Wharton, his confidence radiating like a performance.
–
Liam the second son of the Wharton family, a name that still carried weight in the city – was surrounded by admirers. His family wasn’t the most powerful, but they had influence in all the right circles. And tonight, his swagger was different – inflated, triumphant.
He raised a glass of champagne, voice carrying easily over the hum of conversation. “Gentlemen, allow me to make a toast. The Wharton Group has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Cole Conglomerate!”
The statement exploded through the crowd.
“The Coles?” one guest exclaimed.
“The same Coles who own half the country’s infrastructure sector?” another murmured.
“I thought they never partnered with smaller firms,” someone whispered in awe.
Liam’s grin widened. “It took months of negotiation, but the Coles finally saw our potential. The contract was signed this morning.”
Applause followed. People gathered around, eager to shake his hand. Compliments flooded in flattery wrapped
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In admiration. Liam soaked it in, his ego swelling with every word.
One man joked, “With the Coles backing you, even the Andersons might start showing you respect.
Liam laughed loudly, clearly pleased. “Exactly. The business world is about alliances. Once you’re tied to glants like the Coles, you’re not just climbing you’re ascending.”
His friends laughed with him, raising glasses in mock salute.
And then, across the glittering room, Liam’s eyes caught sight of her- Catherine.
She stood under the golden light near the far end of the hall, dressed in an elegant navy gown, every inch the image of grace. But what froze Liam’s smile was the man beside her Adrian. Calm, composed, standing too close for Liam’s liking.
A flicker of jealousy – raw and ugly
twisted in his gut.
Catherine. The woman who once turned me down like I was nothing.
But now, things were different. He was a man with power, wi
a Coles partnership behind his name. Tonight, she would finally see the difference between a true elite and whatever stray she had brought with her.
With that thought, Liam straightened his jacket, plastered on his most charming smile, and began walking toward her, champagne glass in hand. His entourage followed like a trail of shadows, anticipating a scene worth watching.
Catherine’s expression stiffened the moment she saw him. “Not him again,” she muttered.
“An old acquaintance?” Adrian asked mildly, though his eyes were already cold.
“Someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word no,” she replied.
Liam reached them and cut into their quiet conversation with forced cheer. “Miss Catherine! Still as radiant as ever. I almost didn’t recognize you beside… this fellow.” He gave Adrian a dismissive glance that lingered just a second too long.
Catherine’s polite smile froze. “Good evening, Liam.”
“Oh, come on, no need to be so formal,” he said smoothly, stepping closer than politeness allowed. “You look a little tense tonight.” He let his gaze drop deliberately over her figure before adding with a smirk, “If you need help relaxing, you know who to call.”
Catherine’s eyes hardened. “Watch your words.”
Liam chuckled, swirling the champagne in his glass. “Still fiery, I see. I like that. But you don’t need to be defensive, Catherine. You could’ve told me you were bringing a friend. Though…” He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. “Next time, maybe pick someone who fits the occasion.”
Before Catherine could move away, Liam’s hand brushed lightly across her shoulder, a mockingly intimate gesture that made her flinch.
That was as far as he got.
Adrian’s hand shot up and caught Liam’s wrist in midair – firm, unyielding. The movement was so fast most people barely saw it.
“Move back,” Adrian said, voice calm but edged with danger, “before you lose that hand.”
Liam’s confident smile faltered. The pressure on his wrist was painful
– more than painful and he struggled
–
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to pull away, his smugness cracking for a moment.
Then, trying to save face in front of his onlookers, he forced a laugh. “You’ve got quite the temper for sonicon. who doesn’t belong here.”
Adrian didn’t answer, his eyes glacial.
lam sneered, straightening his jacket. “Do you even know who I am? I’m Liam Wharton. Our comparry just
partnered with the Coles. You really think you can talk to me like that?”
Adrian’s eyes flickered a faint, cold glint that passed almost unnoticed. The corner of his lips curved, not in amusement, but in quiet mockery.
“Is that so?” he said lightly, his
Calm yet edged with something that made the air subtly tighten.
He released Liam’s wrist, letting him stumble back a step. His silence afterward was more intimidating than words, that faint smirk still resting on his face.
mistool But Liam, surrounded by his friends, x restraint for fear. His smirk returned, dripping with arrogance. “You should be careful who you offend,” he said coldly. “Not everyone gets away with it.”
“War
Adrian didn’t reply, only looked at Liam one might look at a noisy insect disdain.
Catherine, meanwhile, folded her arms, glaring.
– with mild curiosity and clear
The tension between them was palpable, enough to mak
nearby guests glance over.
D
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
