The ballroom shimmered in gold and candlelight, the kind of decadence reserved for old money and new power. The annual Aurum Foundation Charity Gala was a playground for the elite—business magnates, celebrities, and political figures all dressed to perfection, each one trying to outshine the next.
But tonight, the star wasn't the chandelier or the music.
It was Liyana Xu in black satin, with a neckline that whispered sophistication and power. She stood tall, the hem of her gown brushing the marbled floor like liquid ink. Beside her, Damien Lu cut a statuesque figure in tailored midnight-blue. They looked every bit the power couple—unapologetically regal, quietly dangerous.
Reporters didn't dare approach them directly. Even whispers in their wake were soft, like prayer.
"Look at them," Mira murmured to Aiden from across the room. "They don't even need to try."
"They've always been like that," Aiden replied, sipping champagne. "Even their silence is loud."
Just then, a soft ripple in the crowd broke through the mood like a sudden gust of wind.
She entered in an ivory silk gown, delicate and unassuming, with a neckline reminiscent of vintage Parisian couture. Her movements were fluid, her expression polite, her posture elegant.
But her eyes—
Her eyes scanned the room with quiet calculation.
Qin Xieren.
"Who's that?" Mira asked softly, nudging Aiden.
Aiden paused, brows drawing together.
"No idea. But she walks like someone who knows who she wants to talk to."
She did.
Her gaze stopped—locked—on Damien.
Damien's shoulders stiffened slightly, almost imperceptibly, as he caught sight of her. Liyana, standing beside him, didn't miss it.
"You know her?" she asked without moving her lips, eyes still forward.
"Yes," Damien said calmly. "An old classmate from Stanford."
"Old friend?"
Damien gave a humorless smile. "Classmate."
Before Liyana could press further, Qin Xieren approached with the kind of grace that made her look angelic.
"Damien," she greeted, her voice like silk dipped in honey. "You haven't changed a bit."
Damien offered a cool smile. "Xieren. It's been a long time."
"Too long," she replied, eyes lingering on him—just a second too long.
And then she turned to Liyana with a perfect smile. "You must be Liyana Xu."
"I am," Liyana said, extending her hand with measured calm.
Xieren took it lightly, her grip warm. "I've heard so much about you."
"Funny," Liyana replied. "I haven't heard anything about you."
For the briefest moment, the smile on Xieren's face wavered—just a crack—but she recovered effortlessly.
"I'm just a quiet academic," she said, laughing softly. "I work in international finance now—mostly advising clients in Zurich and Shanghai. Damien and I used to be on the same panel back in grad school. He always had the most... ambitious projects."
Liyana tilted her head. "That doesn't surprise me."
Xieren's eyes glimmered. "He spoke about your company recently—Celeste. You've done extraordinary things."
"Thank you," Liyana said smoothly. "It helps to have excellent teams."
"And partners?" Xieren asked casually, with an arch of her brow.
Liyana didn't blink. "I build my empire alone."
"Of course," Xieren said, sipping her wine. "You strike me as the self-made type. Independent. Fierce."
"She is," Damien said, voice low and protective.
Xieren looked between them, the smile still there—but quieter now.
"Well," she said after a pause, "I should say hello to the Foundation Director. It was truly a pleasure meeting you, Liyana. Damien, let's catch up later, yes?"
Without waiting for an answer, she drifted away, her perfume lingering like the tail of a spell.
The moment she was out of earshot, Liyana turned to Damien.
"She's polite."
He raised a brow. "You didn't like her."
"She's too polite," Liyana murmured, watching Xieren from afar. "Like someone who's practiced it too long."
Damien slipped a hand to her lower back. "You have nothing to worry about."
"That's not why I'm wary."
"Then?"
"I don't trust women who smile like they already know the ending to a story they weren't invited into."
Damien chuckled quietly. "Noted."
Across the ballroom, Xieren glanced back—once—and caught Liyana watching her.
She didn't smile this time.