The gala should have ended when the orchestra played its final note, but for the elite, nights like these never truly ended. A private after-party had been arranged in one of the Zhao estate's smaller lounges, where champagne flowed freely and whispers turned sharper.
Sara wanted nothing more than to slip away, but Grace's hand on her shoulder steered her firmly into the glittering room. "Smile, Sara," Grace murmured through clenched teeth. "This is where reputations are truly made."
The lounge was filled with younger heirs and heiresses, each one polished and dangerous in their own right. Emily, of course, held court in the center, her crimson dress glowing under the golden light. She spotted Sara almost immediately, her lips curving into a foxlike smile.
"Well, look who survived the dance," Emily drawled, her voice carrying just enough to be overheard. "Though I suppose anyone could shine for five minutes with the right partner."
A ripple of laughter followed, soft and cruel.
Sara's spine stiffened, but before she could respond, a clear voice sliced through the air.
"Funny," Lina said, stepping forward. "I've known Sara since childhood. She doesn't need anyone to shine—she does it on her own. Though I suppose some people need to tear others down just to feel tall."
The laughter faltered. Heads turned.
Emily's smile tightened, though her eyes sparked with fury. "And who exactly are you?"
"Lina Chen," Lina said smoothly, chin high. "Daughter of Chen Industries. Perhaps you've heard of us? We don't mingle in shallow games, so maybe not."
A ripple of surprise went through the crowd. The Chen name carried weight, not as vast as the Zhao's or Li's, but enough to demand respect.
Emily blinked, momentarily thrown off-balance. She recovered quickly, scoffing. "Ah, so you're Sara's bodyguard. How quaint."
Lina didn't flinch. "No, just her friend. Something you wouldn't understand."
Sara's throat tightened, her chest swelling with a strange mix of gratitude and fear. No one had ever stepped in for her like this before — not since her mother's passing.
Emily, however, wasn't about to back down. She leaned closer, her voice dropping into venom. "Friends won't protect her forever. People like Sara break. People like me win."
Lina's eyes narrowed, her voice cutting like steel. "Then I'll make sure she never breaks. And trust me, Emily, I don't play to lose."
For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy in the room. Then Adrian's amused chuckle broke it. He had been watching from nearby, his arms folded casually.
"Well, well," he said, smirking. "I like her. She's got bite."
Ryan raised his glass in mock salute. "Sharp tongue, sharper loyalty. I'd keep her close, Sara."
Leo, quiet as ever, didn't comment, but his gaze lingered on Lina — appraising, calculating.
Emily flushed under the scrutiny, her composure cracking. "This isn't over," she spat, before turning on her heel and storming away.
Sara exhaled shakily, her hands trembling at her sides. "Lina… you didn't have to—"
"Yes, I did," Lina cut in firmly, taking her hand. "Sara, you've been fighting alone for too long. I'm not going to stand by while they tear you apart."
Sara's vision blurred. She blinked quickly, forcing back the tears threatening to spill. For so long, she had doubted everyone around her, unsure who was friend and who was foe. But here, in this gilded cage of lies, Lina's words rang true.
She squeezed Lina's hand. "Thank you."
Lina smiled softly, the fire in her eyes easing. "Always. That's what friends are for."
From across the room, Daniel watched silently. His usual calm expression didn't shift, but something softened in his gaze. He had admired Sara's quiet resilience, but seeing someone else step up for her — seeing her finally accept that loyalty — stirred something deeper in him.
For the first time, he realized Sara wasn't just surviving this world. She was beginning to build her own shield, her own circle.
And Daniel? He felt the unfamiliar pull of wanting to be part of that shield too.
Later, as the after-party dwindled and guests began to leave, Sara and Lina walked side by side toward the waiting car. Grace eyed them both with thinly veiled irritation, but she said nothing.
Inside the car, Sara leaned her head against Lina's shoulder, exhaustion washing over her.
"Tonight, I almost felt like I wasn't alone," she whispered.
"You're not," Lina said simply, brushing a strand of hair from Sara's face. "Not anymore."
And for the first time in years, Sara believed it.