It had been two years since Selina first met her mysterious secret crush, who had vanished into thin air. Tonight, she was finally going to meet him.
She could hardly believe that someone like her, an ordinary girl, had received such a privilege—especially when he barely noticed her at the pub where she worked. Her eyes lingered on the classic invitation card he had sent her, and she brushed her thumb across her name printed on it.
Surprisingly, he knew her name.
The realization resonated in her mind, causing excitement and anticipation to bloom inside her. Her cheeks warmed into a subtle blush as she imagined their pleasant encounter.
Maybe she'd finally get the chance to express her feelings for him. After all, who knows if he might disappear again after tonight? She couldn't afford to miss this opportunity.
As the cab pulled up to the spacious grounds of the grand Cassius Hotel, with a stunning fountain flowing at the centre of the courtyard before the towering building, Selina stepped out.
Just as Selina prepared to move, a sleek black Dongfeng M Hero 917, followed by a BMW XM (Label Red Edition), pulled up and stopped a short distance away.
Then the driver hurried out.
Watching the driver open the back door, the occupant emerged, causing her eyes to widen in surprise when she saw who it was.
Her mysterious crush, Zane.
His dark, lengthy hair was slicked back neatly. He wore a black tailored T-shirt tucked into black pants, which highlighted his muscular frame. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, and everything about him amplified his striking charm, despite the cold aura that surrounded him.
Lost in his presence, Selina found her gaze locked onto his steely eyes as she flashed him a warm smile. However, he looked away without hesitation.
Her smile faltered.
What was that? Two years. Two years imagining this moment. And now—he barely looked at her.
The BMW's driver stepped out, breaking the silence with his low voice.
"Is that Hudson's second daughter? How could she look unattractive when her sister and stepmother are so alluring?" Noah commented as he followed Zane into the hotel.
As usual, Zane remained silent.
Noah turned to him and added, "She might not be beautiful, but sometimes people like her have the most beautiful hearts. So innocent."
Zane stayed silent, suppressing a snort at Noah's compliment.
Beautiful at heart?
He didn't believe she had any beauty within, especially with that monster's blood running through her veins. Besides, her appearance hadn't improved in the past two years.
She was still an ugly swan.
Selina followed them into the hotel, her heels clicking softly as she stepped into the ballroom's velvety ambience beneath the chandeliered ceiling.
Rich chuckles and animated conversation filled the room, creating a glitzy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Her palms suddenly felt sweaty as she walked past trays of desserts—and the dubious glances of the elites.
She reached for a glass of wine, forcing a smile as she whispered, "Stay calm, Selina. They're just people. Powerful, judgy people. But still people."
Drifting her gaze, she noticed a small group approaching Zane.
Selina scanned the group, seeing it was the members of the Everett family: a woman in her mid-forties with short black hair styled in a bob, a young lady in her early twenties with long dark hair, and a man in his early fifties, all dressed in their finest attire.
Her breath caught. What were the Everetts doing here? Were they close to Zane?
"Welcome home, Zane," came the voice drawing closer. The woman, Leah Everett, held a smile of expectation and a touch of admiration for his return.
"We're glad you're back. It'll be easier to work together now, with you here," added the man, Hudson Everett, in a polite tone.
Zane offered a brief nod, his expression unreadable as formality etched into his very posture.
"I'm glad you accepted my invitation." His crisp voice was deep yet detached.
"I hope our collaboration continues to yield outstanding achievements as we've aimed for," Leah uttered, recognising Zane as the new CEO of the Cassius Conglomerate.
"Sure, it will go just as we expect, as long as we work together. I won't let your trust down," Zane responded, taking another leisurely sip of champagne.
Leah and her husband, Hudson, chuckled at Zane's bold assurance.
"We have no doubts about it," Leah's voice carried a genuine compliment.
Recalling a relevant matter, Hudson said, "I heard there's a recent project at hand in your company, and my team is looking forward to collaborating. I await your feedback."
Zane adjusted his classic rectangular-framed glasses on his sharp, aquiline nose. "I've been so busy lately that I missed it. Currently, my company is working on crucial affairs, and we can't make rash decisions by accepting a new collaboration."
"I hope it doesn't take long to get your feedback," Hudson chimed in softly.
"Probably," Zane muttered flatly, making Leah and Hudson exchange unsatisfied glances.
Hudson wore a slight smile before saying, "You wouldn't find it disappointing. It would be a pleasure to be part of this new project." He stretched out his hand for a handshake, and Zane met the hand hanging in the air.
Noticing Hudson's presumptuous gesture, Zane slid his hand into his pocket and took a slow sip of wine.
The cold gesture stung Hudson's pride, making him retreat his hand awkwardly.
Leah couldn't let them shrink their excitement as she changed the subject. She turned to the young lady standing between her and Hudson.
"Clarissa, this is Zane. You've been trying to reach out to him for a long time. Now that he's here, say hi to him," Leah commented.
Clarissa's lips curled into a smile at her mother's antics. "Zane, it's been a while," she whispered.
"Mmm," Zane hummed. "You seem... well taken care of."
"Yes, Mother and Father are doing their best to take care of me. It's all thanks to them."
Leah and Hudson shared a proud smile at their daughter's gratitude.
Zane raised a brow, sweeping an intense stare across them. "I see," he mumbled.
Clarissa was not pleased with the way he was interacting with her.
"How can you be so cold to your friend after it's been ages since we last talked? Don't you know how worried I was?" she gently reprimanded, taking a step closer.
As Clarissa moved closer, she leaned into him, embracing him gently.
Selina froze across the room at the sight of that proximity.