Avery took a deep breath as she stood in front of the top-floor banquet hall of the Shengjing International Trade Center.
She knew this "G Group & Core Partner Signing Celebration" was, on the surface, a signing party, but in reality, it was a microcosm of the power plays within Shengjing's business circle. And she, a newcomer who had only been in the design department for three weeks, should not have been here.
But when Lucien said, "Come with me," without any further explanation, she followed.
Because she knew that in G Group, she didn't have the right to say no.
The crystal lights rippled like water over the golden carpet as she lifted the hem of her deep-blue evening gown, walking carefully. All around her were the laughter and polite conversations of corporate executives and their elegantly dressed families. She kept her head slightly lowered, trying to keep herself unnoticed.
"Miss Avery."
A warm, deep male voice suddenly came from behind her.
Avery turned around to see a tall, lean man with gentle eyes approaching, the tailored dark-gray suit outlining his strong shoulders. A faint, easy smile curved at his lips as he raised the glass in his hand slightly.
"Ethan, Vice President of Investments at G Group," he introduced himself with a nod.
Avery was momentarily startled before quickly pressing her lips into a polite smile. "Hello, I'm Avery from G Group's design department."
"First time at this kind of event?" Ethan asked casually, his gaze briefly landing on the faint blush at the tip of her ear.
Avery's fingers tightened around the strap of her clutch as she nodded. "Still getting used to it."
Ethan didn't press further, only lifting his glass slightly. "Don't be nervous. No one here is going to bite."
Avery was seated next to Lucien, while Ethan sat on Lucien's other side, separated by Lucien's imposing presence.
Lucien glanced sideways at her, his gaze deep and unreadable, saying nothing.
Avery faced forward stiffly, but she could still feel his gaze falling on her.
As the banquet reached its peak after several rounds of toasts, someone suddenly laughed, looking toward the entrance.
"Miss Leah is here!"
It was Leah, the renowned heiress of the Shengjing business circle, the only daughter of the Lin family. She wore a red mermaid gown that highlighted her slender waist, her makeup flawless, red lips striking, her smile carrying a natural air of superiority.
As she approached, the guests around her naturally stepped aside, making way.
"Mr. Lucien." Leah greeted with a bright smile, her voice soft yet crisp.
"Miss Leah." Lucien's tone was calm, his gaze lifting from his glass to glance at her before shifting away.
Leah's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered, her gaze turning to Avery. "And who might this be?"
"G Group Design Department, Avery," Lucien replied indifferently.
Leah's lips curved slightly. "Since when did G Group hire such a young and pretty designer?"
Though her words carried a smile, the atmosphere around them froze instantly.
Avery pressed her lips together and replied calmly, "Thank you for the compliment, Miss Leah."
Leah's gaze swept past her lightly as she took a sip of her wine, a cold smile playing at her lips. "I wish you all the best at G Group."
When Leah turned to greet other guests, Lucien spoke quietly, "Ignore her."
Avery nodded slightly, lowering her gaze to hide the flicker of unease in her eyes.
Throughout the exchange, Ethan had been quietly watching, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes before being replaced by a warm smile.
"Miss Avery." He handed her a glass of warm water. "Have some water to steady yourself."
Avery looked up at him, stunned for a moment, before whispering her thanks, her fingers warming against the glass.
"If there's anything you're struggling to adjust to at G Group, you can tell me." Ethan smiled lightly before stepping away to join another conversation.
Later in the banquet, Avery saw Lucien speaking with investors when he suddenly glanced at her, his gaze cold and heavy.
She didn't know what she had done wrong, but she didn't dare meet his eyes. She could only lower her gaze and look away.
As the banquet drew to a close, the night breeze was cool against her skin when Avery stepped out of the hall, phone in hand. She paused in the quiet corridor, the muffled sounds of laughter and clinking glasses fading behind her as she opened the message from Grace.
"Avery, I'm feeling good tonight. Don't wear yourself out, okay?"
Avery's eyes stung for a moment, the corners turning hot as she blinked against the welling dampness. She drew in a quiet breath, steadying her emotions before typing back.
"I'm doing my best, Mom."
Just as she sent the message, a tall figure suddenly stopped in front of her.
It was Lucien.
He looked at her, his voice deep, "Come with me."
Avery froze, her lips parting as if to speak, but in the end, she said nothing.
Lucien had already turned and was walking toward the parking lot, his steps steady and cold, as if this was how it was always meant to be.
And all she could do was lift her gown and follow him quickly into the night.