The crowd applauded warmly.
"That's Daniel Ooman from Ooman Technology," someone whispered nearby.
*As handsome as he is brilliant.*
Another guest chimed in, praising his accomplishments. "Since he took over Ooman Tech, the company's growth has been unstoppable. He's made it even more powerful than it was under his father."
A well-dressed man leaned toward a small group and whispered,
"Ooman Technology isn't just some luxury tech brand. They develop AI-powered systems for medical data, defense, and secure corporate networks. Daniel took it global. He's not just rich , he's a visionary."
Several people nodded in admiration.
"Under him, the company doubled its valuation. They say he's one of the youngest tech CEOs on Forbes' top ten."
Meanwhile, Daniel walked toward Jade, ignoring the curious glances around him.
Jade tried to pretend she hadn't seen him, but he stopped right in front of her with a calm smile.
"Are you always this quiet when you're working?" he asked, eyes gleaming with amusement.
Jade glanced at him, barely hiding her surprise. "Well, I try not to throw drinks unless provoked."
Daniel let out a low chuckle. "Noted. I'll make sure not to provoke you tonight."
She tilted her head, smirking. "You sure like showing up in places I work. Should I be flattered or worried?"
He raised a brow. "Maybe both."
Still standing close to Daniel, Jade raised an eyebrow.
"You know, I actually got kicked out of the Butterfly Agency because I poured a glass of water on dear Mrs. Fontaine."
Daniel laughed softly, clearly amused. "You really are a case."
She gave him a playful glare. "Don't act like you're not impressed."
"I never said I wasn't"
Across the garden, Camilla watched the interaction with sharp eyes, gripping her glass tighter.
"What is going on?" she muttered.
Mrs. Fontaine, still fuming, replied, "That girl is the same server who poured water on me. And yet Mr. Ooman *personally* requested her for this evening."
Camilla's eyes widened.
"Daniel doesn't even talk to People especially not servers. And now he's laughing?"
She stared harder, jealousy and confusion stirring together.
Camilla's thoughts drifted back to the day before the gala.
Her assistant had walked into her office, phone in hand, looking nervous.
"Miss Baldwin," she said, "Mr. Ooman's assistant just called."
Camilla didn't even glance up from her schedule. "If it's about the wine selection, tell them it's already confirmed."
"No... it's about one of the servers," the assistant clarified. "He said a woman named Jade Lee must be added to the team."
Camilla frowned. "That's not possible. We've already finalized the list. Every server has been briefed, approved, and styled."
The assistant hesitated before adding, "He said his exact words 'If she's not there, the entire event is off.'"
Camilla froze. Her brows knit together, confusion overtaking her calm.
"Daniel said that?" she whispered.
The assistant nodded.
Now, watching him laugh with Jade, Camilla's chest tightened.
"Why her?"* she thought bitterly. "Why is he suddenly breaking his rules for her?"
.
.
.
Just as Jade was about to say something witty back, a familiar voice cut through the air like polished glass.
"There you are, Daniel."
Camilla appeared at his side, radiant in a floor-length designer gown, her presence commanding immediate attention. She placed a gentle yet possessive hand on Daniel's arm and smiled at Jade with a rehearsed grace.
"There are a few important people you must meet," she said sweetly, looking up at Daniel. "Investors from Singapore. They specifically asked for you."
Daniel's amused expression shifted into something cooler.
Jade gave a tight smile, tilting her head. "How sympathetic of you," she muttered under her breath.
Camilla turned, already guiding Daniel away with soft laughter and casual charm, acting like Jade didn't exist. The crowd parted for them as they walked, like royalty among commoners.
Jade watched them disappear into the golden-lit crowd.
"She's good," she whispered to herself. "But I'm better."
.
.
Jade sighed and turned to resume her duties, but she had barely taken two steps when a smooth, amused voice stopped her.
"You're the girl who splashed water on Mrs. Fontaine, right?"
She turned sharply.
A tall guy with tousled hair and an annoyingly charming smile was watching her with a glass of wine in hand, like he had all the time in the world.
"Excuse me?" Jade raised a brow.
He leaned in slightly. "I knew it. That fire in your eyes gave you away. Bold move, by the way. Most people only dream of doing that."
Jade blinked, confused. "Who are you exactly?"
He grinned. "Adam. I work under Mrs. Fontaine. But don't worry your secret's safe with me." He winked. "Honestly, that moment made my week."
Jade, despite herself, let out a small laugh. He was annoying... but oddly likeable.
"You're not so bad for a guy in a suit," she replied.
He raised his glass. "I'll take that as a compliment."
There was a brief silence between them, filled with the soft hum of the gala music and distant laughter. Adam looked at her with a little more curiosity now.
"You know," he said slowly, "you're not what I expected."
"And what did you expect?" Jade tilted her head.
"Someone loud, dramatic... a total storm."
She grinned. "Well, storms can be quiet too. Until they strike."
Adam chuckled, genuinely impressed. "Noted."
Before Jade could fire back another witty line, a familiar deep voice interrupted the moment.
"There you are," Daniel said, approaching them with his usual composed expression. "I'm heading out."
Jade blinked. "Already?"
Daniel gave a small nod. "You know how I am with midnight."
Adam glanced between them, his curiosity piqued. There was a strange, quiet familiarity between the two too casual for strangers, too fresh to define.
Jade raised an eyebrow. "Midnight Cinderella moment?"
Daniel allowed a small grin. "Something like that."
He turned to Adam with a polite nod. "Thanks for the company."
Then his amber eyes fell on Jade.
And just like that, he walked off into the night, leaving both Jade and Adam watching him in silence.
But Jade didn't stay still.
Without thinking, her legs moved on their own. She excused herself from Adam, ignoring his raised eyebrow, and walked briskly through the crowd toward the garden exit where Daniel had just disappeared.
The night air was cool, brushing against her skin as she stepped outside. Ahead, she caught sight of Daniel heading toward a black car parked by the gates, his silhouette sharp under the moonlight.
"Wait!" she called out.
Daniel stopped mid-step, turning slightly.
Jade slowed down as she reached him. "You're really just going to disappear again?"
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I say I always do?"
She crossed her arms. "You're a billionaire, not Batman."
That drew a short, amused breath from him. "I suppose that's a compliment."
She looked at him, studying his unreadable face in the shadows.
Daniel's eyes flickered, something unreadable flashing in his gaze. "It's safer that way."
"For who?" she asked softly.
He didn't answer.
Instead, Daniel stepped closer. "You shouldn't be following people into the dark, Jade Lee."
She stared at him, unflinching. "And yet, here you are, still talking to me."
Without a word, Daniel reached for her hand and held it gently. She blinked, surprised, feeling her heart skip.
"What... what are you doing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He leaned in, eyes fixed on hers, and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Go back to the party," he murmured.
And just like that, he turned, stepped into the luxurious black car, and disappeared into the night.
Leaving Jade blinking, her fingers still tingling from where he touched her, her cheek warm from the kiss.
why did it feel like she was slowly being pulled into something much bigger .
.
.
.
The morning after the party, Jade sat in the living room with her mother and Gabriel. Sunlight poured in through the window, casting soft shadows on the floor as they chatted about the night before.
"There was even the ever-so-charmingMrs. Fontaine," Jade said with a dry smirk, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Outside, the quiet street stirred. A sleek black luxury car turned the corner and rolled slowly into their modest neighborhood, drawing every eye. It didn't belong there not in a place like this.
It came to a smooth stop right in front of the Lee house.
Curtains twitched. Whispers spread like wildfire. The neighborhood thrived on stories and this one had just begun.
The car door opened. Luccianho, tall and imposing in a black suit, stepped out, followed by another bodyguard. With precision, he opened the back door.
Out stepped a man calm, elegant, and striking.
He walked with quiet purpose to the front door and knocked, just once.
Inside, Jade's mother glanced at her.
"Don't stop, honey. Keep going, I'll get it," she said as she walked to the door.
She opened it... and froze.
Before her stood a young man with eyes like carved gemstones and black-red hair that shimmered under the sun. His presence felt unreal like a figure stepped out of a dream.
"Yes?" she asked softly, her voice uncertain.
"Good morning, ma'am. Is Jade here, please?"
From inside, Jade frowned.
"Mom, who is it?" she called out, rising. Gabriel followed her.
As she reached the doorway, her breath caught.
"Daniel?!"
Daniel didn't speak right away. Instead, he motioned to Luccianho, who stepped forward and handed him a small velvet box.
Daniel opened it.
Inside, a ring glowed set with an emerald, deep and vivid, the exact color of Jade's eyes.
He held it out to her.
"Will you marry me?"
For a moment, the world seemed to stop.
Her mother, Gabriel, even the neighbors now gathered outside, breathless and silent all watching the scene unfold like a movie they never expected to witness.