"Adriel!"
The voice cut through the hum of the hall—smooth, practiced, impossible to ignore. A young man strode forward, dressed in a deep burgundy suit that shimmered subtly under the chandeliers. His slim frame and confident poise drew every eye; the fitted cut of his jacket emphasized his elegance, while his neatly styled dark hair added to his refined charm.
Eren's stomach dropped. He recognized him instantly—Kairen, the acclaimed artist whose work had graced magazine covers worldwide. The same Kairen the press had once whispered about, linking his name to Adriel's. And now, here he was, walking straight to them.
"Kairen," Adriel greeted warmly, stepping forward with an easy smile and pressing a light kiss to his cheek. The intimacy of the gesture made Eren's fists clench beneath the table.
"I'm glad you made it," Adriel said.
"How could I miss it?" Kairen replied smoothly. "You invited me. Besides, I'm honored to showcase your new collection." His smile was dazzling, and it landed like a spark in the center of the room.
Adriel's own lips curved in return, his gaze lingering a moment too long. "Roen, escort him to his dressing room. Tell the team to prepare."
As Kairen departed, the air buzzed with whispers. Eren's chest tightened. He caught the flicker of Adriel's smile still following Kairen, and his stomach knotted. His nails bit into his palms until he forced his hands flat on the table.
Then—warm breath brushed his ear. "I'll be right back."
Eren startled, turning to find Adriel much closer than expected. His pulse spiked, betraying him with an awkward hiccup.
"You're eating like a child," Adriel murmured, amusement dancing in his voice as he reached across to wipe a trace of strawberry juice from Eren's mouth. The touch was casual to him, perhaps—but to Eren, it was disarming, intimate, and unbearable under so many watching eyes.
"I'll return soon," Adriel promised, his hand threading briefly through Eren's hair before he straightened. Adjusting his coat, he walked toward the stage with easy authority.
Eren's gaze followed him, but the image of Kairen's perfect smile gnawed at his chest. Jealousy simmered hot and sharp, twisting until it almost hurt to breathe.
"You two act as if you're in love."
The words sliced through his thoughts. Bernard's voice, cool and precise, came from across the table. His eyes were narrowed, cutting through Eren with practiced disdain.
Eren stilled.
"I know my son," Bernard continued, his tone sharpened to a blade. "He'll marry you only because you're carrying his child."
The hall seemed to grow colder. The words landed heavy, merciless, and left no room for denial.
Bernard's words hung in the air like frost. Around the table, James, Tyler, and Guiller all turned toward Eren, their stares pressing down on him until his chest felt tight.
"No wonder Uncle Adriel cares so much," James sneered, laughter bubbling sharp and cruel. "You're one of his charity projects."
Eren's eyes narrowed, though he said nothing. I knew you were a jerk. I just didn't know you could sink this low. Once, he'd thought he could love James. Tonight, he saw how close he'd come to disaster.
Bernard leaned in, voice slicing through the tension. "Did Adriel tell you he'll take the child once it's born?"
Eren froze. His fists clenched under the table, nails biting into his palms.
"Of course he didn't," Guiller added, his tone dripping disdain. "Don't be fooled by his smiles. Adriel doesn't love anyone. Not us, not you. All he cares about is his empire." His eyes flicked to the brooch glittering on Eren's chest. "He'll take the child too. That's how he is. Always taking. Never giving."
Heat rose in Eren's throat, equal parts fury and fear. He wanted to speak, to deny it, but his voice wouldn't come.
The hall suddenly dimmed. Spotlights flared, pulling every gaze to the runway. Models in the new Ulrick Jewels collection began their procession, glittering in gold and diamonds. Applause rippled through the crowd—then swelled into thunder.
Eren's heart lurched as Adriel appeared on stage, hand in hand with Kairen. Together they shone, commanding the room effortlessly. Gasps and whispers filled the air, and admiration followed them like a tide.
"They look perfect together," a woman behind Eren murmured. "I heard they're more than partners. Just look at them—they're stunning."
Eren bit down hard on his lip, jaw tightening until it hurt. The woman was right. Kairen was radiant, his burgundy suit catching the light with every step. Side by side, he and Adriel looked untouchable.
Across the table, Bernard's eyes remained fixed on the stage. His mouth curved into something cold. "He should've chosen Kairen."
The words struck Eren harder than any jewel ever could.
"Eren, it's time," Roen whispered at his side, his voice threaded with urgency.
Eren blinked in surprise. "Huh?" he muttered, turning toward Adriel's assistant—only to see Roen's hand outstretched, waiting.
Before he could take it, the hall plunged into dimness. A single spotlight cut through, landing squarely on him.
Eren froze. His chest tightened. Every conversation died, every head turned, and in an instant he was trapped beneath the weight of a hundred gazes. His legs refused to obey, and panic flared in his chest.
On stage, Adriel's voice rose, calm and commanding. "Tonight, I want to share with you the origins of Ulrick Jewels—and the legacy of the Crimson Fate."
The words reverberated through the ballroom. Roen guided him forward, but Eren's steps faltered. Just as his balance wavered, Adriel was there. Strong. Certain. His hand caught Eren's with a steady grip, pulling him upright as though no misstep had occurred.
A collective gasp swept the hall.
Pinned to Eren's suit jacket, the Crimson Fate brooch blazed under the light. Its centerpiece—the legendary red diamond—burned like a living ember, its fire scattering across the room in glittering shards. The intricate white-gold frame curled around the gem in a design as delicate as lace yet as commanding as a crown. Every eye fixed on it. No one could deny what it was.
And no one could deny who was wearing it.
Eren felt the weight of it, not just on his chest but deep in his soul. Heavy with legacy. Heavy with expectation. He could hear the murmurs—shock, envy, disapproval. Why him? Why an outsider? The voices clawed at him, stoking every doubt he carried.
Adriel didn't let go. His hand remained firm, anchoring Eren in place as though to tell the room itself: This is mine. This is decided.
"You did well," Adriel murmured, his lips close enough that only Eren could hear. His voice was low, steady, and threaded with something warm that made Eren's pulse stutter.
The design team entered from the wings, moving with polished elegance, and the crowd erupted in applause. Adriel, still holding Eren, continued his speech with ease, unveiling the jewelry design competition that would define Ulrick Jewels' future. The audience leaned forward, enraptured by every word.
But Eren's world was narrowed to the heat of Adriel's hand, the fire of the brooch against his chest, and the piercing stares from James and Guiller below the stage. Their earlier words echoed in his mind like poison: He'll take your child. You're nothing but charity.
The applause rose, thunderous, but Eren stood caught between awe and dread, the Crimson Fate burning brighter than ever—like destiny itself had chosen him.