The birthday venue was a duplex.
The second floor, reserved exclusively for VIP guests, was quieter and more refined.
Several influential figures—those most frequently discussed by the crowd downstairs—were seated near the floor-to-ceiling windows, conversing leisurely. Their manners were polished, their postures relaxed yet elegant, every movement betraying status and confidence.
When Elena arrived with a man at her side—and when she calmly introduced him as her boyfriend—
Expressions shifted.
Surprise.Curiosity.Amusement.
Then came laughter, congratulations, and raised glasses.
"Congratulations, Ms. Laurent, on finding love!"
"So this is your type, Chairwoman? This is going to break quite a few hearts tonight."
"Elena, you're being too protective. What, can't your little boyfriend drink? Alright, alright, we won't pressure him—we'll drink ourselves."
Adrian sat quietly beside Elena, near the window.
On one side was her.On the other, the glittering night skyline of the capital.
His reflection appeared faintly in the glass—head lowered as he ate a small slice of cake. The image looked like an ink-wash painting submerged in mist, gentle and restrained, hiding an unspoken brilliance beneath the surface.
Elena's voice drifted over calmly.
"Don't stare at him," she said coolly. "He gets nervous easily."
The casual intimacy in her tone made several people laugh.
Adrian, however, couldn't help but glance at her.
Up close, Elena Laurent was even more striking.
Her makeup was sharp and deliberate, accentuating her features and giving her an air of absolute authority. Looking more closely now, he noticed a small beauty mark at the corner of her eye—carefully concealed beneath makeup, almost impossible to spot unless one was paying attention.
Before he could look any longer—
A newcomer arrived.
Adrian's attention shifted instantly.
So did Elena's.
Her eyes narrowed imperceptibly.
The man was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. Handsome, refined, his expression gentle, his gaze warm—like a spring breeze.
"Everyone, long time no see," Marcus Sinclair said with a smile, his eyes finally settling on Elena.
Marcus Sinclair.
Heir to Sinclair International, absent from Europe for months due to overseas market expansion.
Several gazes flickered between Marcus and Elena.
Everyone in their circle knew—
Elena Laurent and Marcus Sinclair had been engaged since childhood.
Marcus had always been attentive, considerate. Over the years, he was the man Elena had interacted with most frequently.
Many believed their marriage was inevitable—not only for personal reasons, but because a union between Laurent Group and Sinclair International would be an unshakable alliance.
Still, until vows were exchanged, nothing was final.
That was why, despite the engagement, suitors had never stopped pursuing Elena.
But tonight—
Everything was different.
Because Elena had brought her boyfriend.
The official fiancé.
And the boyfriend.
The tension was unmistakable.
Though no one voiced it, excitement flickered beneath composed expressions. To witness such a dramatic confrontation in person—this was rare entertainment.
Marcus's expression stiffened for a fraction of a second when he heard the word boyfriend.
His gaze turned toward Elena.
Their eyes met.
Elena's gaze was deep, cold—carrying a chill Marcus couldn't quite decipher.
His heart tightened.
Did she find out something?
Then Elena lifted her glass calmly, her expression returning to its usual composure.
"Welcome back," she said evenly.
Welcome back—
To face the storm she had prepared.
Marcus smiled, suppressing the unease rising within him. He raised his glass in return.
"Thank you."
"Marcus, you're back!" Isabelle's voice rang out brightly.
She had just finished dazzling the guests downstairs and hurried up the moment she heard he'd arrived. Joy sparkled in her eyes.
"Yes," Marcus replied gently. "I brought you a gift. Happy birthday."
"Thank you," Isabelle said sweetly, warmth flooding her chest.
Someone suggested, "Everyone's here—let's raise a glass to the birthday girl."
After the toast and laughter, Isabelle lifted her glass again—
And this time, she walked straight toward Elena.
Her smile was flawless.
Her eyes, however, flicked briefly—almost unconsciously—toward Adrian.