“Hmm…” Iris began, her voice smooth, yet carrying a teasing lilt that made everyone within earshot lean in slightly. “I didn’t think I would get the chance to say this today, but Lena… honestly, I think you could have used this engagement party… to ask me for tips on makeup.” She paused deliberately, letting her words hang in the air. “Tips… you know, for makeups that don’t make your face look like a masquerade.”A ripple of laughter rolled through the hall. Most of the guests, who had been quietly observing the awkward tension, couldn’t help themselves. Only Benjamin’s father and Lena’s parents remained expressionless, their faces tight with restrained concern and confusion. Lena, however, felt every word like a needle prick against her pride. Her cheeks burned red, and for a fleeting second, she could not speak.Iris didn’t stop there. She leaned slightly closer, maintaining that casual, confident posture, and continued with a clinical assessment of Lena’s flaws. “Your foundation is

The elevator doors slid open smoothly, revealing the top floor of Elite Series Hall.Connor stepped out first, his posture relaxed, his expression calm. Iris followed beside him, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. The atmosphere upstairs was entirely different from the noisy, tense engagement hall below. The lighting was warmer, the space quieter, and the air carried a faint scent of luxury.The entire floor had been reserved.No other tables were occupied.Only one table sat at the center of the hall, carefully arranged with fresh flowers, crystal glasses, and soft lighting that reflected gently off the gold accents in the room.Iris looked around slowly, her lips parting in quiet amazement.“This place…” she murmured, lowering her voice instinctively. “It’s beautiful.”Connor pulled out a chair for her. “Please,” he said calmly.She smiled, sitting down, while Connor took his seat across from her. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. The silence felt in

Mr. Montgomery let out a scoff that was sharp and deliberate, the kind meant to reclaim dignity after being spoken down to. He straightened his back and raised his voice just enough to draw attention.“Mr. Diego.”Diego halted mid-step.His two bodyguards stopped instantly, like shadows frozen behind him. The sudden pause drew curious glances from nearby guests. Diego turned slowly, his expression unreadable as his eyes settled on Mr. Montgomery.“Yes?” Diego asked, with a flat tone.Mr. Montgomery forced a laugh, waving his hand lightly as though the tension was nothing more than a misunderstanding. “You really are something,” he said. “Pretending you came here for someone else—someone supposedly bigger than our family.”Mrs. Montgomery chuckled awkwardly, quickly joining in. “Honestly, you almost had us fooled.”Lena’s lips curved into a tight smile. She folded her arms, nodding. “You’re very convincing,” she added. “For a moment, I really thought you came for someone else. You are

Lena let out a sharp, mocking laugh and folded her arms tightly across her chest.“There is absolutely nothing to see here,” she said loudly, making sure every nearby guest could hear her. “Mr. Diego Spears, you can stop this performance now. You cannot stop me from celebrating my engagement here.”She lifted her chin proudly. “You have no influence in this place whatsoever.”Diego did not respond. He simply held his phone in his hand, his expression was unreadable.Lena scoffed again and turned slightly, as though dismissing him completely.Benjamin stepped forward then, his shoulders squared, his voice rising with arrogance.“You see,” Benjamin said, pointing loosely at Diego, “just because people made the mistake of treating you like some kind of celebrity when you walked in does not mean you are actually somebody.”A few guests exchanged uneasy glances.Benjamin continued, growing bolder with every word. “You are a nobody. The fact that I kept quiet while you were blabbing earlier

Connor ran his hand through his thick hair in frustration as he stepped out of the elevator on the top floor. His heart was beating fast, his mind racing.“Damn it, Iris…” he muttered under his breath.The hallway felt colder than usual. The soft music that once played in the building now sounded distant. He clenched his fists.“If I don’t find her here,” he whispered to himself, “I’ll go straight after the Black Lotus myself.”His eyes burned with determination.“I won’t even tell Harris.”He knew Harris well. The man would never allow him to rush into something this dangerous alone.“He’ll try to talk me out of it,” Connor said quietly. “He’ll say we need a plan. He’ll say we should wait.”Connor shook his head.“But I can’t wait. Iris doesn’t have time.”He took a deep breath.“I’ll handle this myself.”With long strides, he walked back into the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor.As the elevator descended, his phone buzzed in his pocket. His heart jumped, but wh