The drive to the charity ball started off quiet. She stared out the window, arms crossed.
That alone made him feel more worried than if she gone off on him.
He finally broke the ice. "You’re really not gonna say anything?"
"I’m saving the lecture until after the event. At least then you’ll be trapped and can’t run."
"Fair enough," he muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Terrence made a ntal note to never underestimate won—they were way harder to read than monsters.
No amount of mana technique could decode how their brains worked—even after 20 years of trying. If that didn’t scream "unsolvable mystery," nothing did.
On the way in, he gave her a quick side glance. He had to admit—she looked good.
The gold gown fit her well, catching the light in a way that matched her brown hair, now tied back with an expensive-looking hairpin.
This one had a flower pattern, lined with small black diamonds.
Around her neck hung a pendant so loaded with gems, it probably cost a several million—easy.
’I can probably breakthrough from that many stones,’ he muttered to himself with a low chuckle.
When they arrived, the hotel was packed. Flashy cars lined the curb.
Caras flashed as guests stepped out in tailored suits and designer dresses.
Terrence pulled into the private section of the parking area.
After handing off the keys, he stepped out and walked alongside her toward the entrance. She hooked her arm through his without saying a word.
Staff greeted them at the lobby doors, then led them through polished marble floors and tall glass pillars that reflected the overhead lights.
They reached the ballroom a minute later.
The place was over the top—gold trim on the walls, chandeliers hanging like frozen fireworks, and lighting soft enough to make everyone look like they belonged on Hollywood.
Looking around, he saw the ballroom filled with politicians, investors, CEOs—and a a handful celebrities.
Several of them greeted Emily right away, and a so turned their attention to him, curious about who he was.
Emily didn’t hesitate. "He owns an investnt firm. He’s already closed tens of millions in deals for ."
That line landed hard.
Heads turned, and just like that, he got their full attention.
The conversation picked up, and a few guests ca over to introduce themselves, handing him their business cards along the way.
He returned the gesture, offering his own card in exchange.
In an instant, he began weaving his own network of connections.
He must admit—Emily could be a bit domineering, but she possessed a knack for navigating the intricacies of business.
She was far more than just a pretty girl with a wealthy background.
Not long after, sothing changed. A buzz rolled through the crowd as people started paying attention to entrance.
A group made their way, drawing all eyes toward them.
Leading the entourage was a tall, middle-aged man, exuding an air of authority in a ticulously tailored black suit.
He walked with dignity, aided by a sleek cane that tapped rhythmically on the floor with each step.
Beside him was a young woman, breathtakingly beautiful, her presence commanding attention as if she just stepped out of a beauty pageant.
Anna spotted him off to the side and gave a small, familiar smile.
Emily followed her gaze, then frowned slightly. "You know her?"
He gave a small shrug. "We’ve t a couple of tis. Had so interesting conversations, that’s all."
She held onto his coat, then t his eyes.
"Listen," she began, her voice showing vulnerability, "I’m not usually the kind to get jealous, but if you’re with , you need to understand that flirting with other girls is off the table... alright?"
Her eyes searched his face for a sign of understanding, hoping her ssage was clear.
"Don’t worry, you’re my date tonight so all my attentions will be on you,"
"You better be. My family’s here, and they really spoil ," she sighed. "I don’t want to see you floating in the river tomorrow."
Terrence scratched his head. "Tell you’re joking?"
She leaned in and whispered, "Depends. Can you swim?"
"Not with cent shoes on."
She grinned. "Good. Then behave. My family’s in the construction business, so forget about cent shoes—they could pour you straight into a foundation and call it a day."
Terrence chuckled nervously. "Great. Murder with a building permit."
She winked. "Exactly. Now smile, and pretend you’re not terrified."
"Who says I’m pretending?"
Emily found talking to him refreshing.
Most n usually got nervous, or backed off completely—when she joked like that. But he just rolled with it.
Little did she know, the reason he stayed so calm wasn’t humor—it was absolute confidence.
Now that he broke through the first stage, even people with guns would have a hard ti taking him down.
The party carried on, and at so point, Emily slipped away to mingle with another group, leaving Terrence near the corner alone.
Not long after, a few young won noticed him and walked over, striking up casual conversation.
He smiled and stayed polite, making casual eye to eye contact.
They were all attractive, well-dressed, and clearly ca from good families.
But next to Anna and Emily, they looked a bit dull.
Those two didn’t just stand out. They owned the whole place.
Especially Anna, who kept glancing his way now and then, teasing him with a flirtatious smile.
It wasn’t loud or obvious, but it said everything without a single word.
When Emily ca back, the others scattered like flies.
"Did you add another girl to your collection?" Her smile stayed, but her eyes showed hint of irritation.
"Of course not. I was just being polite," he replied, keeping his tone light.
"Good. You’re mine tonight... and if you behave," she added, glancing away, "maybe I’ll stay a little longer after the party."
"Sure." He reached for her hand, and she held on, liking the gesture.
Just when he thought the coast was clear, another girl approached them and started speaking.
Emily turned, mouth half-open to fire back—until she saw who it was.
Her lips pressed into a tight line. "Good Evening, Dr. Anna,"
Even she wouldn’t risk putting on an attitude around soone that well-known.
"Good evening, Miss Emily. I hope your grandfather is doing well. Has the therapy our lab provided been helping?"
Emily gave a small nod. "Yes, thank you. Our family owes your company a lot."
"Oh, no need to thank . It’s just part of our job," Anna replied with a playful glint in her eye.
"But if it’s not too much trouble... mind if I borrow your date for a dance? Just one. I promise to return him in one piece."
There was a short pause.
"Yes," she nodded, though her grip on the glass tightened just enough to show the strain behind her smile.
’Won are scary,’
But there wasn’t much he could do—both of them were key to his plan.
He and Anna stepped into the center and started dancing.
The room reacted fast. Whispers spread. Most assud he was Emily’s boyfriend.
But one glance at Anna told a different story.
The way her eyes lingered, the way she smiled whenever their eyes t. Feelings were definitely there.
In the corner, Dr. Ivan watched his daughter.
Most took his furrowed brow as disapproval. But that wasn’t it—his thoughts were sowhere else entirely.
’Is that mana? No... That shouldn’t be possible.’
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