Selina walked into the hall where Zane and Noah had already entered. The rich laughter and lively conversations blended together to create a glitzy and sophisticated atmosphere as soon as Selina entered.
She spotted musicians performing their soothing notes of classical music under a spotlight on a raised platform. Her heart raced nervously with each step she took further into a secluded corner, trying to avoid the elites' dubious and contemptuous glances.
It was her first time at such a glamorous event, and her modest background, social status, and infamous reputation made her feel out of place. Yet, a strong desire to belong to this world filled her thoughts, strengthening her resolve to work harder through her goals and dreams.
Trying to blend in despite the sharp stares occasionally falling on her, she picked up a glass of wine from a table laden with stacked glasses and desserts.
Raising it to her lips, her hand trembled slightly. She narrowed her brows at the nervousness betraying her, which might cause her to embarrass herself.
Determined not to let the unfamiliar atmosphere overwhelm her, she drank the wine in one smooth gulp. "Stay calm, Selina. They're not monsters," she muttered under her breath, her lips curling into a relaxed yet nervous smile as she swept her gaze across the room.
She spotted Zane across the hall. His energetic presence drew a small group around him.
Selina scanned the group, recognizing the members of the Everett family: a woman in her early forties with a short black bob, a young lady in her early twenties with long blonde hair, and a man in his early fifties—all dressed in their finest attire.
"Welcome home, Zane," a soft, feminine voice said. Her warm smile holds a hint of expectation and a touch of admiration for his return.
"We're glad you're back. It'll be easier to work together now, with you here," added the man, Hudson, in a polite tone, while Zane merely snorted in response.
Zane offers a brief nod, his expression unreadable, as if the formality was second nature to him. "I acknowledge you accepted my invitation." His crisp voice was deep, yet detached.
"I hope our collaboration continues to yield outstanding achievements as we've aimed for," Leah uttered, recognizing Zane as the new CEO of the Cassius Conglomerate.
"Sure, it will go just as we expect, as long as we work together. I won't let your trust down," Zane responded while he took another leisurely sip of champagne.
Leah and her husband, Hudson, chuckled at Zane's bold assurance.
"We have no doubts about it," Leah's voice carries a genuine compliment.
Recalling a relevant matter, Hudson said. "I heard there's a recent project at hand in your company, and my team is looking forward to collaborating. I await your feedback."
Zane adjusted his classic rectangular-framed glasses on his sharp, aquiline nose as he spoke. "I've been so busy lately that I missed it. Currently, my company is working on crucial affairs, and we can't make rash decisions by accepting a new collaboration."
"I hope it doesn't take long to get your feedback," Hudson chimed in softly.
"Probably," Zane muttered flatly, making Leah and Hudson exchange unsatisfied glances.
Hudson wore a slight smile before saying, "You wouldn't find it disappointing. It would be a pleasure to be part of this new project." He stretched out his hand for a handshake, and Zane met the hand hanging in the air.
Noticing Hudson's presumptuous gesture, Zane lifted his icy and unreadable gaze and locked onto Hudson's warm expression. Without a word, he slid his hand into his pocket and took a slow sip of wine.
The cold gesture, arrogant and deliberate, stung Hudson's pride. He let his hand fall, masking the awkward retreat with a forced smile that barely held.
Everett found nothing suspicious about Zane's aloof attitude towards them since it was his public persona from those who had been a little close to him in business. Anyhow, his cold attitude felt embarrassing.
Unable to let herself and her family shrink in the embarrassing air, Leah changed the subject. She turned to a young lady standing between her and Hudson.
"Clarissa, this is Zane. You've been trying to reach out to him for a long time. Now that he's here, say hi to him," she said playfully.
Clarissa's coral-red lips curled into a smile at her mother's antics, revealing her excitement to meet Zane again. "Zane, it's been a while," she whispered, extending her hand toward him.
Zane glanced at her welcoming hand in the air but didn't take it.
"Hmm," Zane hummed. "It has been a while, and I can see you're in good shape."
Clarissa maintained her gaze on his icy stare. "Yes, Mother and Father are doing their best to take care of me. It's all thanks to them."
Leah and Hudson shared a proud smile at their daughter's gratitude.
Zane raised a brow, sweeping an intense stare across them. It was obvious they seemed like a perfect family.
"I see," he mumbled.
Clarissa was not pleased with the way he was interacting with her. "How can you be so cold to your friend after it's been ages since we last talked?" she gently reprimanded, taking a step closer.
As Clarissa moved closer, she leaned into him, embracing him gently.
Selina, at the other end of the table, widened her eyes in shock at the sight of that proximity as she slowly munched her dessert. That was quite unexpected of her to see Clarissa and Zane seemed close. But she wondered how come she missed this.
"I hope you didn't have a difficult time staying alone abroad," Clarissa inquired, still in his arms.
As Zane felt her warmth, a disturbing sensation stirred within him. He nearly flinched away but restrained himself. Instead of embracing her back, his brow furrowed and his jaw tightened.
A vein tensed along his arm as he clenched his fist, a silent reminder not to act rashly in a room filled with watchful eyes. He didn't let the hug linger; instead, he placed a firm hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her away. He didn't spare her a glance while he took a step back from her.
"Yes, it was fun abroad," Zane replied firmly.
Leah chuckled in delight. "You don't know how much Clarissa has missed you."
"What about me, Clarissa? Don't you miss me?" Noah chimed in.
Clarissa shot him a playful glare. "We've been seeing each other for months and years, but it's boring," she teased, prompting laughter from the adults and Noah.
Noah placed a hand on his heart, feigning a heartbroken expression. "You're hurting my pride, Clarissa. You should treat it better, like you do with him. Don't you think so, Auntie Leah?"
Leah smiled at Noah's pitiful expression. "How can she treat it better when you let other girls have it?" she teased, causing Noah to grin even wider.
Clarissa waved a dismissive hand at Noah's playful antics. "Let him be, Mother. He always pretends we are strangers whenever he's with other girls. Now, he wants me to treat him better….that's never going to happen."
Noah straightened his expression, reaching for Clarissa's hand. He gently took it into his grasp. "What should I do to show you're my dearest friend? I could only lean into?"
Clarissa felt her cheeks warming at Noah's tender words. He slowly lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles.
Leah yanked Noah's hand away from her daughter's flawless skin before it could reach his lips. If she knew nothing about Noah, she might have fallen for his charms and considered handing her daughter over to him.
"Don't act so intimate with Clarissa, otherwise people might misunderstand," Leah reprimanded him in a soft tone.
Noah nodded in acknowledgement and stepped back. "My bad," he mumbled. "She's so beautiful that I got carried away."
Zane was feeling out of place in the cheerful atmosphere. He didn't like the vibe and felt it shouldn't be like this with Everett. He turned around, intending to leave, but Clarissa was quick to stop him.
"Zane, wait!" Clarissa called out, and Zane halted in his tracks.
Zane raised a brow, confused by her sudden call.
Clarissa extended her hands, holding a small blue velvet box, and opened the lid to reveal a sparkling gold wristwatch. "Please accept my gift. I hope it suits your taste."
Zane glanced at the wristwatch, and before he could voice his rejection, Noah took the gift from Clarissa. He turned his head to him, and his amber eyes, concealing deadly emotions, flashed at Noah's playful stare.
Noah understood that expression but didn't want to hurt Clarissa's feelings. He looked away from Zane, admiring the branded wristwatch. "Wow. You don't have to worry. You chose a great present for Zane. He appreciates your efforts."
Clarissa felt a strange sense of unease from Zane's reaction. She was not sure if he was rejecting her present or simply being distant.
"I have other important guests to meet. Excuse me," Zane said, moving away from his spot.
Noah followed behind Zane because he couldn't lose sight of him. He must not lose a shadow of him either.