Mag-log inSelena stood proudly before Desa, even joining the surrounding crowd in mocking her.“So let me get this straight,” Selena said with a smug smile. “You barged in here out of nowhere and accused me of stealing your design. You've already damaged my reputation with these baseless accusations.”She crossed her arms.“I gave you the chance to explain yourself, so why aren't you talking now? Are you scared?”“Of course not.” Desa clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white.Looking at Selena, she practically ground the words out through her teeth.“What you just described... those were my ideas.”“Oh?” Selena widened her eyes dramatically. “Are you going to claim I simply said everything you wanted to say first?”She laughed.“Miss, you already crashed this event without an invitation. Now you're standing here making rid
The girl nodded and walked resolutely toward the display cases.She had poured an entire year of her life into designing that piece. It was filled with her passion and sincerity—it wasn't meant to become an object with someone else's name attached to it, locked away inside a cold glass display.Every eye in the room followed the girl.Everyone's, except Razen Valdis's.He simply lifted his wineglass, drained the red wine in one gulp, and a cryptic look flickered across his eyes.Sensing something unusual, Vessara arched an eyebrow.Then she watched as the girl stopped in front of the most inconspicuous display case.Pointing at a bird-shaped brooch inside, she declared without hesitation, "This is my design. I want the designer's name changed to mine."A wave of surprise swept through the crowd.Amid the chatter, several louder voices rose above the rest."T
Vessara turned her head and met Razen's amused gaze.There was something else hidden beneath that look as well—something subtle and difficult to read.“It wasn't a big deal,” she said casually. “Just a small favor.”“That's a men's watch.” Razen deliberately emphasized the words.Vessara lifted her eyes lazily. “So?”“Who are you giving it to?”Seeing that he clearly intended to get an answer no matter what, she responded casually,“Someone in my family.”Only then did Razen finally fall silent.He sat back down and said nothing more.A few seconds later, Vessara's voice drifted over.“What were you doing just now? There doesn't seem to be anyone here important enough to make Mr. Valdis personally step in.”She looked like a cunning little fox as she blinked up at him expectantly.Razen answered almost in
“Vessara, you should eat too.”Dalton Hayes did his best to maintain a polite smile, though his grip on his fork tightened noticeably.Vessara smiled and picked up a bite of food.“Thank you for your concern.”The smile disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.It was the courtesy she chose to give him.Dalton understood immediately, and a trace of gratitude appeared in his heart.Just then, a delicate hand reached over.“Dalton, try these noodles. They're my favorite.”“You like plain noodles too?”A spark instantly lit up Dalton's eyes as he looked at Emilia.Emilia lowered her head shyly, looking every bit the bashful young woman.“Of course. I like them a lot.”The two quickly fell into easy conversation.Before long, Dalton's eyes were practically glued to Emilia.The instructions his family had repeatedly given him before coming here had lo
While Vessara was talking with Razen, she suddenly felt someone's gaze settle on her.Following the direction of the stare, she looked over and found herself meeting a pair of icy eyes.Selena.What was her problem now?Vessara immediately frowned. Yet instead of looking away, Selena's stare only grew more intense.“Father, we should probably get going,” Razen said. “We'll come visit you again soon.”“Go on, go on.” Mr. Valdis waved them off, though his eyes were filled with reluctance. “Vessara is a wonderful girl. Make sure you treat her well.”Even so, he personally walked them out.On the drive home, Vessara kept staring at Razen.Eventually, he noticed.Pulling the car over, he turned toward her.“Why are you looking at me like that?”“I was just curious.” Vessara tilted her head slightly. “Aren't you suspicious of my
“Go on, take it,” Mr. Valdis urged gently. “It was yours to begin with. If you refuse it, this old man will start thinking you dislike me.”Vessara looked up and met the elderly man's slightly saddened gaze. Pressing her lips together, she finally tightened her grip on the wooden box.“Thank you…”“It’s alright. There’s no rush.” The old man smiled kindly. “You can keep calling me whatever feels comfortable for now. After the two of you get married, you can change it then.”The warm, grandfatherly smile nearly brought tears to Vessara’s eyes.It was an expression she had never seen before—one her brilliant mind couldn’t quite decipher.For a moment, she pressed her lips together, fighting back her emotions as she followed Mr. Valdis downstairs.The bracelet on her wrist made her fair skin look even more delicate and luminous.Vessar







