Chapter 6

I scanned the room, quickly locking onto my target. It was Leo Jefferson, the heir to Starline Corportation. He was twenty-five years old, freshly returned from studying overseas.

He was also the fiancé of my stepsister, Cindy, my father’s eldest daughter. Apparently, the two families had been close for generations, and their business ties ran deep. Leo and Cindy had grown up together, making them the perfect match.

I grabbed a cocktail from a passing waiter and moved into Leo's blind spot, sliding up next to him.

He had a scholarly look—polite and refined. Honestly, he seemed more like a fresh college graduate than the heir to a corporate empire. At that moment, he was deep in conversation with someone across from him, nodding and smiling with all the right cues.

Feeling someone approach, he glanced my way briefly, then, without thinking, casually wrapped an arm around my waist. I let out a soft gasp, and his whole body tensed. He quickly turned to look at me, his face flushing red as he pulled his arm back.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I thought you were–”

Before he could finish, a woman stormed over, her expression a mix of anger and possession. She wrapped herself around his arm like a territorial claim. It was none other than Cindy, my father’s eldest daughter and Leo’s fiancée—the stepsister I’d only ever seen in photos.

I smiled at Leo, unbothered, and said, “No problem.”

Then, I cast a brief glance at Cindy before walking away with a casual smile.

Cindy pursed her lips, clearly uncomfortable, and tugged at the burgundy Gucci dress she was wearing.

Yes, we were wearing the exact same dress.

I knew from my father that Cindy was a die-hard Gucci fan, so I made sure to do my homework, looking up her latest purchases. That was how I knew she’d ordered the season’s new Gucci dress. Naturally, I went to a high-end store and rented the exact same one.

Of course, she bought hers, and I rented mine. The dress alone cost six figures, which I definitely couldn’t afford. Even the rental fee had eaten up my entire month's salary, plus I had to get matching heels and a clutch. But hey, a girl had to do what she had got to do.

The same dress on two different people created two very different impressions, and it was only natural that people would compare. Cindy had a curvier figure, making the dress look bold and glamorous on her. I, on the other hand, kept in shape by running and working out regularly. On me, the dress highlighted my slim waist and more toned physique.

Cindy had styled her hair in an elaborate bun, topped off with a diamond hairpin. She was wearing a matching set of jewelry that made her sparkle but also came off a little… overdone. Meanwhile, I wasn’t wearing any jewelry. My dark hair and red lips contrasted perfectly with my fair skin, giving me a natural, effortless kind of beauty.

Cindy leaned in to whisper something to Leo, and after a moment, they left the hall together, heading for the lounge. If I had to guess, she was probably going to change out of her dress. Women like her always brought more than one outfit to events like that.

I wandered over to the buffet table, helping myself to some food when Leo casually strolled up next to me and grabbed a few finger sandwiches.

“I’m really sorry about earlier,” he said.

I turned to him, flashing a bright smile. “Honestly, the more embarrassing part was wearing the same dress as someone else.”

After that, I tilted my head and gave him a playful wink. “Do you think women are just too dramatic and complicated?”

He laughed, his smile softening his young, handsome face.

“And besides, it’s not your fault. I came over on purpose to talk to you,” I said as I took a bite of food.

He blushed, looking flustered, like a kid caught off guard.

“Hey, don’t get any ideas!” I teased, pretending to be shy. “I’m a consultant with a venture capital firm, and I heard your company has an investment project I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Oh, really?” He let out a sigh of relief. “But actually, we’ve decided to let Jones Investment Company, under Heights Corp, handle the evaluation.”

“Well, that’s perfect. I’m with Jones Investment Company, a subsidiary under Heights Corp. How about we chat about it now? We might as well get a head start,” I said, raising an eyebrow.

A little smirk crept onto my face, and I could see it amused him.

He smiled back, his expression warming. “Alright, tomorrow morning at my office. I’ll be ready whenever you are.”

Just then, Cindy reappeared, now wearing a pink dress. I wasn’t ready to go head-to-head with her just yet. Since I’d achieved what I came for, I decided to make my exit.

I turned to Leo and said, “See you tomorrow.”

Before I left, I handed him a glass of red wine from the table. “A Bordeaux from Château Mouton Rothschild. This vineyard’s wines have quite the reputation, but they can be hit or miss. Sometimes they’re exceptional, and other times, a bit average. Personally, I’m not a fan of the coffee notes in the flavor, but pair it with pineapple, and you might find a pleasant surprise.”

Leo accepted the glass, looking thoughtful for a moment before asking, “Wait, I didn’t catch your name.”

I waved him off with a smile. “I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

As I walked out of the hall, I felt someone’s intense gaze following me.

I turned to see the man who had brought me to the event. He raised his glass to me, smiling as though he had just enjoyed watching an intriguing show.

I smiled back, raised my glass in return, then casually placed it on a waiter’s tray and walked out of the hall.