LOGINWinona stood in the crowd, watching it all unfold. A silent disbelief settled in her chest.Just a few months ago, Amelia had been Christopher's wife. Now, he was getting engaged to someone else. Things moved so fast that it was hard to keep up.Samantha was just about to step onto the stage when a sharp, grating screech of metal grinding against metal cut through the room.Everyone looked up at once.The massive crystal chandelier hanging over the center of the ballroom was coming loose."Watch out! The chandelier!" someone shouted, and the room broke instantly.Guests scattered in every direction. Screams filled the air. Chairs tipped over. Glass crunched underfoot.The polished, elegant ballroom fell apart into chaos.Winona stood near the stage, frozen.The chandelier hung right above her. Its shadow swallowed her, locking her in place. She stared up at the swaying crystals, watching them tremble, ready to fall. Her mind went blank. She didn't move.Suddenly, a hand gra
From the moment it began, the high-profile engagement party carried a tension no one bothered to put into words.Glasses were raised, and laughter filled the room, but people's eyes kept drifting between Elijah and Gerald.A group of socialites gathered around Samantha, complimenting her dress while quietly sizing up the match.Even the servers moved more carefully than usual, their steps measured.Elijah stood off to the side of the ballroom, a glass of warm water in hand, his brow tight.Lincoln's words stuck with him, like something lodged under the skin."I know about what you did at the Institute… Do you really think he wouldn't be able to find out? A man who can walk away from his own son… Do you really think he'll be all that sincere with your daughter?"Each one had hit exactly where it hurt.He had spent his life at the Academy of Aerospace, moving from one project to the next. To climb higher and secure resources, he had made decisions he would rather not revisit. H
"Christopher is impressive. You must be proud that he's marrying your daughter."Lincoln paused, then added, almost offhand, "But how do you know he doesn't have other motives?"Elijah's hand stilled on his glass. His expression didn't shift, his tone calm. "I'm not sure I follow, Mr. Spencer.""It's nothing." Lincoln's lips curved slightly. "Just something that crossed my mind."His gaze drifted toward Christopher, who was across the room talking with guests. "Take a good look at him. A man who can walk away from his own son… Do you really think he'll be all that sincere with your daughter?"A flicker of something crossed Elijah's face, and his eyes sharpened. "What exactly are you trying to say?""Nothing serious. Just a reminder."Lincoln lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. "I know about what you did at the Institute. You've heard about the way Christopher handles things. Do you really think he wouldn't be able to find out? You're comfortable being his f
Nathan used to be full of energy. Now, he barely said a word.Gerald crouched down and gently held the boy's cheek. "You've grown. And you're looking sharp, too."Lucia stepped in with a warm smile. "Mr. Spencer, I'm so glad you made it. Chris will be happy to see you."Lincoln didn't stay long. He took Nathan's hand and walked toward Christopher.Christopher saw them, paused for a moment, then stepped forward. "Mr. Spencer.""Congratulations." Lincoln reached out. Their handshake was brief, his tone steady. "Congratulations on your engagement. Take care of each other."Christopher nodded. "Thank you."His eyes shifted to Nathan, and something tightened in his chest.Nathan was now Lincoln's adopted son. The way things had turned felt almost ironic."Hello, Mr. Zephyr," Nathan said softly, looking up at him.His voice was quiet. His eyes looked a little wet.The man who used to spoil him without limits… Now, all he could call him was "Mr. Zephyr".Christopher gave a sligh
"Ms. Farrell. It's been a while."A familiar voice came from behind. Winona turned and saw Luke in a black suit, holding two glasses of champagne, smiling at her.She took one, her tone polite but cool. "Yeah, it has."Luke took a sip and glanced over the crowd. "Amelia didn't come? I thought she'd show up with you."Winona raised an eyebrow. "Why? Do you miss her? If you do, call her. Why ask me?"He hesitated, caught off guard, then let out a short laugh. "You really haven't changed. I was just asking. I mean, back then, she and Chris…""That's over." Winona cut him off, her voice turning sharp. "Amelia's doing great now. She has her own career and a beautiful daughter. She doesn't need her past dragged into everything. So do her a favor. Don't bring that up around her again, and don't ask why she doesn't come to things like this."The smile on Luke's face slipped. He nodded. "Understood. That was on me."-The engagement party at Cloudspeak Hotel had hit its peak. L
Before long, it was time for Christopher and Samantha's engagement party.For the past week, their names had been everywhere in Northon, from business headlines to gossip columns.One was the heir to Zephyr Group. The other was the daughter of a senior figure in the aerospace field. The media called it a perfect match of money and influence, and the guest list read like a who's who of the city's elite.At the same time, the mood at the Langley Estate couldn't have been further from the energy at the hotel.In the dining room, the crystal chandelier cast a cool glow over the mahogany table. Edward Langley sat there with a hard, closed-off expression.Across from him, Jasper looked completely at ease, turning a pen between his fingers, his thumb brushing over it in a slow, idle motion."You're really not going?"Edward set his fork down with a quiet clink, his tone firm. "The Zephyr family is hosting tonight. Anyone who matters in Northon will be there. You're the Langley heir.
Amelia was starting to get an idea of what was going on in Dorothy's mind.Perhaps Dorothy had seen the online article and was trying to stand up for her. Dorothy had always doted on her and couldn't bear to see her mistreated.She pursed her lips and said gently, "Grandma, there's nothing of that
Tania's words made the organizer instinctively turn to Amelia and survey her from head to toe.He was impressed. Amelia was, after all, a beauty.However, he quickly retracted his gaze and asked, "Is this a friend of yours?"Tania smiled and pulled Nathan into her arms. "My dear grandson's ex-nan
Nicole's eyes widened in disbelief."Me? Apologize to her?" Nicole almost smacked the table in anger as she gritted her teeth. "I didn't do anything wrong! Why should I apologize to her?"Dorothy looked calmly at her and said authoritatively, "In that case, we'll have to take back the company Chri
Amelia looked at the gown in her hands. "If you don't have money, call your son to come over right now to settle the bill."Lucia chuckled. "Isn't my son your husband? It's the same if you settle the bill on his behalf, so why make him come all the way here? Are you trying to keep his money for you







