1: The Night Everything Changed

Chapter 1

The Night Everything Changed

The ballroom shimmered beneath crystal chandeliers, every corner of the Kornnaphat Grand Hotel glowing with wealth and prestige. Politicians, business leaders, and celebrities filled the room, raising glasses to celebrate the woman who would soon become the youngest CEO in the company’s history.

Ling Lina Kornnaphat stood at the center of it all.

She wore a silver satin gown that flowed elegantly around her, diamonds resting delicately against her neck. Her expression remained calm despite the hundreds of cameras flashing in her direction.

To the world, she was perfect.

Powerful.

Untouchable.

Only Lina knew how exhausting it was pretending she had no fears.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” announced the chairman, lifting his glass. “Tonight, I proudly introduce the future leader of Kornnaphat Group. My granddaughter, Ling Lina Kornnaphat.”

The room erupted into applause.

Lina offered a graceful smile before stepping onto the stage.

“Thank you for believing in me,” she began. “I promise to continue the legacy my family has built and lead our company toward an even brighter future.”

More applause followed.

Her speech was interrupted by a strange sound.

A loud crack echoed through the ballroom.

For a split second everyone froze.

The crystal chandelier above the stage exploded.

Glass rained from the ceiling.

People screamed.

Someone shouted.

“Gun!”

Panic spread instantly.

Guests pushed each other toward the exits as security rushed forward.

Lina stood frozen.

Another gunshot rang through the hall.

Before she could react, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Someone pulled her behind one of the marble pillars with surprising force.

“Stay down.”

The voice was calm.

Cold.

Commanding.

Lina looked up.

A woman dressed entirely in black crouched beside her. Her long dark hair was tied neatly behind her head, her sharp eyes scanning every corner of the ballroom.

Without hesitation, the stranger drew a pistol from beneath her jacket.

Three precise shots echoed across the hall.

The gunfire stopped.

Silence followed.

Only the sound of frightened breathing remained.

Lina stared at the woman.

“Who are you?”

The stranger never looked away from the crowd.

“The reason you’re still alive.”

Moments later, dozens of security officers surrounded them.

“The building is secure, Captain,” one of them reported.

The woman lowered her weapon.

Only then did she meet Lina’s eyes.

They were dark, steady, and unreadable.

“My name is Aria Sutham.”

Lina frowned.

“I didn’t ask for a bodyguard.”

Aria slipped her pistol back into its holster.

“You didn’t.”

She paused before adding quietly,

“Your grandmother did.”

Lina’s expression hardened.

“I don’t need protection.”

Aria gave the faintest smile.

“Someone just tried to kill you in front of five hundred people.”

She stepped closer until only inches separated them.

“You need more protection than you realize.”

For the first time in years, Ling Lina Kornnaphat found herself unable to respond.

She had no idea that meeting Aria Sutham would change not only the fate of her family’s empire, but also her own heart.

Lina watched as Aria turned away to speak with the head of security. Officers rushed through the ballroom, escorting terrified guests toward the exits while forensic teams began examining the shattered chandelier and scattered glass.

The celebration that had been planned for months had turned into a crime scene within minutes.

Her grandmother, Eleanor Kornnaphat, walked through the crowd with surprising composure despite the chaos around her.

“Lina.”

“I’m fine, Grandmother.”

Eleanor gently touched her granddaughter’s cheek before turning to Aria.

“Was she the target?”

Aria nodded without hesitation.

“Yes. This was planned. The shooter knew exactly where Miss Kornnaphat would be standing.”

A heavy silence followed.

Lina folded her arms across her chest.

“Who would want me dead?”

“Someone who doesn’t want you becoming CEO,” Aria replied calmly.

The words struck harder than the gunshots.

Lina had expected opposition inside the boardroom. She had never imagined someone would resort to murder.

“I refuse to hide,” Lina said firmly.

Aria met her gaze.

“I’m not asking you to hide. I’m asking you to stay alive.”

Eleanor sighed.

“From this moment onward, Captain Aria Sutham will remain by your side until the person responsible is found.”

Lina immediately objected.

“Absolutely not.”

“It isn’t a request,” Eleanor said.

“It sounds exactly like one.”

“It is an order.”

Lina clenched her jaw.

She hated being controlled.

Especially by a stranger who acted as though she already knew everything.

Aria remained completely unfazed.

“I’ll have my belongings moved into the east wing tonight.”

Lina stared at her in disbelief.

“You’ve already decided where you’ll stay?”

Aria gave a small nod.

“I always prepare before accepting an assignment.”

For the first time, Lina realized this woman wasn’t simply a bodyguard.

She was someone who never expected to fail.

And something told Lina that neither of their lives would ever be the same again.