The grand ballroom of the Lian Estate sparkled with gold light. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen stars, casting brilliance over hundreds of guests dressed in their finest.
Every seat was filled — classmates, co-workers, family friends, and reporters — all waiting for the same thing: to see who Lian Yue would choose as her groom.
Soft music played as waiters moved between the tables, and the scent of roses filled the air.
At the front, Chairman Lian Cheng stood tall beside the podium, his daughter seated gracefully beside him in a floor-length silver gown.
She looked calm, composed — but inside, her heartbeat was steady with purpose.
This was the moment she had waited for.
---
The Father's Speech
"My friends," Chairman Lian Cheng began, his deep voice echoing through the hall, "today is not only a celebration of my daughter's return from abroad but also the day she will make an important decision — to choose her life partner."
Polite applause followed. Cameras flashed.
Everyone already knew what they expected to happen.
Wei Jun, standing confidently among the crowd, adjusted his cufflinks with a smug smile. His friends patted him on the shoulder.
"It's obviously going to be you," one whispered. "Look at her — she's glowing just for you."
Wei Jun's grin widened. Lin Xinya, beside him in a pale pink gown, forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
---
The Moment
Chairman Lian turned to his daughter. "Yue," he said warmly, "I'll let you do the honors yourself."
The microphone was placed in front of her.
For a heartbeat, the hall went silent — all eyes fixed on her.
She rose slowly, her movements graceful yet commanding. The silver fabric of her gown shimmered under the lights as she stepped forward.
Her gaze swept over the crowd — lingering briefly on Wei Jun and Lin Xinya — before she smiled faintly.
"Thank you all for being here tonight," she began, her voice calm and clear. "Three days ago, I was asked to choose someone to stand beside me. Many of you think you already know the answer."
A ripple of laughter moved through the audience. Someone shouted, "It's Wei Jun!"
Soon, others joined in, chanting his name.
"Wei Jun! Wei Jun! Wei Jun!"
Wei Jun's chest puffed with pride as he started walking toward the stage, straightening his jacket. Lin Xinya's smile grew sharp.
But then —
"—Rian Zhao."
The name left her lips like a blade slicing through the noise.
The chanting died instantly.
Wei Jun froze mid-step. Lin Xinya's face drained of color.
Even Chairman Lian's eyes widened for a split second before he smiled, hiding his surprise.
Whispers erupted around the room.
"Did she just say Rian Zhao?"
"The CEO of Zhao Holdings?"
"Wait — weren't their families rivals?"
At the back of the hall, Rian Zhao stood, tall and calm in a black suit. For a moment, his expression didn't change — then, slowly, he began to walk forward.
Every step echoed through the silence.
The crowd parted for him like waves before a storm.
When he reached the stage, he stopped beside her. Their eyes met — steady, unflinching.
Lian Yue extended her hand toward him. "Mr. Zhao," she said softly, her voice carrying through the hall, "I hope you'll accept."
He looked down at her hand, then took it firmly. "It would be an honor, Miss Lian."
Cameras flashed wildly. Reporters surged forward, shouting questions.
Chairman Lian raised his hand. "The decision has been made," he announced proudly. "The Lian and Zhao families will soon be joined in partnership — both in business, and in life."
Applause broke out — hesitant at first, then thunderous.
But in the corner, Wei Jun stood frozen, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. Lin Xinya's nails dug into her palm, fury twisting her features.
From where she stood beside Rian Zhao, Lian Yue smiled — serene, victorious.
In her past life, this was the moment she lost everything.
But in this one, it was the beginning of their downfall.
---
> Across the hall, Rian Zhao leaned slightly toward her and whispered, just loud enough for her to hear:
"You've just declared war, Miss Lian."
She smiled without looking at him. "Good. I was hoping you'd notice."