Aethelgard.
High society balls were either boring or mind-numbingly boring. At this moment, Shalma Hughes was wearing a flamboyant, red floor-length evening gown. Her ink-black hair was elegantly swept up, and a priceless diamond necklace rested against her collarbone. Her waist was so slender it looked as though it could easily snap. Her exquisitely made-up face was enchanting but not overly provocative, radiating an innate, effortless elegance.
Holding a glass of wine, she leaned lazily against the staircase, watching the men and women twirling on the dance floor below. Such balls were incredibly dull, but due to work requirements, she had to attend one every week—as unavoidable as a woman's monthly period.
"Ms. Hughes, may I have this dance?" A voice came from behind her—a very young voice.
Shalma cursed inwardly. She gracefully turned around, swirling the wine in her glass. As her alluring eyes fell upon the newcomer, a bright smile immediately blossomed on her face. "Ah, Vice President Grant! It is my honor to be invited to dance by you. How could I possibly refuse?"
Felix Grant, the only son of Chairman Grant of the Grant Group, had been pursuing Shalma for half a year. Unfortunately, the feeling was entirely one-sided. The moment the two glided onto the dance floor, they instantly became the center of attention. After all, they made a strikingly handsome and beautiful pair. Humans are sensory creatures; everyone loves beautiful things.
"Shalma, do you have time this weekend?" Felix's handsome face was full of anticipation. He had been chasing the woman standing so close to him for a full six months. He had spent a fortune on her, having his secretary buy anything she liked, only for her to return every single gift without fail.
Shalma gave a charming smile. "I'm so sorry! I already have plans for the weekend, Vice President Grant." She wasn't intentionally making excuses. She genuinely had plans this weekend; he had returned from his business trip to Eldoria and had arranged to meet her at a hotel...
"I see! What a pity."
"We can always arrange another time, Vice President Grant." Shalma maintained a bright smile. Although he wasn't her Lord Benefactor, she still couldn't afford to offend him. After all, he was one of her current clients.
Right at that moment, a voice drifted into her ears. "Mr. Winslow... Mr. Winslow! You're finally here. Your distinguished presence brings immense honor to this place."
As Shalma danced, she performed an elegant spin and glanced toward the source of the voice. She saw the host of the ball bowing and scraping, and the person he was treating with such extreme reverence was none other than...
He was actually back—a full two days early.
Julian Winslow's aristocratic face was completely devoid of expression. His falcon-like eyes swept across the dance floor. Even hidden behind his glasses, his eyes, comparable to black diamonds, were piercingly radiant and irresistible. When his gaze landed on that touch of vibrant red on the dance floor, the corners of his mouth curled into an unfathomable smile.
Catching that look, Shalma intentionally stumbled.
"Ah!" Felix let out a low cry of pain.
"Oh dear! Vice President Grant, I'm truly sorry. My stomach is hurting a bit. I need to go," Shalma said, deliberately putting on an expression of pain and pretending to be pitiful.
Seeing that his sweetheart was unwell, Felix stopped immediately. He gently led Shalma off the dance floor and to a quiet corner. "Shalma, are you alright? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?" His handsome face was filled with concern.
"No, no need. It's fine, just an old ailment." Shalma shook her head quickly, pressing a hand to her stomach. "Alright! Vice President Grant, I'll take my leave now. Let's keep in touch by phone."
With that, Shalma fled from the banquet hall. Lifting the hem of her evening gown and walking in four-inch heels, she still managed to descend the hotel steps as smoothly as if she were walking on flat ground, looking as elegant as a noble queen.
Just as she reached the hotel entrance and extended her slender hand to hail a taxi, a glaring headlight swept over her, blinding her so she couldn't open her eyes.