Earlier it was hinted that Sena will not be able to attend the ball but she broke everyone’s expectation by appearing and overwhelming Maya on the red carpet. While it started a fierce war between the two people’s fans on the internet, the situation remained solemn within the confines of the gala venue. 

In the dance hall, the guest present went to their respective seats awaiting for the opening to begin. 

Timothée offered his arm to Maya as he guided her around the hall. “Shall we?”

She gave him a beaming smile, tucked her hand on his arm and gave it a nervous squeeze. 

“The mayor of Capital City will not be able to attend tonight to present awards.” He said with a grimace, “but then again, what does a soon to be replaced public servant have to do with everyone here?”

Maya flinched at the abhorrence in his tone. “Mayor Miles is going to jail?”

A waiter arrived handing them glasses of champagne. 

“The same as his son, maybe even longer. That’s the only place fit for the rotten and corrupt, don’t you agree?”

“I, I suppose.” 

The large hall and its grand ensemble was presented right to her eyes that for a second there, Maya thought she was in an entirely different world. This was not a party held at some large ostentatious mansion, this whole setup was way grander than she ever expected. As they walked, she watched Timothée smile politely as group after group of the so-called acquaintances and new friends either said hello to them or asked about their family situation. 

As they arrived at their table and Timothée drew her closer to introduce to a friend a moment later, Maya was already feeling lightheaded from the excitement.  

“It takes time getting used to it.” Timothée whispered.

Maya flushed pink at his teasing. 

As the party began, Timothée pointed at some important figures, the organizers and the guests of honor occupying the head table. Far from her seat, Maya saw a figure that made her blood surge. 

Sena! 

She belatedly realizes that their table is several meters away from the podium. What the hell is going on? Isn’t Timothée going to accept an award for the CWI this year? Why are they seated so far away?

As if to answer her question Timothée smiled, “I mentioned before that our leader might come to accept the certificate and trophy this time. I’ve been doing it for two years so I guess it’s her turn now. It took a while to convince her to do this.” 

Maya’s hand on the champagne glass shook. 

“Sena as leader?”

“Hm, right— oh, look, Eleanor Muller and Olivia Waller caught her by the arm. It’s funny seeing her unable to escape from the claws of those two old ladies. She must be crying inside I bet.”  

Timothée’s familiar tone stung her. 

“It would be fun to see her cry out. Unfortunately, with Sena crying will be done mostly with grace.”

“Sena does everything with poise,” Maya said dryly. She would not make the mistake of antagonizing Timothée’s opinion when she knew he had positive impressions of her.

Maya’s eyes stuck to the girl in a silvery white gown and happily chatted with the society matrons. 

Not a long while later Nicholas Aiguille came in time to rescue his sweetheart. Sydney popped out of nowhere as he tried to maneuver his grand aunt away while he clung into her petite figure. 

“Sydney is going to get an earful again. The Wallers, you know, yes?” Timothée asked Maya.

She nodded stiffly. Evidently, that seemingly inconspicuous small-time director friend of Sena is also a part of these old clans. One surprise after another… and she is not fond of any of it.

“Nicholas Aiguille.” Timothée added when her gaze drifted to the handsome man smiling gently at her half-sister. “I don’t have to introduce him since the family name is well-known all over the world.” 

“No.” Maya’s throat felt dry. 

The Aiguille Conglomerate has its subsidiaries everywhere and though she wasn’t entirely familiar with the people behind it, she had seen and confirmed that the man over there is none other than Nicholas Vaughn-Aiguille. 

An uncomfortable heaviness formed in her chest. The place that enchanted her a while ago, she now felt extremely out of place. 

In the head table an interrogation is currently taking place. 

Mrs Muller looked at the two and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose you two are…” she paused. “Are you dating?”

“Two months.” Nicholas answered grinningly. 

“Stop smiling so stupidly. Jesus, why do you look like you were announcing pregnancy?” The madam glared. 

Sena slapped her forehead and burst into laughter. 

“Does Leonard know?” 

“We will come to his house for lunch tomorrow and announce the relationship.” Nicholas said and gave Sena a reassuring look. 

“What about Pascal Rossi? Oslo Troy? Situ Ye?”

“I’ve talked to Mr Ye however I have not yet informed Mr Troy and Mr Rossi.” 

“Splendid.” Mrs Muller squinted then added grimly, “I advise you to do it sooner if you wish to live longer.”

“Grandma Elle, are you not going to help me?” Nicholas asked drily. 

The old madam’s answer was a roll of her eyes and a hasty retreat leaving him alone with Sena. 

“Why do I feel like I suddenly fell out of favor?” He asked puzzledly. 

Sena’s shoulder shook with mirth because she had a pretty good idea about the reason: Grandma Elle is at odds with her three grandfathers. 

“And here I thought I would have a great chance of not dying,” Nicholas tipped his head down and whispered, “You look ravishing in that dress by the way.” 

“Thank you.” She replied smilingly then reached to arrange his ascot tie, “you also look—”

“Uncomfortable.” He added funnily. “But for you my dear I’d endure being strangled by this thing.” 

Sena tapped him on the shoulder, “It’s not that bad. We're matching colors, aren’t we?”

“Hm—.” Nicholas tilted his head on the side giving her the softest gaze that made her cheeks blush. “And I’m very pleased with such coincidence.” 

He had watched her since her walk on the carpet and came to him with that captivating smile of hers. All that gentleness and kindness blooming deep within her soul was something only few people could see. She may be that glamorous figure who was strolling casually through the roomful of wealthy socialites but for him, he is his sweetheart.

Hard to imagine that such a soft and delicate girl was able to charm everyone. 

“Tell me when you get tired in those heels, I’ll have the engine roaring anytime.” 

Sena couldn’t hold it and laughed. “That’s reassuring.” 

“I’m serious. I know how much you hated long boring parties.” 

She scrunched up her face, “As if you were any different.”

“Hehe.”

Tonight the honorees will receive their commendations. Donations will then follow. 

Sena sat down primly as the emcee announced the names. Before the amount of money imparted to the charity was kept anonymous but this year a change was made since Darlian Institute wanted to encourage its members to donate more. A sort of subtle competition was staged in order to make things interesting. 

“It appears I went below Mr Shu this time.” a Mr Nguyen remarked in a friendly tone. 

“There is still next year. This year’s proceeds will be sorted out for the construction of a new public hospital for children.”

“I see, this idea was proposed by Paula isn’t it? Shame she would not get to see it come to fruition.” 

“Her daughter is taking over the mantle. I am very optimistic about the prospects of this child.” Mr Shu said, nodding his head towards the head table.   

Maya bit her lips as her healthy complexion grew paler by the minute. She looked up to Timothée who had his gaze riveted to her half sister the whole time. 

“You, you don’t happen to personally know Sena. Do you?”

“We’re classmates from middle school.” 

Maya stared at the crystal glass on the table, “Really? That long, huh.” she said with a cold smile. 

What are the chances of her knowing Timothée before Sena if only she passed Edelweiss Academy’s exam instead of choosing Mason Private School? The people she desperately wanted to meet, most of them had gone to her first. Just like before. 

“Oh, she’s up.” 

Everyone's eyes went to the front row as the silvery white figure came to the stage to accept the trophy and certificate for CWI. 

Maya’s panicked gaze flew to Timothée and he gave her a subtle nod of understanding. “Charity was an idea formed by us; me, Tang Chang’an, Sydney Waller, Ramsy Muller and Genevive Shu when we were in middle school but the one who worked hard to give it an official name and kept it running was none other than our leader, Sena Erde.”

Maya’s chest undulated violently. She felt cold. She wanted to throw up as her most dreaded truth came to light. 

She wished she had more drops of wine in her glass left to maintain her composure. 

Why? Why? Why?! 

Redness was spreading rapidly in her eyes as tears threatened to flow out. But after a few deep breaths she managed to collect herself somehow. Nothing is over yet. She still has her chances. She looked around the sea of people whom she would never get in touch with all her life and smiled positively. 

So what if Sena was way ahead of her? It doesn’t mean it will hold forever. Look at Paula, didn’t her mother manage to steal her place? Just give her enough time, she will be able to win too. 

“Are you alright? You seem restless.” Timothée inquired in concern. 

“No, I… uhm, just a little overwhelmed.” 

Maya took note of the prominent faces attending the ball and made up her mind.

“It’s a little stuffy here, don’t you think? Why don’t we walk around. I’ve been dying to see the famed Lion’s Club.” She suggested brightly.

Timothée nodded, “Of course.” 

As one of the privileged few, the Rosamaria family has a seat reserved near the podium. If they wish to move around the hall, they may do so by passing the middle of the hall which divides the VIP from the other guests. 

Timothée turned out to be a good companion as he made special effort not to make her feel left out in the least. He regaled her with interesting stories about the club and its prominent members. Somewhere along the way they meet Cassandra Liu clinging stickily to a certain bank CEO. 

“That’s Cal Dutton.” Timothée provided when Maya’s gaze slid over the couple standing in front of a painting. “He’d been single since his spouse died but it would be unusual to find him walking around without a pretty woman in his arms.”   

“A womanizer.” Maya gasped exaggeratedly.  

“It’s an open secret.” 

Timothée's casual remark made her feel embarrassed for overreacting. Even Cassandra Liu gave her a threatening gaze. In order not to make any more blunder, Maya chose to keep her mouth shut for the following moments until her escort excused himself. 

She was deposited in one of the sitting rooms of the club, left alone in her lonesome admiring the large renaissance paintings and an array of antique collections.

Not far from her is a man in a dark gray suit touching the head of an onyx panther with fiery ruby eyes. 

Maya looked up to see the face of the person who dared to touch one of the valuables here. She came face to face with Dresden Troy.

Staring ahead, she frowned. Her expression turned ugly in disbelief that this man was here. It was the same man who came to her saying she saved his life and was determined to pay it back. Dresden was true to his word, he is a wealthy person who could cater to her requests but his unknown background kept her in a state of distaste so she chose to keep him at an arm's length. 

All this time she thought he understood her meaning when she said they should no longer meet. But why is he so persistent to stalk her until here?!

She looked around in panic hoping Timothée wouldn't come so soon and saw them together. 

“I thought I made myself clear Mr Troy.” Maya spoke in an abrupt impatient tone. 

She walked towards him with hands crossed over chest. 

“We don’t seem to be too familiar for you to speak to me in such a tone Ms Luz.”  

Stunned but completely determined to drive him away before anyone gets to connect their relationship, Maya raised her chin and gave him a mocking look, “Of course we are not so why not take this time to the hall while everyone else is still occupied.” 

“Excuse me?”

“You don’t belong here.”

“Where do you suppose I should be?” 

“In a place where an underprivileged street gang boss should be.” Maya grimaced with contempt as if she had smelt something dirty. 

Dresden raised an eyebrow. It seems his grandfather was right. Withholding his identity was a good move to unravel people’s masks. And here he thought Sena’s hostility to this half sister of hers was an exaggeration. 

Turns out, he was just a poor judge of character.  

“Blatantly driving a person out without any explanation seems to be the norm of power tripping in your middle class circle.”

She scoffed. 

“It appears lack of tact is also included.” 

Dresden’s remark of her unremarkably low origin made her cheeks flushed hotly and her tongue stiff. Witnessing her true face, Dresden could care less about her maidenly feelings and ironically added. 

“Timothée Rosamaria is a good prospect but that’s only until a new man with more money and power comes along.”

“Shut up!” Maya hissed furiously. She was sure he came here to taunt her. Perhaps he wishes to ruin her chances for tonight as an act of revenge. “What do you want?”

“I’d like to be left alone.” He replied imperturbably. It was she who came to him while he was inspecting the panther statue. 

While her thought went wild with conjectures, Dresden thought on the other hand speaking to her wasted his time. 

“Left alone? Oh, no. I’m not a child to believe that after you followed me here!” 

The corner of Dresden’s mouth rose into a cynical arc, “Did you think I’m here to stalk you like a heartbroken jilted lover?” 

The mockery was clear there. 

“Don’t overestimate your worth Ms Luz. I'm not a fan of self-absorbed and vain women.”  

Maya’s crumbling composure and temper broke out altogether. She felt so humiliated she could only tremblingly threaten him with the only thing she could at this moment. 

“I’m warning you, I can get you thrown out in seconds.”  

“If you have the authority, by all means do it.” Dresden spread his hands out. 

Enraged, she hated his aloof alienated tone all the more. He turned his attention back to the art piece and looked at the bronze nameplate. 

“If you so much as scratch it,” Maya said pointing at him with a finger. “You wouldn’t have enough money to pay for it!” 

Not knowing how to drive him away, Maya could only grit her teeth. After so long of not hearing a reply she turned to her heel to find Timothée himself.

On the way out her chest was heaving up and down. She had already twisted the ruffles of her gown hoping it was the man’s hateful neck she was squeezing.

Timothée was seen exchanging cheek to cheek pleasantries to a gorgeous lady in burgundy gown. The action can be seen around people who meet each other, first an inquiry, followed by enthusiastic greetings then a symbolic kiss on the cheek but in Maya’s eyes, the woman in burgundy dress was overly intimate to her escort. Her already irritated mood was tested even more.

She wanted to cry.  

“How long has it been Gen—”

Maya stepped swiftly in front of a startled Timothée, she smilingly grabbed his arm and leaned her head on his chest. 

“So the rumors are true?” Genivieve asked with amusement. 

Timothée chuckled lightly, “Don’t be ridiculous, Maya is just a friend I happened to bring tonight.” 

Away from the sight of the two people Maya’s face collapsed as soon as she heard him clear out the relationship. 

“Be careful though, the media can be relentless when it comes to digging out gossip from our side. The next thing you know, you are involved in some nasty rumors again.” 

Genivieve did not have any sly innuendo but Maya’s head, which is full of conspiracies, was determined to conclude she was being attacked. 

She looked up to Timothée with her wet eyelashes and tearful eyes expressing her grievance. “I’m so sorry. I seem to be causing you problems.” 

“No worries, it’s just a bunch of paparazzis. They will do you no harm, trust me.” 

Her heart settled at his gentle coaxing. Although she had suffered from Dresden, she was relieved to have Timothée’s attention all to herself. Which man could resist if they are presented with such a docile and fragile woman? 

She believed it would only be a matter of time before he falls for her… 

“Tim is right, it’s easy to track those gossip mongers if he puts his mind to it. Love affairs could hardly affect the state of business, that is why he doesn’t bother.”

Maya felt an imaginary pain on her face. 

“Here’s what’s shocking for tonight.” Genivieve said excitedly all of a sudden. 

Coming out of the sitting room is the man capable of quieting a crowd. 

Genivieve moved gracefully on her six-inch stilettos to the person in question and steered him expertly towards her acquaintances. 

“I was planning to be inconspicuous.” Dresden sighed looking at her with admonishment. 

“Don’t play truant, tonight is a big event.” 

Genivieve waved his grumpiness off and introduced him to the ladies whom he hadn't met. 

Dresden may be the grouchy type but decorum was ingrained into his bones so he obliged a polite greeting with the ladies. 

Maya’s knees were already shaking when she saw Dresden being surrounded by the enthusiastic crowd. 

“May I present a dear friend of mine, Dresden Troy.”  

Maya’s entire person turned pallid when she realized there was someone standing right in front of them. It was the same man she mocked and threatened to throw out of the ball not so long ago. Her mind went blank and she did not quite catch Genivieve Shu’s enthusiastic introduction to the heir of Troy Corporation. 

All she knew is how important of a person he was that everyone here had to pay close attention to him.  

Somehow Maya regained her calm when she collided with those pair of quiet eyes. Not a hint of anger can be seen nor was he seem inclined to pursue her rudeness. She sighed inwardly. 

“This is Timothée Rosamaria and his companion Miss—”

Dresden conducted himself all too well so she assumed he would do the same and engaged in  the usual salutatory kiss. She leaned over fully expecting it. 

“We have already met.” Dresden said coolly, ignoring her cheek. 

The onlookers were stunned. 

Maya gaped in shock at his impolite action. She jerked her head away and aimed her injured eyes to seek comfort from Timothée but he merely tapped her back. “It’s okay,”

Belatedly realizing that she appeared like a whiny child, Maya tried to press down her rioting anger and anxiety. 

“You’ve met Miss Luz?” Genivieve inquired. 

A waiter with champagne flutes arrived to give them refreshments. Dresden caught one and raised it to a toast. “A while ago in the sitting room, she mistook me for a stalker and threatened to kick me out of the building.” 

Silence befell the hall. 

Timothée burst out laughing. “My God, dear Maya you’ve unknowingly created one of the most dramatic encounters in history!” 

There were lighthearted laughter in the room but then Dresden added with unconcealed sarcasm;

“She was quite vexed with my presence and was adamant I leave the premises.” 

This time, no one dared to let out a croak. 

An outsider daring to throw out a member of the club? Inexcusable. 

Maya had long been paralyzed on her spot. Dresden’s remark gave way to a horrifying realization; it made her voice shake, “I, I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. I  didn’t mean to—”      

“Someone has to brief her with the rules of the Lion’s Club, I guess.” Dresden said in a bored tone. 

Timothée nodded his head, “My companion has offended you.” 

“Good evening, everyone.” 

The man left, Maya found herself staring straight at the crowd’s accusing eyes. Without a word, the people turned, far away from where they stood. 

“Timothée, I…” 

She wanted to explain but Timothée doesn’t appear to be interested. His attention was elsewhere. 

“What a surprise, I did not know the heir of Troy Corporation would answer to the invitation. A rare chance indeed. I’ve only seen him once in a conference in Germany. I can’t believe he will come tonight. If Gen hadn’t caught him a while ago I’m  sure we wouldn’t know he came.”

“Troy Corporation?”

Timothée steered her towards the balcony for air while he imparted some bits of information he knew about who’s who in this event and the more Maya listened, the colder her body became…