In a curled-up position on the sofa, Olivia Whites petite figure was nestled within the embrace of the cushions.
The scarlet silk nightgown accentuated her porcelain skin, as delicate as a rare blossom, her collarbones finely crafted, ankles slender鈥攅very detail a testament to her status as a rare beauty in this world.
Li Zian felt a tightening in his throat, a surge of impulse rising, but the more he was unable to resist her, the more it fueled his desire to destroy her.
He swept her up into his arms and strode directly towards the bedroom upstairs.
The person in his arms slowly opened her eyes, her misty and moist gaze looking blankly ahead, as defenseless as a newborn babe.
Born with natural beauty, she had a small, creamy face, her sleeping features pure and graceful, long lashes fanning like an arched fan, her pert nose breathing shallowly, and her slightly parted lips pink and tender as a rain-soaked begonia.
Upon recognizing the person before her, she smiled brightly, her begonias in full bloom, "Zian, youre here."
Li Zian, however, showed no emotion, remaining as icy as ever.
Before she could fully awaken, she was unceremoniously thrown onto the large bed.
...
Li Zian, finally sated, released her without a hint of and rose to head for the bathroom to shower.
The sound of water ceased, and Li Zian emerged wrapped in a towel. His disciplined routine kept his muscular lines smooth and taut; water droplets clung to his handsome features, an enticing danger.
Opening the wardrobe, he selected a white shirt, his long fingers methodically buttoning it up. "Theres a banquet tonight. Someone will come to style you. Ill have Yin Xi come pick you up when its time."
Olivia White was taken aback, thinking she had heard wrong, but seeing Li Zians furrowed brow, she stopped herself and responded with a gentle smile, "Alright, I understand."
He had previously told her that he would not give her a legitimate status, nor would he acknowledge their relationship in public.
Yet now, he suddenly wanted her as his date to attend the banquet with him.
Seeing Li Zian off, Olivia Whites smile gradually faded.
Todays her was not his childhood friend, nor his old flame from school days; she was merely the golden canary he kept in this gilded cage.
At the banquet where industry elites gathered, light and shadow danced, and the fragrance of clothes and hair filled the air.
Amidst the cheerful chatter, the tall and handsome Li Zian entered with his companion.
Some people are naturally blessed, becoming the center of attention wherever they go, and Li Zian was undoubtedly one of them.
Both his appearance and demeanor outshined those who stood by his side.
By his side, Olivia White was adorned in a pearl-colored, deep-V long gown. The upper part was tailored to accentuate her delicate and alluring figure, a bow tied at the waist, highlighting her slender form. The wide skirt featured exquisite oriental embroidery, a seductive yet dignified look that held an irresistible allure for men.
The guests paused their conversations and gazed at Li Zian. The wives and young ladies present were even more curious about who his date was this time.
In recent years, the Li and Gu corporations had frequent business collaborations, and their wives were very close, with rumors circulating that the two families intended to unite through marriage, forming a powerful alliance in Z City.
In the past, Li Zians public companions had always been Gus daughter, Gu Jiao. When they saw who was on Li Zians arm, everyone was taken aback.
Murmurs of surprise erupted:
"Shen Wan Yao?! How dare she come back?"
"It cant be her. When Shen Wan Yao left Z City, she was almost thirty. This young lady looks to be barely in her twenties."
"How can there be two people so alike, as if they were made from the same mold."
"I remember Shen Wan Yao left with her daughter. Judging by the time, she should be this age."
There were also those unaware who asked, "Who is Shen Wan Yao?"
"She was the ex-wife of the second master of the Gu family. She attached herself to the Turner family abroad, abandoned her husband, and left the country with her daughter. The second master of the Gu family became depressed for a while because of her."
"I heard that Shen Wan Yao failed to secure a higher status and was unwilling to be a mistress. Desperate, she killed Mrs. Turner; shes a murderer."
...
From the second floor of the banquet, Gu Jiao also noticed the couple entering. Her fingernails dug into her palm, leaving vicious white crescents.
She turned to see a waiter nearby, her apricot eyes narrowing as a plan formed in her mind.
As the waiter approached, he somehow bumped into Miss Gu. The jade bracelet on Gu Jiaos wrist shattered against the glass table beside her.
The waiter, realizing he had offended Miss Gu and damaged a valuable piece of jewelry, was on the verge of tears, his face pale as he apologized profusely.
Gu Jiao beckoned the waiter closer and whispered something into his ear. The waiter looked at Gu Jiao with fear, then at Olivia White downstairs, biting his lip and nodding in agreement.