Chapter 6 up
“Make sure there isn’t a single mistake tonight.”
The deep, commanding voice echoed through the main ballroom of the family’s seven-star hotel. Staff members moved swiftly, heads bowed in absolute respect. No one dared to object. In the business world, a single sentence from that man could decide the life or death of an entire corporation.
Vanesa stood a few steps behind her father.
She wore a simple cream-colored gown—no dazzling jewelry, no family name attached to her identity. Her hair was neatly pinned up, her expression calm, yet her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest.
“Dad,” Vanesa said softly. “I can still step back if you change your mind.”
The man turned. His gaze was sharp, but it softened the moment it landed on his daughter.
“You are not being tested,” he said firmly. “You are being welcomed.”
Vanesa swallowed. “But this world… it’s no longer mine.”
Her father raised an eyebrow. “This world has always been yours. You’re the one who walked too far away from it.”
The crystal chandeliers flared to full brilliance. Classical music flowed gently through the air. The ballroom was filled with powerful figures—top CEOs, high-ranking government officials, foreign investors, and both national and international media.
News of the event had spread since morning:
“The King of Business Hosts a Celebration: His Only Daughter Returns to the Family.”
Yet not a single media outlet had a photograph.
Not one knew her name.
And that was what made everyone restless with curiosity.
“Who is this daughter?”
“Why has she never appeared before?”
“Will she inherit everything?”
Whispers filled the room.
Vanesa heard them all. She stood beside her father, yet felt exposed—naked under a sea of judgment.
“Stay calm,” her father murmured without turning his head. “They’re only seeing shadows. Not you.”
The ballroom doors opened once more.
Axel Armand walked in with Selina at his side.
Axel wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his expression severe and controlled. Selina, on the other hand, was striking—draped in a fiery red gown, her confident smile suggesting the room belonged to her.
“Look at this place,” Selina whispered, eyes gleaming. “If we secure a contract with this family, your company will rise two levels overnight.”
Axel nodded. “That’s why we need to be flawless tonight.”
But his steps slowed when his eyes caught a familiar figure near the main podium.
That back.
That posture.
Something twisted uncomfortably in his chest.
“What is it?” Selina asked.
Axel shook his head quickly. “Nothing.”
Selina followed his gaze—and then smiled crookedly as she recognized Vanesa.
“Oh,” she murmured. “The world really is small.”
Axel fell silent. He had never expected to see Vanesa here. Not at just any event—but at the gathering of the most powerful man in the country.
“What is she doing here?” Selina whispered mockingly. “Don’t tell me she’s still chasing you.”
Axel didn’t answer. A strange unease settled deep within him.
Meanwhile, Vanesa’s father stepped onto the podium. The room fell instantly silent.
“Thank you all for being here,” he announced. “Tonight is not a business event. It is a family occasion.”
The guests exchanged glances.
“My daughter,” he continued, “has returned.”
Camera flashes erupted. Every eye turned toward Vanesa.
Her chest tightened.
“For now,” her father added, “allow her to remain a guest of honor. Without a name. Without the spotlight.”
Whispers broke out again.
Vanesa stepped forward once, offering a small, graceful bow. Nothing more.
And at that moment, Axel’s eyes met hers.
There was no smile.
No tears.
Only a flat, distant gaze that made Axel realize—he was no longer the center of her world.
Selina noticed immediately.
“Axel,” she whispered sharply. “Don’t tell me you’re surprised to see your ex-wife trying to climb back up.”
Axel straightened his jaw. “Watch your tone.”
Selina smiled faintly. “I just don’t like women who don’t know their place.”
The event continued. Guests took turns congratulating the conglomerate—while openly scrutinizing Vanesa from head to toe.
“She’s beautiful.”
“But too plain.”
“Maybe just a spoiled child kept hidden.”
Vanesa heard every word. She said nothing.
Until Selina approached.
“Vanesa,” Selina greeted sweetly—her tone dripping with poison. “I didn’t expect to see you still wandering around our world.”
Vanesa met her gaze calmly. “I was invited.”
Selina chuckled. “Of course. As what? A spectator?”
Axel stepped closer. “Selina.”
“I’m just joking,” Selina said, clutching Axel’s arm. “Isn’t it sad? Your ex-wife coming to a grand event like this just to relive the past.”
“I didn’t come here for either of you,” Vanesa said quietly.
Selina sneered. “Too bad. This world isn’t meant for women who fail to keep their marriages.”
Several guests began to glance over. Tension thickened the air.
Axel wanted to stop Selina—but it was too late.
From across the room, Vanesa’s father turned. His gaze hardened.
Vanesa took a deep breath. “You’re right,” she said softly to Selina.
“I failed to hold on to something that was never truly mine.”