Nightfall.

The engagement party of the Kingston family's second daughter and the Hawk family's second son was in full swing aboard a luxury cruise ship.

"Hey, doesn’t the Kingston family have an eldest daughter too? Logically speaking, shouldn’t such a prestigious match with the Hawk family have gone to her?"

"Oh, you didn’t know? The eldest and second daughters of the Kingston family are half-sisters! The second daughter is the legitimate heir—of course, she would be the one chosen for such an influential union!"

"But I heard the second daughter just returned from abroad. How could they get engaged without even meeting first…"

Every word of the guests’ gossip reached Skye’s ears.

She lowered her head, smoothing out her server’s uniform, then picked up a tray and weaved through the crowd of guests.

Meanwhile, Aria stood to the side in a pale blue strapless gown, clutching a wine glass as she listened to the chatter about the engagement. Her expression darkened with each passing remark until, with a furious click of her heels, she stormed out of the venue.

Seeking refuge from the noise, Aria headed back to her room, already crafting an excuse to skip the rest of the event. But on her way, she spotted Asher Hawk slumped against the wall, his face flushed an unnatural red as he clawed at his tie.

"Asher?!" Aria gasped, rushing over to help him up.

The cool touch of her fingers made Asher shudder violently. His glazed eyes struggled to focus on her. "Aria?"

"It’s me." She pressed a hand to his forehead and recoiled at the scorching heat. "Asher, what’s wrong with you?"

Seeing him like this, Aria bit her lip, conflict flashing in her eyes.

It was obvious—someone had drugged him.

No matter who was behind it, the fact that she was the one who found him could only mean fate itself was against Asher and Skye being together.

What if… what if she became the bride instead?

A sudden surge of joy welled up inside Aria as she watched Asher's discomfort, solidifying her resolve.

"Asher, let me help you back to your room to rest," she said softly.

Dazed and barely coherent, Asher didn't quite catch her words, but the warmth of her presence was soothing. Unconsciously, he let himself be guided by her.

Only after the two disappeared down the hallway did Skye step out from the shadows, her eyes flickering with confusion.

*How could it be Aria?!*

*Where was the person I arranged?*

Her father had schemed to make her the second young mistress of the Hawks, hoping to forge connections with them. A clever plan, indeed.

The Hawk family was one of the most powerful elites in City A, their influence spanning countless industries. Just the mention of the legendary eldest Hawk heir was enough to send people scrambling, eager to dress their daughters up like gifts and send them into the Hawk household—never mind formal recognition.

"Aria... I never expected you to beat me to it," Skye muttered under her breath before turning to leave.

Then, abruptly, she froze.

Her smirk stiffened on her face.

Her gaze locked onto the man standing not far away, and unease prickled through her.

*Had he overheard everything she just said?*

Tall and lean, the man wore a sleek black suit, his striking features accentuated by a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.

Skye glanced behind her—no one else was around. Stealthily, she approached him and stopped just short.

"Sir... how long have you been standing here?" she asked cautiously.

The man's slender dark eyes flicked toward her, his voice icy. "After those two left."

Skye: "..."

So he'd heard everything?

She slapped her forehead with a groan.

Oh... this was bad. Really bad.