Inside the most luxurious villa around, the crème de la crème of Mingcheng society were mingling at an upscale party.

When Amelia Brooks arrived, the event was already in full swing — and she was clearly late. Dressed in a soft green evening gown, her long, loose curls falling like a waterfall around her shoulders, she stood awkwardly among the crowd, looking like she didn’t quite know where to go… or maybe she was searching for someone.

People’s eyes kept drifting toward her, some subtly, others not so much. But she didn’t seem to notice any of it — her gaze flitted around the room, that beautiful face of hers full of confusion.

“Well, well — if it isn’t Miss Brooks herself.”

A woman with flawless makeup sauntered over, holding a glass of red wine, her tone sharp as she addressed Amelia.

This was Chloe Thompson — Amelia's love rival and usual source of drama. She often loved stirring the pot between them. Amelia shot her a cool glance but didn’t say a word.

Seeing she got no reaction, Chloe kept going, smugly saying, “Looking for Lucas, huh? He literally just finished chatting with me. Looks like you’re not exactly top of his list.”

Amelia gave her a faint, amused smile. “Chloe, do you ever stop?”

Unbothered, Chloe smirked, eyes flicking over Amelia in disdain. “Honestly, I still can’t figure out what Lucas sees in you. Sure, you’re pretty, but looks only go so far. Must be tough, huh? I barely say anything and you already look like you’re about to snap. Better toughen up — I’m not even trying hard yet!”

“You…” Amelia clenched her jaw. She knew Chloe was doing it on purpose, but those stinging words still hit a nerve.

Just then, a sudden hush rippled through the crowd. The upbeat mood instantly sobered, and everyone started turning their heads toward the same spot. Following their gaze, Amelia saw a tall, striking man walk in from the other end of the room. One hand in his pocket, the other holding a wine glass, he wore a faint, mysterious smile. His lips were sharp, his presence commanding — even his casual scan of the crowd had people instinctively stepping back, like his stare cut straight through them.

Who was this guy?

Amelia had no idea he was Ethan Thompson — current CEO of the Thompson Group and basically one of the most powerful men in Mingcheng’s business world. People either respected him… or made sure to stay out of his way.

She found herself watching him a little too intently — until his eyes landed on her and he smiled just a little.

Snapping out of it, Amelia realized he had already walked right up to her.

Chloe quickly looped her arm through his, smiling sweetly. “Hey, big bro! Didn’t expect you here.”

Ethan didn’t return her smile. Instead, he gave her a cold look and said, “You’re acting up again.”

Chloe peeked at Amelia, then pouted dramatically. “How? Look at her — what does she have on me? Lucas must seriously need an eye check.”

“Chloe.”

His tone turned sharp, voice cutting like a whip. Chloe flinched and instantly shut up. Everyone nearby went silent too, trying to listen in without looking too obvious.

He gave Amelia a glance, then said to Chloe, “Stop making a scene.”

Chloe knew her brother's temper well enough to back off when she had to — though she still gave Amelia a dirty look before slinking away, clearly frustrated.

“Thanks, Mr. Thompson,” Amelia said, giving him a polite smile, her mouth curving up just enough to show off one cute dimple.