Four years ago, in the transition from late summer to early autumn.
Anna opened the door to her rented apartment and saw her ex-boyfriend, Jake, packing his belongings.
An awkward expression crossed Jake's face. He gave a dry laugh and said, "Sorry, I... I just came back to grab a few things."
Anna felt a bit uncomfortable herself. She shook her head, trying to muster a smile.
But all she managed was a mechanical twitch of her facial muscles.
Over two weeks had passed since everything happened. Any lingering emotions had long been worn away by time and the demands of heavy work.
Anna had joined the jewelry company three years prior, the year she turned eighteen.
She was originally the youngest daughter of the wealthy Johnson family. But when she was ten, a sudden upheaval struck her family—her parents disappeared, and their business empire was overthrown overnight. Distant relatives from her father's side took her in, but they treated her poorly, seeing her as a burden.
Anna ran away, drifting through several cities before finally arriving in Frosthaven.
At first, she worked as a dishwasher in small restaurants. Later, by chance, someone discovered her keen eye for jewelry appraisal and introduced her to help evaluate stones at mining sites.
She was beautiful and hardworking, always greeting everyone with a smile. She quickly became acquainted with several key figures in the industry. Seeing her sweet and sensible nature, they would recommend her for various jobs.
For a time, she didn't have to worry about food or clothing and shared an apartment with a few friends in the eastern part of the city.
It was a large, open-concept space with the kitchen and bathroom on the north side and a balcony to the south. The shared living and dining area was in the middle, and the other rooms were occupied by aspiring actors trying to make a living.
She met Jake two years ago when he had offended a local thug and was being beaten up in an alleyway.
Anna, skilled in mimicry, imitated the sound of police sirens, causing the assailants to scatter.
Afterward, Jake laughed and said he owed her his life and would repay her by working tirelessly for her.
Anna playfully retorted that when a savior isn't attractive, people promise to work like a horse or ox to repay them. But if the savior is good-looking, the rescued person should offer their hand in marriage.
Jake was taken aback for a moment, and then a slow blush spread across his face.
They naturally became a couple after that.
In truth, they were more like companions than lovers. For those wandering far from home, the loneliness is profound. Having someone by your side—even if you don't deeply love them—provides a kind of emotional solace.
They were like two trees leaning against each other, surviving by sharing warmth.
The door closed with a "bang" in front of her, and the room returned to silence.
So quiet that only the old-fashioned clock on the wall could be heard ticking: "tick," "tock," "tick," "tock."
It was as if he had never been there.
Anna stood still for a moment but couldn't help walking to the window.
In the old neighborhood, the flowerbeds were almost barren, occasionally littered with dried leaves.
Parked below was a shiny Porsche 911, strikingly out of place amidst these surroundings.
She saw Jake get into the car.
In the back seat sat a woman with her legs elegantly crossed, reviewing design sketches.
In her early thirties, her long hair was pinned up with a wooden hairpin, exuding elegance and grace.
Sensing someone watching her, the woman lifted her gaze. Her sharp eyes briefly studied Anna's face.
She wore a peacock-blue sleeveless turtleneck sweater that highlighted her shapely figure. The gentle curves of her chest were elegantly showcased, and a women's blazer was casually draped over her shoulders.
This was Grace Evans, the heiress of Aurora Jewelry and a leading figure in seventh-generation jewelry design. Coming from a family with significant influence, she had previously participated in the creation of avant-garde jewelry pieces for international companies. Later, she transitioned to her family's business, where her designs received mixed reviews but were undeniably popular among the elite social circles.
Feeling a deep sense of inadequacy, Anna hurriedly retreated back into her apartment.
Perhaps due to her misfortunes in love, that year marked a turning point in Anna's career.
Not long after, she received a call from Shelly, a designer at a new jewelry brand called Lumina. Shelly invited her to join the company to oversee the quality of their gemstones.
Anna's eye for quality had been honed through her time in the mines, becoming even more precise.
However, entering a new environment meant she had to adapt all over again.
Becoming the head of gemstone sourcing as a newcomer didn't sit well with some of the staff at the company.
In this society, if you're young and attractive, people often view you through a lens of bias.
"She's been here just a few days and already thinks she can boss us around? Does she really think she's someone important?" Nearby, a few senior employees whispered among themselves.
"I heard she has some connections in the mining areas. Seems like she didn't get here on merit but through networking, right?"
Today was the first batch of gemstone deliveries under her supervision. These were the core materials for Lumina's upcoming limited-edition haute couture jewelry line—absolutely critical.
"Miss Anna, these gemstones are from our long-standing supplier. We've never had issues before. Do you think there's anything we need to pay special attention to this time?" Purchasing Manager David Lee asked nonchalantly, his tone laced with a hint of disdain.
Anna looked up, her gaze steady as she surveyed the pile of gemstone samples on the table. She didn't rush to a conclusion.
"I'll personally inspect them to ensure each gemstone meets our standards," she replied calmly.
David was displeased that she didn't immediately approve the shipment. "Miss Anna, you're still new here. Perhaps you shouldn't be so overconfident."
Ignoring his sarcasm, Anna picked up a gemstone and began meticulously examining its facets and clarity. Her years of experience in the mines quickly alerted her to quality issues with this batch.
"These gemstones contain impurities, especially these few pieces. Their quality doesn't meet the standards of our jewelry line," she stated coolly.
A flicker of annoyance crossed David's face. "Impurities? Don't you think you're being overly picky, Miss Anna? These stones are from top-tier suppliers, and you're dismissing them just like that?"
Without responding, Anna retrieved a bottle of specialized testing solution from her bag and applied a drop to one of the gemstones. Almost immediately, the surface displayed varying color changes, clearly indicating that the purity was below standard.
Silence filled the conference room. Those who had been whispering earlier now held their tongues.
At that moment, the conference room door swung open. In walked Sophia Martinez, the driving force behind Lumina. Her sleek, shoulder-length hair framed her face, and she wore a tailored blazer over a pleated midi skirt, paired with pointed high heels.
Her makeup was simple yet striking, and she carried herself with an undeniable authority that commanded attention.
"What's going on here?" Her voice was clear and authoritative, instantly heightening the room's tension.
Anna looked up, her gaze briefly meeting that of Sophia Martinez. She sensed scrutiny and curiosity but didn't rush to explain.
"Miss Anna believes there's an issue with this batch of gemstones, but they've come from our long-standing supplier—errors are unlikely," David Lee quickly explained, clearly unwilling to let his reputation take a hit.
Sophia stepped forward, picked up the gemstone that had been tested, and examined it closely. Then she turned to Anna. "Are you certain this batch is substandard?"
"Yes. The impurities are excessive; the finished products won't meet our design requirements," Anna replied firmly.
Without another word, Sophia placed the gemstone back down and turned to David, her tone icy. "If she says they're unqualified, then reorder. Don't let inferior materials affect our brand."
Working under Sophia was demanding, but it had its advantages—she was a straightforward boss who didn't mince words or hide meanings. Subordinates didn't have to guess her intentions; they just needed to follow orders precisely.
David's face darkened instantly, but he didn't dare argue and nodded in agreement.
As Sophia and the others turned to leave, she glanced back at Anna, a hint of appreciation in her eyes. While youth and beauty might be others' first impressions of Anna, Sophia saw deeper qualities—calmness, rationality, decisiveness. These traits were especially valuable in their industry.
After everyone left, Anna lightly tapped the table with her fist, letting out a long sigh. She hadn't expected to hit the table so hard, and now her hand hurt. She winced repeatedly.
Someone outside the door found this amusing and couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
Anna turned to see a man leaning against a window in the hallway not far away, gazing at her with a slight smile. His long arms rested casually on the windowsill.
He wore a dress shirt, standing tall, with his suit jacket draped loosely over one arm.
Clearly, he was the uninvited guest, yet he didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable. His deep, dark eyes were calm and unruffled, reflecting her slightly embarrassed expression.
But the smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, and his face returned to its aloof and distant demeanor.
Feeling a bit annoyed, Anna quickly composed herself, unwilling to let a stranger see her flustered.
"What are you doing here? Not going in to take a look?" Another man in a suit approached gracefully from a distance.
"No need; it's not that interesting." He held a faint smile, lit a cigarette, and tapped the ash into a nearby ashtray.
The two chatted as they walked away, leaving Anna standing there.
As they passed by, she caught a subtle woody fragrance—a hint of pine, reminiscent of snow-covered forests in winter, bringing a unique sense of clarity and calm.
"Annie, do you have plans tonight?" As they were wrapping up for the day, her colleague Emily called out to her.
Anna quickly stopped and greeted, "Hi, Emily!"
Her voice was sweet and clear, and when she called out to someone, she would focus attentively on their eyes, making the other person feel respected and exceptionally comfortable.
Emily felt warmed by this and smiled more genuinely. "Haven't eaten yet, right? Want to grab dinner together? I'm so tired of the takeout around the office—I've nearly lost my sense of taste."
Although Anna thought the cafeteria food was actually pretty good, she smiled and agreed.
Emily's car was a Tesla, sleek and stylish, sparkling clean.
Before getting in, Anna couldn't help but pause to admire it, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.
The car sped along the highway for a while before heading toward the outskirts of the city. The scenery along the way became increasingly unfamiliar.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Anna asked, "Aren't we going to eat?"
Emily laughed. "We can eat anywhere. I wanted to broaden your horizons."
Half an hour later, they arrived at the gates of a private club. Calling it a club didn't quite capture it—it was more of a resort built on a mountain. For miles around, it was the only building, and the dazzling lights illuminated the surroundings as if it were daylight.
There weren't many cars parked at the entrance, but each was a valuable luxury vehicle with eye-catching license plates.
A valet approached to assist with parking, taking the keys and driving the car into the underground garage.
Anna paused for a moment, realizing that Emily's car wasn't permitted to park right at the front door.
However, Emily seemed unfazed, as if she was used to it.
Anna had heard stories about these private clubs before; they didn't have the best reputation. At some point, private clubs had become synonymous with improper dealings.
Given various social scandals in recent years, it was hard not to let one's imagination run wild.
But upon entering, she found that it was different from what she'd imagined.
This was a private club with a strong business atmosphere. Compared to the opulent and extravagant exterior, the interior was elegant and classic, even somewhat artistic.
Beyond the lobby, the place opened up into a whole new world. Every few steps revealed a pavilion or a scenic view. Winding corridors accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water, mist lingering in the air—it felt like stepping into a fairyland.
After walking for a while, the hostess leading them brought them to a separate courtyard entrance before departing.
"Mind your manners and be careful not to offend anyone," Emily cautioned her before pushing open the door to the private room.
The first thing that caught her eye was a large swimming pool, reminiscent of a motel she'd once visited but at least twice the size. Around it were semi-open carved walls leading to different rooms.
Voices echoed softly from around a corner, shadows cast upon the dimly lit walls like an old shadow puppet play.
"What are you standing there for? Keep up," Emily called back when she saw Anna still rooted to the spot.
Anna's mind was already in a whirl; she'd never seen such a scene before.
After a moment, she snapped back to reality and hurried to catch up with Emily, not wanting to lose her.
Inside, there was a square table, but only three people were seated playing cards. Being one player short didn't seem to dampen their spirits. A few others stood around watching, while some, bored, went to rest in the corners.
An amber glow emanated from a circular lamp hanging above, making the surrounding shadows even darker.
The sounds of laughter and conversation grew clearer. Though not loud, they seemed amplified in Anna's ears, as if echoing right beside her.
In such a setting, she felt inexplicably out of place, standing awkwardly like a lost duckling.
Emily chatted with an acquaintance for a while. When she turned back and saw Anna's bewildered expression, she seemed exasperated and kept giving her meaningful glances.
But Anna didn't catch on at all, simply returning her gaze with a puzzled look.
Emily was at a loss.
A man nearby couldn't help but laugh, teasingly asking, "Is this your niece? Is she even old enough?"
"Mr. Brooks, you always know how to joke. She'll be twenty soon," Emily replied
with a polite smile, her expression earnest and her tone cautious. "She might be young and inexperienced, but she has a great personality and a keen eye."
Mr. Brooks raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, fiddling with the metal lighter in his hand as he took a longer look at Anna.
"Indeed," Emily smiled, echoing his thoughts.
Losing interest, Mr. Brooks casually gestured to Anna. "Have a seat."
Emily quickly pulled her over to sit down.
Anna had no idea how to play cards and felt like she was being pushed onto a stage unprepared. After one round, she lost completely.
It felt as if dozens of ants were crawling inside her, making her anxious. She wanted to ask how much she had lost in that round but was too embarrassed to inquire directly, fidgeting uneasily.
"What's with that expression, little lady?" teased the man sitting across from her, seemingly amused by her demeanor.
"Looks like someone who's out of cash," a glamorous woman beside him chimed in, hooking her arm around his shoulder and laughing behind her hand.
The two women standing behind them giggled.
Anna felt her face flush but stubbornly remained silent.
"Don't mind their nonsense. We're not playing for money; just relax," someone finally came to her rescue, smiling kindly.
She glanced gratefully at him and realized it was Michael.
She thought he looked familiar but couldn't recall where she'd seen him before.
Another round ended in a crushing defeat for her. Knowing there was no money at stake, she didn't mind being the background character. After a few more casual jokes at her expense, they seemed to lose interest and returned to their own conversations, no longer focusing on her.
She breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Feeling thirsty, she discreetly picked up the cup of tea beside her and took a sip.
The tea was delightful—cool and refreshing as it slid down her throat, leaving no bitter aftertaste. After drinking, a rich fruity aroma lingered in her mouth, making her crave more.
Unable to resist, she took another sip.
When she looked up again, she noticed that everyone had stopped what they were doing and stood up. The room had fallen silent, and all eyes were directed toward the entrance behind her.
Anna realized belatedly that she was near the door—someone important must have arrived.
She quickly stood up and turned to look.
Entering was a tall man with a confident stride. As he walked, he casually removed his overcoat, draping it over his arm. When the others greeted him, he gave a slight nod. "Please, be seated. No need for formalities," he said.
His voice was captivating—gentle and courteous, giving the impression of a well-mannered gentleman. He was handsome too, with strong eyebrows and deep-set eyes, exuding a remarkable aura. However, he didn't seem like someone easy to approach.
Everyone smiled and echoed his sentiments, gradually sitting back down. The atmosphere became slightly more relaxed.
Yet Anna couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was merely pretending to be at ease.
This man's identity was likely extraordinary.
A slender hand reached over from the side, pulling out the chair next to her before he sat down.
He handed his coat to a nearby attendant. "Please hang this up for me."
"Certainly, Mr. Williams."
Out of the corner of her eye, Anna saw him shuffling the cards with deft movements, his long fingers dancing over them like a pianist on keys.
The man had sharp, chiseled features. Beneath his straight eyebrows were narrow, somewhat aloof eyes that gave him a cool and distant demeanor.
But he possessed an inexplicable charm—a natural elegance and poise that was both suave and regal.
So, men like those described in books—noble and commanding without a hint of anger—truly did exist.
Anna's memory finally began to piece things together.
She recalled where she'd seen this man and "Mr. Brooks" before—it was during the last jewelry quality inspection. He had witnessed her embarrassing moment when she hurt her hand.
However, it was clear he didn't remember her.
"Which lovely lady kept you so busy that you're this late?" Michael teased, casually discarding an eight of clubs.
"Did you hear that Trinity Corp is merging with Horizon Industries?" Daniel replied coolly, drawing a card.
Michael's expression grew more serious. "What's that supposed to mean? Are they crazy to do this at such a critical time?"
Sensing the gravity of the situation, he set his cards down.
The two of them stood up and moved to a spot by the window to talk privately.
"Isn't it obvious they're trying to challenge us? Does Sean really have the guts?" Michael frowned, a flash of hostility crossing his eyes.
Daniel lowered his gaze, tapping a cigarette out of its pack but not lighting it. A lazy smile played on his lips. "It's normal. Desperate times make people do desperate things. When it's a matter of life and death, who would just sit and wait?"
Michael sneered. "Isn't he afraid of offending us?"
"In his position, would you back down just to avoid stepping on toes? Anyone who climbs this high isn't exactly spineless," Daniel replied, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalant amusement.
Michael fell silent for a moment before asking, "So, what do you plan to do?"
He knew Daniel's personality wouldn't allow anyone to walk over him.
Daniel didn't answer directly but gave an almost imperceptible smile. "If he pushes, we push back harder. Do you think I'd let someone like him dictate terms to me?"
Meanwhile, Anna was sipping her tea when Emily nudged her.
Anna quickly stood up and followed her to the side.
"Why are you just standing around like that? In a place like this, shouldn't you seize the opportunity to meet people?" Emily scolded gently. "Mr. Williams came over, and you didn't even greet him. That's so rude. Aren't you afraid of offending him?"
She reminded Anna to be extremely cautious. "He's a renowned entrepreneur with significant influence here. Not someone we can afford to upset. Even if you don't leave a good impression, at least don't make him dislike you."
Anna didn't dare ask more and accepted the glass of wine Emily handed her.
Daniel stood by the window with his back to them, leaning slightly. His tall frame and broad shoulders exuded an imposing presence, even just from behind.
Feeling uneasy, Anna glanced at Emily, who gestured encouragingly.
She had no choice but to walk over. Just as she was about to say something, someone from behind gave her a little push. She stumbled forward.
A swift hand reached out, steadying her by the wrist and preventing her from crashing into him.
However, the wine in her glass spilled directly onto his trousers, leaving a noticeable stain.
"Well, that's one way to make a splash," Michael couldn't help but laugh, seemingly amused to see someone like Daniel caught in such an awkward situation.
Anna's legs began to tremble, her mind blank for a moment.
The man looked down at her, his deep, calm eyes reflecting her embarrassed and fearful expression.
He was strikingly handsome, with sharp, narrow eyes and strong, chiseled features that added to his cool demeanor. There was an icy aloofness about him, making him seem even less approachable than those overtly arrogant types.
She had a sinking feeling that she'd gotten herself into trouble. Her voice shook as she stammered, "I... I'm so sorry..."
To her surprise, he gave her a brief glance before looking away, saying simply, "It's alright. Just be more careful next time."