As the ball drew to a close, the grand banquet hall gradually quieted. Guests departed in small groups, their chatter and laughter fading into the night. The ornate chandeliers continued to cast a warm glow on the polished floors, but the once-vibrant atmosphere now felt hollow and forlorn. Silent servers moved through the room, collecting empty glasses and plates, leaving behind faint traces of the evening's splendor.
Alia stood at one side of the hall, watching the last few groups of guests bid their farewells. Her gown cascaded elegantly to the floor, and her fingers absently played with an intricately embroidered handkerchief. A swirl of complicated emotions danced in her chest. Her gaze drifted instinctively toward Marcellus, who stood in the center of the hall. Engaging in polite conversation with a group of noble guests, his cold, chiseled features softened by a faint smile of courtesy.
When the final guest exited, Marcellus approached her with steady, measured steps. He stopped in front of her, looking down with a calm yet gentle expression. His voice, usually composed, carried a subtle warmth.
"My dear, I have something to discuss with your father tonight, so I'll need to leave now. You've worked hard hosting this ball—make sure to rest well."
Before she could respond, he leaned in and placed a light kiss on her cheek. The gesture was tender and effortless, leaving no room for resistance, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. For a moment, Alia felt her cheeks flush, and her eyes involuntarily followed his retreating figure.
Marcellus disappeared down the long corridor, leaving her standing alone, a faint sense of melancholy welling up in her chest.
On one hand, she had hoped to seize this chance to ask him more about the city's recent reconstruction—whether the rumors of ancient artifacts and treasures were true. On the other hand, she couldn't deny the unfamiliar warmth his care and protection tonight had brought her.
Her gaze dropped to the delicate handkerchief in her hands, her thoughts drifting. Once, her perception of this man had been limited to his aloof demeanor and commanding presence. But tonight, he had shown her yet another side, one she had never expected.
Yet Alia understood all too well that this closeness might just be an illusion, fleeting and insubstantial. She let out a soft sigh and looked up at the now-empty banquet hall, where echoes of the lively festivities still seemed to linger. Though tinged with disappointment, a small, secretive spark of anticipation began to grow within her—a longing for answers left unspoken and for moments of warmth yet to be shared.
As the hall grew quieter, Alia's reverie was interrupted by a lingering gaze. Looking up, she caught sight of Elias standing not far away. Casually leaning against a carved pillar, his expression was as nonchalant as ever, though his eyes carried a hint of intrigue.
He seemed to be weighing something in his mind, his trademark smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Then, as though to break the silence, he threw her a playful wink—a bold, teasing gesture full of mischief.
Alia blinked in surprise, then sighed inwardly, turning her head away with mild exasperation. This man never plays by the rules. She tried to ignore him, telling herself it was just one of his usual antics.
Before she could dwell on it, Elias turned and strolled away with his usual unhurried grace. His departure carried no urgency, as if tonight's events were merely the opening moves of a larger game. His figure soon disappeared into the shadowy corridor.
Not long after, Lianna approached, lifting the hem of her gown with a tired but genuine smile. "I must say, these past few days have been exhausting. I need to head back and get some rest—otherwise, I won't be able to get up tomorrow morning."
Alia smiled back apologetically, her tone warm. "You've worked hard. How about this: in a couple of days, let's go shopping together. We can visit that brunch you mentioned earlier—my treat."
Lianna's eyes lit up, her weariness fading slightly. "Deal! I've been looking forward to it."
"Then it's settled," Alia said with a light nod, her tone carrying a touch of relief.
The banquet hall's lights remained bright, their glow reflecting off the luxurious carpet and emphasizing the stillness of the space. Just as Alia's thoughts began to wander again, Adrian emerged hesitantly from the shadows.
His steps were tentative, his entire demeanor awkward and uncertain. He avoided meeting Alia's gaze, his eyes flitting about nervously as though searching for an escape. Occasionally, his glance would dart toward where Elise had been standing, only to quickly shift away, as if afraid of being caught.
"I… I'll leave now. I hope you have a great evening," Adrian mumbled, his voice barely audible. Without waiting for a response, he lowered his head and turned to leave, as though lingering any longer might overwhelm him.
"Adrian, wait," Alia called out firmly, her voice halting his steps.
He froze but didn't turn around. It seemed he already knew what she was about to say. After a moment's pause, he answered quietly, "Yes?"
Alia's tone grew sharper, carrying a note of undeniable authority. "You need to pay more attention to yourself. Stop holding back. The family business requires your focus, and you know as well as I do that the situation with Father has improved. This is your chance—don't waste it."
Adrian stood motionless, his head slightly turned as he listened intently to her words.
"Vivienne is pregnant. Do you understand what that means?" Alia's voice lowered, heavy with meaning and warning. "If you want to break free from your constraints and achieve your goals, you need to work harder. Strive to become the head of the family—wealthy, powerful, commanding respect and fear. Only then will you have true influence and the ability to achieve what you desire."
Her final words cut through the silence like a blade. "Do you hear me? Power is what you need!"