The grand ballroom of the Imperial Hotel shimmered beneath an array of crystal chandeliers, their golden glow casting an ethereal brilliance across the sea of high society elites. The soft hum of conversation, accompanied by the occasional clink of champagne flutes, created an atmosphere of effortless luxury. Everything, from the marble floors to the towering floral centerpieces, reeked of wealth and power.
Tonight, the annual charity gala was more than just a social event—it was a battlefield where the influential flaunted their status, forged alliances, and subtly crushed their competition.
And in the center of it all stood Zi Yan.
Dressed in an elegant, sapphire gown that hugged her curves and trailed behind her in a cascade of silk, she was an image of sophistication and allure. The diamonds adorning her neck sparkled under the warm lighting, but they paled in comparison to the quiet confidence in her gaze.
She had worked tirelessly to reach this moment.
From an unknown model to one of the entertainment industry's most sought-after actresses, Zi Yan had climbed to the top with nothing but her talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. Tonight, she was not just another guest at the gala—she was a star on the brink of superstardom.
A soft vibration from her clutch drew her attention. Pulling out her phone, she glanced at the message.
Xu Jie (Agent): Big news! Just spoke with Director Feng's assistant. You are at the top of their list for the female lead in 'Empire of Shadows'! If you secure this role, Hollywood is next!
Her heart skipped a beat.
This was it.
Director Feng's new film wasn't just any project—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a guaranteed path to international recognition. Zi Yan took a deep breath, steadying the excitement threatening to bubble over. She couldn't celebrate yet. The industry was ruthless, and nothing was certain until the contract was signed.
Still, the thought filled her with hope.
"Zi Yan."
A warm voice interrupted her thoughts.
She turned, smiling as she met the gaze of Guo Bao, her fiancé. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, he exuded the kind of effortless charm that had once drawn her in. His chiseled features and confident smirk made him the envy of many, and his identity as the heir to the powerful Guo Corporation only added to his appeal.
Tonight, as always, he played the role of the devoted fiancé perfectly—his hand resting protectively on the small of her back, his touch gentle yet possessive.
"You've been busy all night," he murmured. "Are you avoiding me?"
Zi Yan chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Of course not. You know how these events are—everyone wants to talk business."
Guo Bao's lips curled into a smile, but something about it felt… hollow.
She studied his face, searching for warmth, for the familiarity she once felt in his presence. But something was missing. His affection, his tenderness—it all felt too calculated tonight, as if he were playing a role rather than expressing genuine emotion.
Before she could dwell on it, another figure approached, latching onto his arm.
Wang Yin.
Dressed in a silver gown that shimmered like liquid metal, Wang Yin looked every bit the privileged socialite she was. Her delicate features and soft, innocent expression had made her a darling among the elite. To the outside world, she was Zi Yan's closest friend, her beloved sister figure.
But Zi Yan knew better.
She had long noticed how Wang Yin lingered too close to Guo Bao, how her touches lingered longer than necessary, how her eyes gleamed with something that sent a shiver of unease down Zi Yan's spine.
Tonight was no different.
Wang Yin smiled sweetly, tightening her grip on Guo Bao's arm as she turned to Zi Yan. "Sister, you look stunning tonight. Everyone is talking about you."
Zi Yan returned the smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you."
Wang Yin's gaze flickered toward Guo Bao before she leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "We should celebrate. I brought you a drink."
Zi Yan's eyes dropped to the two glasses of red wine in Wang Yin's hands.
A strange feeling coiled in her stomach.
There was no reason to refuse in front of so many people. Declining would look suspicious. And yet…
Something about the way Wang Yin was watching her made her hesitate.
But it was only for a fraction of a second.
With a graceful nod, Zi Yan accepted the glass.
"To your continued success," Wang Yin said, her voice honeyed with admiration.
Zi Yan lifted the glass to her lips, her gaze never leaving Wang Yin's, and took a small sip.
The moment the wine touched her tongue, a faint bitterness spread across her palate.
Odd.
She lowered the glass, tilting her head slightly. The taste was… unusual, but not enough to raise suspicion. Perhaps it was just a different vintage than she was used to.
Then, it happened.
A slow, creeping heat spread through her veins, warming her skin unnaturally. Her vision blurred, then sharpened, the golden lights of the ballroom growing almost painfully bright. The distant murmur of conversation swelled into a deafening roar.
Her breath hitched.
Something was wrong.
She placed a hand on her chest, her pulse erratic beneath her fingertips. Her legs wobbled, her head growing heavy.
Her glass slipped from her fingers, shattering against the marble floor.
The sound barely registered.
A wave of dizziness hit her hard, the world spinning violently. She blinked, trying to steady herself, but the faces around her blurred, their voices fading into an unintelligible hum.
Through the haze, she caught Wang Yin's expression—calm, watching.
No concern. No shock.
Only quiet satisfaction.
Poison.
Realization struck her like a bolt of lightning.
Her body was no longer her own, her movements sluggish, disoriented. The edges of her vision darkened.
No.
Not here.
Not in front of them.
Gritting her teeth, she forced her legs to move, staggering backward. She barely registered Guo Bao calling her name, barely saw the confused glances from the other guests as she stumbled toward the exit.
The walls seemed to close in.
She had to leave.
Somehow, she made it to the elevator, blindly reaching out and pressing the button. When the doors slid open, she lurched inside, gripping the railing for support.
The soft ding of the elevator signaled another floor.
The doors opened again.
Darkness. A quiet hallway. A single suite door slightly ajar.
Her body, burning and trembling, propelled her forward.
The world blurred further. Her knees buckled, her strength draining rapidly.
She collapsed, her vision fading to black.
The last thing she thought before losing consciousness sent a final shiver of dread down her spine.
This… isn't my room