The first blow had been the exclusive invitation card that Vivian Su had pulled every string to obtain.The second was the couture gown her family had spent a fortune on.Yet both were effortlessly overshadowed by her—that so-called clown girl from the countryside.
Vivian couldn't accept it.
How could Celia steal her spotlight so easily?
Was it all because of that mysterious "bald old man" backing her?
Just who was he—and what kind of power did he hold to place Celia in such a position?
"Grandma," Vivian said quickly, clinging to the one thing that gave her comfort. "No matter how Celia dresses up, she still has that ugly scar. She's not beautiful—she's still just the same disfigured girl."
But just then, Celia turned slightly, revealing the faint scar on her right cheek under the warm lights.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"She's beautiful, like a fairy... but what a shame about the scar."
"What a pity…"
Old Madam Su muttered softly with a complex look in her eyes."If only she didn't have that scar…"
Vivian's heart thudded. She'd always taken pride in being the most beautiful Su daughter, but now—a creeping fear began to grow in her chest.
If Celia didn't have that scar, what then?
She would easily be the most stunning woman in the room—maybe even in the whole city.
How many men would chase after her then?
No. Stop. Vivian shook the thoughts from her mind. She's still just the clown girl. A little makeup doesn't change her.
At that moment, the lights dimmed slightly and the host's voice echoed across the hall:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the first dance of the evening—Mr. Nathaniel Fu's first dance—will be opened for charity bidding."
Excited chatter spread instantly.
"All proceeds will be donated to the charity fund. Once upon a time, men would pay fortunes for a beauty's smile. Tonight, our ladies have the chance to compete for a dance with the most sought-after man in Yecheng!"
Old Madam Su grabbed Vivian's hand."Wan'er, this is your chance! We'll back you all the way. No matter how high the bid goes—you must win that dance!"
Relieved, Vivian took a deep breath. Yes, this was her moment to take back control. No matter how dazzling Celia looked tonight, the dance would put her back on center stage.
Let her have a moment of pride—Vivian would reclaim everything.
On the far side of the hall, Celia had tucked herself away in a quiet corner.
She didn't want to be here in the first place.
It was Nathaniel who had dragged her into this.
Sighing softly, she spotted a tray of delicate milk puddings and picked one up. She was a little hungry anyway. One bite in, and her expression relaxed in contentment.
Just then, a young man in an expensive navy blazer approached with a glass of champagne in hand.
"Miss, I don't believe we've met before. May I ask your name?"
Even with a scar on her cheek, Celia's refined elegance and glowing aura tonight were impossible to ignore.
Celia glanced at him once, then quietly stepped away, carrying her pudding with her.
The man followed with a grin. "I'm just trying to be friendly—"
But the sudden wave of excitement in the crowd cut him off.
"Look! Mr. Fu is here!"
The entire ballroom stirred.
Nathaniel Fu—the man behind the Fu empire—had arrived.
The tall, striking figure appeared at the grand entrance, and immediately, the hall quieted.
Conversations faded. Movements stilled. A path cleared before him as if by instinct. He walked in like a sovereign descending among commoners.
He handed a folder of documents to Secretary Song, who followed two steps behind him.
Tonight, Nathaniel wore a crisp white shirt, tailored black trousers, and a handcrafted black tuxedo jacket. A white silk pocket square added a note of cold refinement. His every detail was immaculate—flawless.
Each stride he took on the red carpet oozed strength and dominance. His deep-set, narrow eyes scanned the room with restrained intensity, making people nervous even without direct eye contact.
Anyone he did glance at held their breath.
Powerful men from across Yecheng rushed forward to greet him.
He was no longer just the head of a business empire—he was the apex of the city's elite, the very symbol of unattainable excellence.
And tonight… he would choose someone to share his first dance.