The brilliant crystal chandeliers cast a glow over the ballroom, illuminating Nathaniel Fu's sculpted features with a soft, almost unreal light. He stood under the center spotlight like a marble statue brought to life—cool, commanding, dangerously handsome.
The aura he exuded wasn't loud—it was luxurious in a quiet, effortless way. Just his presence made the women in the room flush.
This was Nathaniel Fu—the man behind the myth.
Celia stood in a quiet corner, half-hidden behind a tall floral arrangement. Her gaze followed him instinctively, locking onto the man who now stood at the very heart of everyone's attention. She couldn't look away.
Even when he wasn't speaking, even when he wasn't moving—just being there was enough to draw every gaze in the room.
And then—just for a second—his eyes met hers.
It was brief. A single glance that passed over the crowd and paused… right on her.
Her heart skipped. That look was calm, unreadable—but it landed on her like a weight.
A moment later, he looked away.
"Oh my God, Mr. Fu is even more gorgeous in person! He's perfect."
"Did you see that? He was looking right at me!"
"Please, he was looking at me!"
"Girls, save it. Haven't you heard? Nathaniel Fu isn't into women. They say he's a stone-hearted perfectionist—completely unattainable."
A group of socialites whispered and bickered, each one desperate for just a glance from him.
Celia bit down on the tiny spoon in her mouth, the cool silver clicking softly against her teeth. From where she stood, Nathaniel looked as serious and poised as ever—sharp suit, cold expression, not even a hint of flirtation. The rumors seemed true: this man didn't bother with romance.
Yet last night, he had messaged her—telling her to "come keep him company."
And the day he first returned to China… Why had she ended up under him in bed, when he clearly wasn't interested in women?
She stared at her half-eaten milk pudding. It tasted sweet—but somehow not as sweet as the confusion in her chest.
The lights dimmed slightly.
Nathaniel stepped onto the podium at the front of the ballroom. He rested one hand lightly on the edge of the lectern and leaned into the mic.
His voice was low, smooth, and magnetic."Good evening. I'm Nathaniel Fu. Thank you for joining us."
Just that—one line.
But the applause that followed was thunderous.
Every woman's gaze clung to him, filled with admiration, longing, obsession.
After he stepped down from the stage, he was immediately surrounded by the city's most powerful tycoons. Glasses of wine were raised. Polite laughter echoed. Secretary Song trailed behind, topping up Nathaniel's glass with precision.
With one hand in his pocket, Nathaniel smiled faintly, then tipped the wine to his lips.
Even his casual movements had an undeniable allure.
"That's him. The infamous Nathaniel Fu." Old Madam Su beamed. "He's even more impressive than the rumors."
Su Jun and Chen Lian were visibly excited."Vivian, this man… you have to lock him down tonight. If you become Mrs. Fu, our whole family rises with you."
Vivian stood beside them, transfixed.Yes, this was the man she'd dreamed of.
Handsome, mature, powerful—he was everything she'd ever imagined in a husband. He was perfect.
He's mine, she thought. No one else is allowed to touch him.
The host stepped back on stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Fu family dinner has now officially begun! Our first event of the evening is a charity auction… for the chance to share the first dance with Mr. Fu himself!"
The atmosphere ignited instantly.
Excitement, tension, ambition—all lit up at once.
"One million!""Five million!""Ten million!"
The bids shot up like fireworks as socialites raised their hands.
Vivian watched carefully, then raised her bidding paddle with perfect timing."Fifty million!"
Gasps echoed across the room.
Even Nathaniel looked up at that.
His eyes swept across the crowd and paused on Vivian for a moment.
He saw me! He looked at me! Her heart exploded with hope.Did he fall in love with me at first sight?
The hall fell into a breathless silence.
Until a calm, clear voice rang out:
"One hundred million."