Celia, "..."
She could already feel the stares from all the socialites around her—envy, jealousy, resentment. Tonight, she had become the center of attention in Yecheng.
A so-called clown girl from the countryside had somehow caught the eye of the CEO of Fu Group. Shameless, they thought.
To them, she had become the number one bootlicker for Nathaniel Fu.
"…Mr. Fu, thank you for what you said earlier—for standing up for me and my grandmother."
He had shielded her just moments ago. When Summer charged over in anger, he'd stepped in front of her, using his tall, broad frame as a wall of protection.
Truthfully, if she counted carefully, this wasn't the first time he'd done that for her.
Nathaniel arched a brow. "Celia, your way of thanking someone is still far too perfunctory. Next time, consider showing your gratitude in… other ways."
Other ways?
Celia suddenly realized his gaze had dropped to her lips. He was staring directly at her, his meaning unmistakable.
It felt like he was about to kiss her—just like he had in the hospital bathroom that night.
Her face flushed crimson.
Was he teasing her again?
As the music reached its crescendo, Nathaniel spun her outward with a gentle push at her waist. Her flowing rose-colored dress flared like a blooming flower as she twirled.
Then he caught her again, pulling her gently back toward him. Her slender back pressed against the firm plane of his chest.
They danced in perfect sync. His arm around her tightened as he leaned down to whisper near her ear, his voice low and seductive.
"Celia, you look stunning tonight."
He'd noticed her the moment he entered the hall. Her princess-style updo highlighted her delicate features, and that rose-colored gown made her glow like royalty.
Even with the fake scar on her cheek, men still couldn't stop coming over to flirt with her. He saw it all.
If she ever showed her real face, the wolves wouldn't stop circling.
Too much beauty could be dangerous.
Without the power to protect it, a beautiful woman would eventually become a man's plaything.
He was telling her she was beautiful, but the way he said it—it lingered like heat on her skin.
The next second, she felt something graze her earlobe. Soft and fleeting. It was more kiss than touch.
He kissed her ear.
Celia's body froze. It no longer felt like it belonged to her.
Whenever she was close to Nathaniel, she always felt this strange, dizzying sensation—something she couldn't control. Something that scared her.
Her fair earlobe turned visibly red as her body tensed instinctively.
Nathaniel spun her gently again, then drew her back, his gaze fixed on her face.
"Why are you pulling away?"
Celia's clear, slightly misty eyes flitted around like a startled deer—completely unaware she had just pierced straight into his heart.
"I-I'm not pulling away…" she murmured.
How could he not notice the subtle reactions of such an innocent girl?
Just one kiss on her earlobe and she looked like this—pure, untouched, radiant, and utterly alluring.
Tonight, he had no intention of letting her go.
Sensing his body's rising heat, Celia instinctively tried to pull back and maintain some distance.
But just as she moved, his arm—firm and commanding—tightened around her waist and drew her even closer.
Nathaniel lowered his head, his lips brushing dangerously close to her cheek. His voice dipped low, just loud enough for the two of them.
"Celia, stay close to me. I want to hold you properly while we dance."
Thump-thump.
Her heart raced wildly. She whispered, "Mr. Fu, there are so many people watching… what are you doing?"