AN: Hello, lovely people. I took a break yesterday, but I am back with a bang. I appreciate all of you. Please, enjoy the meal I prepared today, happy reading.
Jian Rui rose smoothly, his movements deliberate, drawing the attention of the nobles around him. One of the women, swirling her glass of wine with a coy smile, called out, "Your highness, already leaving?"
Jian Rui's expression remained unreadable. "I have some business to attend to. You all enjoy yourselves."
A chorus of disapproval rippled through the room—mocking laughter, exaggerated sighs—but Jian Rui didn't care. He had perfected the art of indifference, and their opinions meant nothing. He strode out, the heavy doors closing behind him.
His bodyguards, stationed outside, immediately fell into step, but Jian Rui raised his hand sharply, signaling them to stay behind. Alone, he entered the elevator. The hum of machinery carried him upward, each floor passed tightening the anticipation in his chest.
