The engagement planner approached briskly.
"Miss Zhi, when the guests arrive, you'll greet them near the west terrace. After that, there will be a toast from Chairman Zhi, followed by CEO Keir. Then the exchange of gifts. There's also a short interactive segment arranged by the families…"
Yeri nodded at intervals, the words washing over her like distant static.
In the adjoining room of the penthouse, Shin stood before a full length mirror.
He wore a navy blue tuxedo cut to ruthless perfection. The fabric clung to his tall frame with disciplined elegance, both regal and unapproachable.
Meanwhile, Saeki, instead of heading directly to the banquet venue, he had made an enthusiastic detour to the penthouse, armed with his phone and his toy poodle Lulu.
He crouched on the marble floor, filming Lulu's curious circling around Carpet.
"Lulu, behave. You are representing the Jie family," Saeki whispered dramatically,
Carpet blinked once, unimpressed.
"It's a pity they're different size and breed," Saeki sighed theatrically. "Otherwise I'd arrange a political marriage between Lulu and Carpet. Strengthen inter-canine relations."
Carpet gave him a look that conveyed profound disappointment in humanity.
Shin ignored him entirely, continuing to fix his cuffs, there was something inherently commanding about him, making him looked less like a groom and more like a monarch about to annex another territory.
Secretary Yun stepped in, speaking in a lowered voice. "Boss, Pablo called. According to him, a lawyer went to the Zhi Manor looking for Miss Zhi."
Saeki's head snapped up with the reflex of a man who survived on gossip more efficiently than oxygen.
"It concerns the college student, Marco Fabian. It seems he's at his wits' end and hopes to ask Miss Zhi for a favor."
Saeki's eyes widened. "Marco Fabian? I heard that name. He's been trending lately, right? What does sister in-law have to do with him?"
A faint curve touched Shin's lips. He understood immediately.
Marco Fabian was not looking for Yeri, but rather someone who could fish him out of his predicament.
"Ignore it," Shin said calmly. "Is she ready?"
Secretary Yun nodded. "I'll check."
As Secretary Yun stepped out, Saeki rose to his feet and approached with shameless persistence. "So what's the story between sister-in-law and Marco Fabian?"
Shin shot him a cold glance sharp enough to shave marble. What story?
"Nothing."
Saeki blinked. "…"
A moment later, Secretary Yun returned. "Boss, Miss Zhi is ready."
Shin gave himself one final inspection in the mirror.
Behind him, the designer who had tailored his suits for years looked practically luminous with pride.
He had personally crafted this tuxedo, adjusting every seam to ensure Shin Keir walked like an empire in motion.
Satisfied, Shin stepped out into the living room. The moment he saw Yeri he was stunned.
Yeri stood near her mother, engaged in soft conversation.
She wore a strapless rose gold gown that shimmered with every subtle movement, the embroidered corset delicately sculpting her waist.
The neckline revealed a modest sweep of cleavage, not provocative but effortlessly captivating, the kind of elegance that did not need to demand attention because it naturally commanded it.
For a fleeting second, Shin was taken back to her debut banquet, when he first saw her glowing under grand lights.
But tonight was different.
There was maturity in her bearing now, a quiet confidence that softened her youthful brightness into something more refined. She was no longer merely dazzling, but also composed.
As if sensing his gaze, Yeri looked up.
Their eyes met and her smile froze.
If not for the crowd surrounding them, she would have rolled her eyes without restraint.
The faint tightening of her expression already conveyed enough.
Shin's lips twitched. He knew she was still displeased.
Before he could approach her, Master Zhi stepped forward, placing a warm hand on Shin's shoulder.
"Shin, I heard you sent men to guard our home," he said gently. "It was truly unnecessary."
Shin inclined his head respectfully. "Today is an auspicious day. We cannot allow those with ill intentions to disrupt it."
His tone was calm, but beneath it lay an iron certainty. There was nothing wrong with being cautious.
His engagement had long been public knowledge. Over the past few days, he had noticed an increase in paparazzi trailing him like persistent shadows. Obviously hoping to be the first to uncover the face of his fiancée.
And then there was Bryce.
After their last encounter, when Shin had left him thoroughly defeated and humiliated, there was no chance Bryce would swallow it quietly. With his savage temperament, retaliation was not a possibility, it was an inevitability.
---
An hour later, their convoy arrived at the city's most extravagant hotel, the towering jewel of downtown, the legendary 'The Grand Luxxe Hotel.'
Media vans lined the street like armored vehicles.
Reporters clutched microphones, even influencers adjusted their ring lights with battlefield determination and online streamers narrated breathlessly to their audiences, fingers poised for viral glory.
The moment Shin's car rolled to a stop, the crowd surged forward.
Inside the vehicle, Yeri felt her pulse quicken.
This would be the first time she appeared publicly beside Shin Keir, admittedly, she was a bit nervous.
She glanced out the tinted window. The camera flashes were already erupting like artificial lightning, relentless and blinding. For a fleeting second, the magnitude of it pressed against her chest.
Then a warm hand covered hers.
Shin's expression remained composed, but his thumb brushed gently over her knuckles, grounding her.
"You don't have the obligation to please the public," he murmured quietly. "And you don't have to stand in front of them if you don't want to."
Yeri inhaled slowly and nodded, she was not afraid. Just… momentarily overwhelmed.
Their car door opened and chaos erupted.
Flashes exploded in rapid succession, so bright Yeri momentarily wondered if she would walk away permanently imprinted in white light.
Voices collided over one another.
"CEO Keir, over here! Is she your fiancée? What's her name? Tell us your story!"
"Kyaaah! Young Master Keir is so handsome!"
"Are wedding plans already underway? CEO Keir, please grant us an interview!"
"Look here! Just one photo, please!"
Shin stepped out of the car first. Then he turned and extended his hand. With effortless composure, he guided Yeri out.
The instant her heels met the pavement, his arm slipped around her waist in a gesture that was both natural and unmistakably protective.
He did not spare the media a glance. He did not slow his stride. He moved forward as if the shouting and flashing lights were nothing more than distant surf breaking against stone.
Beside him, Yeri kept her gaze steady and her posture immaculate.
The camera flashes burst wildly at the edges of her vision, but she adjusted within seconds, her expression calm and unreadable.
"Look at how possessive Shin Keir is! The way his arm is around her, I'm so jealous!"
"Please tell us about yourself, Miss! Shin Keir's fiancée, which family do you belong to?"
"I heard a rumor that Shin Keir prefers intelligent, career driven women," one reporter muttered before raising his voice. "But his fiancée doesn't look like the business type! CEO Keir, tell us about your beautiful fiancée. Why have we never seen her before? Is she not a socialite?"
"That gown is jaw dropping! Who designed it? Could you share a little about your fashion tonight?"
Security tightened around them.
Shin had already instructed Tristan to reinforce the perimeter, yet even so, several determined individuals managed to push dangerously close to the hotel entrance before being intercepted.
Within seconds, they crossed the threshold into the lobby. The noise dulled and silence wrapped around them like a velvet curtain falling at the end of an act.
Inside the grand foyer, marble floors reflected the chandelier light in golden ripples.
Staff stood in neat formation, bowing respectfully.
Yeri exhaled, unaware she had been holding her breath.
She realized her head had dipped slightly during the walk, her senses still recalibrating.
Madam Zhi approached immediately, concern softening her elegant features. "Princess, are you alright?"
The Zhi family had rarely brought Yeri to high society banquets or public galas. She had grown up shielded from this relentless spotlight. Naturally, she would not be accustomed to this kind of attention.
Yeri lifted her head and smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, Mom."
The flashing lights had disoriented her briefly, nothing more.
Soon the two of them, Shin and Yeri took their positions at the entrance to greet the arriving guests.
From beneath the cascade of crystal lights, Yeri suddenly spotted a familiar figure.
Nina.
The moment their eyes met, both of them lit up.
Nina practically abandoned decorum and hurried forward with her family trailing behind at a more dignified pace.
She wrapped her arms around Yeri with unfiltered excitement.
"Yeri! I saw so many media people outside!" Nina whispered loudly, which defeated the purpose of whispering entirely. "You're going to be ridiculously famous soon!"
"It's not too late to ask for my autograph," Yeri teased. "I might start charging tomorrow."
Nina gasped dramatically. "I expect a lifelong VIP pass."
Behind them, Nina's parents greeted the Zhì family formally, their smiles polished but sincere.
Not long after, another familiar group approached.
Levi arrived with his parents, composed as ever. His father, Master Ando, a notable shareholder of KGG, carried himself with quiet authority.
Unlike some of the other guests who had barely managed to mask their shock at seeing Yeri beside Shin Keir, Master Ando showed no such surprise.
He inclined his head respectfully. "CEO Keir. Miss Zhi. You look good together."
A subtle smile curved Shin's lips, restrained but genuine. "Thank you, Master Ando."
As more guests filtered in, Shin was periodically pulled away into small clusters of powerful figures.
Meanwhile, Yeri remained beside her mother, greeting each arrival with poise.
Those already aware of her relationship with Shin Keir offered congratulations with knowing smiles.
The majority, however, revealed far more.
Astonishment flickered in widened eyes, curiosity lingered in prolonged glances while some approached with eager warmth, already calculating how best to secure favor through her.
Others masked envy behind brittle smiles. And then there were those who stared just a second too long, as if trying to decode a secret formula.
What made her worthy of becoming Shin Keir's fiancée?