The ballroom of Tran Gia Minh's gala shimmered under crystal chandeliers, filled with the soft strains of orchestral music and the gentle clink of glasses. Hundreds of distinguished guests, in dazzling gowns and sharp suits, exchanged forced smiles and empty pleasantries. It was a perfect tableau of high society, in which Ha An Nhien felt like a misplaced fragment, despite the expensive dress she wore.
Lanh Thien Phong's hand tightened around her waist as he led her through the rows of people. His breath brushed her ear, a constant reminder of his inescapable presence. "Play your part well," he murmured, his voice cold. "Don't let anyone suspect a thing."
Ha An Nhien forced a polite, strained smile, her eyes darting across the room, searching for Tran Gia Minh. Finally, she spotted him in a group, his belly protruding, his shrewd face loudly laughing. Ha An Nhien's chest tightened, a surge of hatred rising within her. This was the man who had destroyed her family.
Lanh Thien Phong led her directly to Tran Gia Minh. A false smile spread on his face, a stark contrast to his usual cold demeanor.
"Mr. Tran, long time no see," Lanh Thien Phong began, his voice polite but edged with sharpness.
Tran Gia Minh turned, the smile on his face fading as he saw Lanh Thien Phong. Their relationship was clearly not amicable. He glanced at Ha An Nhien, his eyes scrutinizing, before turning back to Lanh Thien Phong. "Oh, Mr. Lanh. What a surprise to see you here." He was clearly displeased. "And this young lady is...?"
"My future fiancée," Lanh Thien Phong stated casually, tightening his grip around Ha An Nhien's waist, making her flinch. "Ha An Nhien. She doesn't like public appearances."
Ha An Nhien was almost speechless. Fiancée? Was he insane? She struggled to maintain a calm expression, but her mind was in turmoil. Lanh Thien Phong didn't just want her as his mistress; he intended to use her as a shield, a pawn in his revenge.
Tran Gia Minh narrowed his eyes at Ha An Nhien. "Ha An Nhien... that name sounds familiar. I think I've seen you somewhere before?" His gaze was full of suspicion, shifting between her and Lanh Thien Phong.
Ha An Nhien's heart pounded. Memories of her begging him to forgive her father's debt rushed back. She held her breath, terrified that Tran Gia Minh would recognize her.
"Oh, perhaps my Miss Ha has a common beauty?" Lanh Thien Phong said with a mocking tone, then leaned closer to Ha An Nhien's ear. "Don't worry, little one. He won't remember." His warm breath made her shiver.
Tran Gia Minh forced a laugh, but his eyes remained fixed on Ha An Nhien as if trying to dredge something from his memory. "Well, congratulations, Mr. Lanh. Your fiancée is truly beautiful."
While Tran Gia Minh was distracted by another guest, Lanh Thien Phong pulled Ha An Nhien aside to a secluded corner. "I've just planted a micro-listening device on Tran Gia Minh. Tonight, he'll be talking to those involved in the fire." He looked deeply into her eyes. "You will help me gather information."
Ha An Nhien was stunned. He wanted her to be a spy? "How can I...?"
"You're smart, aren't you? Use your beauty," he whispered, his cold eyes flashing with a command. "He's an old man with a weakness for new faces. You'll find a way to approach him, make him talk more."
Humiliation surged, but she knew she had no choice.
The music suddenly shifted to a gentle Waltz. Lanh Thien Phong abruptly took her hand, pulling her onto the center of the dance floor. He placed his hand on her waist, drawing her close, and began to lead her to the music. Her breath seemed to catch.
"You don't know how to dance?" he asked, his voice teasing.
"I haven't had time to learn such frivolous things," she replied, her eyes fixed on his chest, not daring to look up.
"Then I'll teach you." He pulled her even closer, so close she could feel every powerful beat of his heart. He led her forcefully, sometimes roughly, yet with complete control. Despite her hatred, she couldn't deny his deadly charm as he moved. He was a masterful dancer, and he transformed her into his puppet in this dance.
Spinning across the dance floor, Ha An Nhien noticed Tran Gia Minh's eyes fixed on them. He frowned, his gaze filled with suspicion. Lanh Thien Phong offered an enigmatic smile, then suddenly leaned his lips to her ear, whispering just loud enough for only her to hear. "Look, he's jealous. Add a little more drama."
With that, he bent down, kissing her collarbone with a decisive and possessive gesture. Ha An Nhien trembled. It wasn't a kiss of love, but a display of power, a declaration that she was his property. Every eye in the room turned to them. Ha An Nhien felt like a marionette, displayed for all to see.
In that moment, she met Tran Gia Minh's gaze. He no longer looked suspicious. His eyes had shifted to jealousy and anger. It seemed he had recognized her, but it appeared he now thought she had "latched on" to Lanh Thien Phong.
Lanh Thien Phong pushed her away slightly, looking directly into her eyes. "It's time for you to be useful, Ha An Nhien." His gaze signaled towards Tran Gia Minh. "Go there. But remember, every gesture, every look, must follow my script."
Ha An Nhien took a deep breath. The dangerous dance had just ended. Now it was time for her to step into the web of her enemy's intrigue. She looked at Lanh Thien Phong, their eyes meeting in a complex exchange. He was her captor, yet he was also the only one who could help her exact revenge and save An Khang. The line between ally and enemy, between hatred and some vague, budding emotion, was gradually blurring within her.
She walked forward, each step imbued with determination and a pounding heart, heading towards Tran Gia Minh – their common enemy and the man who had turned her into a pawn in his game of revenge.