The sun had already dipped below the horizon, Leon's sleek convertible purred softly as it glided down the coastal road, the cool evening breeze tugging at Sherina's hair as she sat quietly beside him.
She glanced at Leon, his sharp profile bathed in the dying light. There was something unreadable in his silence—something that made her heart skip in ways she didn't understand.
Sherina took a deep breathe and decided to break the silence between them.
"Listen… about the other night, I just want to say I'm sorry. I should've called the butler to help you, maybe none of that would've happened."
Leon didn't say anything. He just glanced at her through the rearview mirror, then looked back at the road. That simple gesture made her stomach twist in awkwardness.
"I don't want to offend your woman or anything, so… I can apologize to her too"
Leon let out a short sigh, his expression unreadable.
"What makes you think I have a lover?" His voice was calm but sharp, sending a strange chill down her spine.
Sherina frowned slightly. "You don't?" , her curiosity slipping out before she could stop it.
He didn't reply. Instead, a faint smirk curved his lips—quiet, confident, and dangerous.
'Blunt as always,' he thought, a ghost of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"But… you were talking about someone that night," she said, brows furrowing as she tried to recall. "Don't you remember?"
Leon chuckled softly, resting his elbow against the car window and leaning his head on his hand.
"Well," he said teasingly, "I know that I remember everything."
Sherina pouted, obviously confused. She turned her gaze away and looked out the window instead. The long driveway beside the ocean stretched endlessly, the sky painted in shades of gold and violet.
"Wow…" she whispered under her breath, eyes sparkling at the sight.
Leon glanced at her for a moment—long enough to catch the reflection of the sunset in her eyes, mixed with a quiet sadness she tried to hide—before turning back to the road.
.
The car stopped in front of a huge, luxurious boutique along the district street. Sherina blinked, confused, staring at the glass walls gleaming under the evening lights.
"Is the party gonna be held in a shop?" she joked lightly.
Leon didn't answer right away. He pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, placed it between his lips, and lit it. The faint glow from the tip reflected in his sharp eyes as he exhaled a slow stream of smoke.
"Go inside," he said coolly, leaning back against the seat.
"They know what to do."
Sherina frowned a little, waving a hand in front of her face to push away the cloud of smoke.
'You could've at least said please,' she muttered under her breath.
Still, she didn't argue further. With a small sigh, she stepped out of the car and walked toward the shop entrance. The doors opened automatically, swallowing her into its luxurious glow.
Leon's gaze followed her through the glass, he took another drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling lazily into the air as a small, his eyes unreadable and knowing.
.
As soon as Sherina stepped into the boutique, five women dressed in sleek black uniforms greeted her with a synchronized bow.
"Welcome, Miss Sze. Please allow us to take good care of you," The woman in the middle said politely.
"Uhm… I think there's been some kind of misunderstanding," Sherina stammered, blinking in surprise at the sudden welcome.
"Not at all," the woman replied with a graceful smile as she straightened up.
"The master already gave us his instructions."
"The master…?" She repeated softly, confusion painted all over her face. But the woman's gaze had already shifted—subtly scanning Sherina from head to toe.
That's when it hit her.
She glanced down at her oversized hoodie and jeans, then sighed in realization.
Of course. Leon didn't want her showing up to the party like this.
"Well then, shall we begin?" the woman said brightly, stepping forward and motioning for the others to assist.
Before they led her away, Sherina's eyes drifted toward the glass door—toward the car parked outside.
Leon was still there, one arm resting casually on the window, cigarette between his fingers. His gaze met hers through the glass—steady, teasing, and impossibly smug.
A faint smirk curved his lips, smoke curling lazily in the air.
And that single look said everything.
.
.
Leon's car came to a smooth stop, the low hum of the engine fading into the night air.
Sherina stepped out carefully, her glittering heels touching the polished stone driveway. Her eyes lifted—and instantly widened.
In front of her stood an exclusive club, its grand entrance hidden behind towering glass walls and golden lights that shimmered like stars. It looked like something straight out of a dream, clearly meant for people who belonged to another world.
Her lips parted slightly. 'How can something this beautiful even exist here?' she whispered.
Then the realization hit her.
If she had come here wearing her hoodie and jeans, she would've looked completely out of place.
But now…
The silk pink dress hugged her frame perfectly, soft and elegant. Her hair cascaded in gentle waves, her heels sparkled with every step, and the rose gold pouch glinted like starlight against her skin. The light makeup highlighted her features, giving her an effortless glow.
She didn't just fit the party—she belonged in it.
A neat line of butlers stood waiting near the entrance, each one standing tall and perfectly poised. But one man stood out from the rest—the one who opened her door.
He was older, with silver-gray hair slicked neatly back, glasses that perfectly fit his facial features, and a chiseled jaw that spoke of quiet authority. His suit was tailored to perfection, every movement precise and practiced.
Without a word, he moved to the other side and opened Leon's door.
Leon stepped out. Effortless. Calm. Commanding.
Even surrounded by luxury, he still managed to look like he owned the place.
The gray haired man offered a cigar, holding the lighter ready. Leon accepted without a word. The flame flickered to life—briefly reflecting in his eyes, sharp and cool as steel.
The moment stretched in silence. Smoke curled from his lips, soft and lazy.
And just like that, the night began to shift...
Leon exhaled a slow ribbon of smoke, the faint ember of his cigar glowing in the dark.
"Can you hold your liquor?" he asked—his voice low and steady while looking at her.
Sherina tilted her head, the corner of her mouth lifting into a small, confident smirk."Yeah."
If only he knew.
In her past life, alcohol wasn't just a drink—it was a skill. A weapon. A game she always won. She'd watched men twice his size collapse under the table while she sat straight, calm, untouched.
Moments later, Landon joined them, and together they walked inside.
The club was breathtaking—gold light spilling from crystal chandeliers, the floors marble-smooth, the air rich with amber and leather. It was the kind of place that whispered money and power with every flicker of light.
"Mr. Liu… Mr. Conti—finally, you've come!" A man in a tailored black suit greeted them.
But then his gaze shifted—landing on Sherina. He froze, eyes widening with surprise and delight.
"And who might this beauty be?"
Sherina lowered her head slightly, her voice soft but clear. "Good evening, I'm Sherina Sze."
"What a fine young lady," the man chuckled, glancing teasingly at Landon.
"Whose woman is she?"
Before either of them could respond, Leon's hand slid smoothly to her waist—firm, protective, claiming.
"She's with me," he said coolly, his tone leaving no room for question.
The man's smile faltered. "Ah—of course, Mr. Liu."He quickly followed them as they entered deeper into the club, Landon trailing behind with an amused look.
"Mr. Liu brought a woman? unbelievable!" the man muttered under his breath.
The moment Leon and Landon stepped into the main hall, a group of young, sharply dressed men swarmed around them.
"Mr. Liu.""Mr. Liu!""Good evening, Mr. Liu!"
It was like watching planets orbit their sun. Sherina quietly slipped away from the circle, exhaling a sigh of relief. She grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing waiter and downed it in one go.
"I knew it…" she murmured to herself. "I really don't belong in places like this."
She spotted another waiter carrying a tray of wine and reached for another glass—but so did someone else.
Her fingers brushed against his.
"Oh—sorry, go ahead," the man said with a charming grin.
Sherina looked up. He was tall, well-dressed in a custom-made suit, a lazy smile on his lips. His arm was wrapped around a beautiful but tipsy woman clinging to him.
She hesitated, then accepted the glass. "Thank you."
"Karl Washington," he introduced himself smoothly, eyes scanning her from head to toe like she was something expensive.
"A pretty thing like you looks a little lost here. You alone? Want some fun tonight?"
Sherina stiffened, her polite smile faltering. "I'm actually with Leon and Landon."
The man burst out laughing. "Leon Liu? Don't be ridiculous."
He added "Mr. Liu is never seen with a woman, Except his secretary. He's one hella hard to approach."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "Come on, sweetheart. What do you say?"
Before the space between them could close—
A shadow moved.
Leon.
He slipped between them with a glass of whiskey in hand, the crisp scent of smoke and danger trailing after him. His chest brushed against Karl's arm, blocking his view of Sherina completely.
Karl's grin faded. "Ah… my apologies, Mr. Liu." He gave a shallow bow, forcing the woman beside him to do the same.
Leon didn't even blink. "Get lost."
Just two words—calm, cold, absolute.
And Karl did exactly that.
.
Sherina's hand found the edge of Leon's suit, giving it the slightest tug.She leaned closer and whispered, "Thank you."
Leon's lips curved faintly. She didn't notice his hand lift behind her—a silent signal. The gray-haired man nearby caught it immediately and approached with quiet precision.
"I have to greet the others," Leon murmured. "Mr. Kang will accompany you for a while."
He drained the last of his whiskey in one slow swallow and walked away. Sherina exhaled softly, taking another sip of her drink.
"Miss Sze, this way please," said the gray-haired man, bowing politely. He guided her to a velvet couch..
Sherina sat, accepting another drink from the waiter, while the butler remained standing behind her—motionless, composed, almost statue-like.
She sighed and finished her glass in one gulp, chasing that faint, comforting haze.
"Hello. I'm Veronica Vermon. And you are?"
Sherina looked up to see an elegant woman extending her hand.
She accepted it politely. "Sherina Sze."
"May I?" Veronica gestured toward the seat beside her. Sherina nodded.
"So," She began, eyes glinting with curiosity,
"the Liu men are notoriously difficult to pursue. They come here often—but never with a woman, nor do they ever take one home. I must say, I'm intrigued. Are you Landon's woman, or Leon's?"
Sherina blinked, caught off-guard. "Oh, no, no. I'm just… a friend of Leon's sister."
"Sister?" Veronica's brows lifted. "Leon has a sister?"
Sherina hesitated. "Yes…Delliana."
Veronica chuckled softly, swirling her wine.
"You must be mistaken. I've known them for years. Only Landon has a sister, Lilliana Conti... and Mr. Liu has only a brother."
"Ah… right. Sorry." Sherina forced a laugh, her pulse tightening.
No one knows Delly? she thought, her mind spinning.
Veronica raised her glass. "Then I assume you have no romantic ties with either of them?"
Sherina smiled faintly, nodding. Their glasses clinked.
"Forgive my bluntness," She added lightly.
"My father is arranging a contractual marriage between me and Mr. Liu. I wouldn't want you to misunderstand."
Sherina held her polite smile, saying nothing, only nodding again as Veronica stood to leave.
When the woman disappeared into the crowd, Sherina released a long sigh.
Without turning, she spoke quietly."Mr. Kang…"
"Yes, Miss Sze?" The gray-haired man's tone was respectful, almost wary.
"How long have you been working for Leon?"
"A very long time, Miss Sze." Kang Minho's brows furrowed slightly, unsure where her questions were leading.
Her eyes narrowed a little. "Do you… know Delliana Liu? His sister?"
The butler hesitated. The pause stretched, heavy and deliberate.
"Seems like no one knows her identity," she said softly, watching him.
Finally, Mr. Kang exhaled.
"Ms. Liu's identity has been kept from the public for… private reasons."
Sherina smirked faintly. "I won't press you for details. But thank you."
Kang Minho bowed, adjusting his glasses as his gaze flicked toward her, sharp and calculating.
She's a bold one… he thought silently.
No wonder she caught the young master's eye… even back then.
.
.
From across the hall, Leon leaned lazily against the marble railing on the second floor, half-hidden in the glow of amber lights. The noise below was all laughter, music, and expensive perfume — but his eyes never left her.
Sherina.
She sat there on the velvet couch, a glass in hand. She didn't belong to this world, yet somehow, she looked like the only one who did.
The butler bowed politely as Sherina spoke, but Leon could see through Kang's stiff posture. The man was rattled — and that alone made Leon's lips curl.
"She really hasn't changed," he whispered to himself.
"She still knows how to make men lose their composure."
He tipped back his glass and drained the whiskey in one go.
She looked beautiful tonight. Not in the way these women tried to be — loud, painted, and perfumed. She was quiet beauty. Effortless. Real. Even back then..
"Whoa, easy there," Landon teased, sliding in beside him with that lazy grin of his.
"You drinking your problems away already?"
Leon didn't answer. His gaze stayed fixed on Sherina, her hair catching the chandelier's light as she thanked a waiter for refilling her glass.
Another man joined them, smirking as he nudged Leon's arm.
"What's with that look, Mr. Liu? Planning to take someone home tonight?"
Leon turned his head slightly, eyes cool and unreadable. "Maybe I will."
Landon's grin widened. "Oh? So the great Leon Liu finally joins the game. Should we start picking for you?"
The men around them burst into laughter, trading names and jokes like it was a sport.
Leon set his glass down, his smirk subtle but sharp.
"No need," he said, voice low and deliberate.
"I already found one."
His eyes flicked briefly—almost imperceptibly—toward Sherina.