The conference had begun. Guests were already entering the venue.
The hall was decorated entirely in shades of green, symbolising the joint venture between the powerful industrial groups hosting the event. Their branding logos appeared everywhere—stamped onto banners, projected across screens, and printed on the sleek display stands placed throughout the hall.
Aidan hadn't planned to attend.
But William had reminded him again.
Accompany her to the conference.
The message had been clear.
Aidan told himself it was only practical. Raven would naturally feel awkward at such a large event. After all, it was her first official public appearance.
So he waited for her at the entrance.
Groups of young socialites and businesswomen passed by, greeting him with bright smiles and excited laughter. Some leaned a little too close, almost throwing themselves into his arms as they spoke.
Aidan accepted the attention with practised ease.
He couldn't deny that it pleased him.
"Aidan, do you remember me?" a cheerful voice called out.
He turned.
"We danced at Mr Ray's auction ball."
Miss Zuo, the heiress of the Zuo Group, stood before him. She wore a graceful green princess-cut dress that matched the theme of the evening perfectly.
It had to be said—of all the women he had encountered that night, she was perhaps the most elegant and well-mannered.
"I didn't know they invited angels," Aidan said with a flirtatious smirk.
"Oh… come on." Miss Zuo blushed lightly. "We couldn't exchange contacts last time."
"Well, I didn't know you were real."
Aidan took her hand and placed a brief, courteous kiss on it. Then, with a fleeting glance at Jacob, he added casually, "He'll be at your service tonight."
Miss Zuo's smile remained perfectly in place as she looked Jacob over. She leaned closer and whispered into Aidan's ear.
"I'd rather have you serve me instead, Mister Aidan."
Aidan almost laughed, ready to play along, but then he noticed the man standing beside her.
Robust, handsome, and composed.
Her fiancé.
"I'd be glad to," Aidan said smoothly, "if your date didn't look like he was about to scare me to death."
He nodded subtly toward the man.
Miss Zuo glanced back.
"Oh—right. I forgot he existed." She laughed lightly. "You're such a magnet, Aidan."
Her teasing did exactly what she intended.
The man stepped forward, his expression tightening. Without a word, he slipped an arm around her waist and guided her toward the hall, pulling her possessively into his side.
Miss Zuo allowed herself to be carried away into the crowd, though she threw Aidan one last playful smile over her shoulder.
"Damn," Jacob muttered. "He's jealous of nothing. Miss Zuo is a loyal lady."
Aidan watched them disappear among the guests, the man's attention fixed entirely on her.
"Loyalty to one can be infidelity to another," he said thoughtfully.
Then he rubbed his temple, annoyed.
"Almost everyone is here. Where is that damn Lady Zhao?"