At night.
The moon hung in the sky and stars covered the city.
The luxurious Vale family Mansion was quiet. Inside one of the bedrooms on the second floor Ethan was lying on bed.
His body was exhausted after the basketball match.
He looked at the ceiling for a few seconds then turned his head and looked at the photo it was hanging on the wall.
That wall has 5 photos of only one person.
Claire Anderson.
Some were official photos from University events and others were taken from family gatherings and public occasions.
His expression gradually softened.
The frustration he had carried throughout the day disappeared.
Only one thought remained in his mind about Claire. He closed his eyes and old memories surfaced from a memory from a few years ago.
4 Years Ago — Anderson Family Mansion.
It was the birthday of Claire's grandfather.
He was a respected elder among the other elders whose influence extended throughout the country's upper business circle.
There are four great families(upper circle) who have maintained their position from three hundred years till now.
Upper Rank(1st rates to 5 rates)
Vale, Anderson, Laurent and Harper families.
Smith family 5th rates.
Middle Rank(1st rates to 7 rates)
Reed family 4th rate and carter family 7th rate
Business leaders, politicians, influential families, and prominent young masters from across the capital had gathered at the mansion.
Big crystal chandelier lights shone in the large hall. Servants walked through the people, carrying plates of food and glasses of drinks.
Young heirs and heiresses gathered in small groups.
Few of them are talking about business because they are interested or they are about inheritance and family business but some of them are enjoying their time at the party.
Among them was a younger Ethan Vale, he was standing and observing them silently.
He had attended the celebration with his parents to make a connection and be friends with other kids at that party. They might be useful to him in future.
He was 18 years old and not interested in shit conversation nor business discussions.
'They are really worthy of making friends?' he thought.
He simply wanted to leave from there and play basketball but then he suddenly saw her.
A young girl standing near the garden entrance.
She has long dark hair, a calm expression and wears an elegant dress while standing beside her grandfather.
Unlike other children running around the party not interested in showing off.
She simply listened quietly to the adults around her.
Ethan stopped walking.
His eyes remained fixed on her.
She was the most beautiful woman he saw till now.
"Who is she?"
His mother looked toward the girl.
"That's Claire Anderson."
"She's the granddaughter of the birthday man."
Ethan continued staring.
Claire suddenly looked in his direction.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment...
Neither of them moved.
Then Claire gave him a small, polite smile.
Ethan's heart skipped.
It was the first time he had ever felt something like that.
He didn't understand it.
He only knew one thing.
He wanted to see that smile again.
Meanwhile some where inside room.
Two middle aged man was sitting on chair and wine in glass placed on table.
One man in blue coat.
Another one in white coat.
Their conversation was far more serious than the cheerful celebration outside.
""The Anderson family's overseas investment has suffered a major loss," the man in the blue suit said.
"How serious?"
"Nearly ten billion dollars."
The man in the white suit remained calm.
"So, what is the problem?" Another one man wearing white coat asked in calm voice.
"I think Anderson family foundation will break after 10 years." Man in blue coat replied.
"What I can do for you?" White coat man asked.
"I need your help Mr. Vale." Man in blue coat replied.
"You think I will do business with you without any profit."
"Okay thanks for your time."
Both of them come out from that room to attend the party celebration.
Mr. Vale notice that who Ethan was looking at Claire who was standing on stage.
'My son was carefree personality, I don't think he can handle Vale family with his personality...If.." he thought then smile and call out.
"Mr. Anderson."
Mr. Anderson look at him.
"I think we can corporate but in one condition." Mr. Vale said in smile and calm voice while reach his hand toward him.
Mr. Anderson was surprised but he shake hand with him and asked.
"What is your condition?" He asked in nervousness.
"A marriage alliance between Anderson and Vale family." He replied with smile.
On that party Mr. Anderson and Mr. Vale announce in front of whole public their corporation and Marriage Alliance.
"What Vale family and Anderson family forming marriage alliance."
"But who are going to represent them?"
"Who else Ethan Vale and Claire Anderson both of them are perfect match eachother."
"I can't believe that Ethan got her."
After hearing that Ethan become happy and look at Claire.
A huge smile appeared on his face.
"So I'll be able to see her again."
At that moment, Ethan didn't understand what the future would suprise bring him.
He only knew one thing.
He had fallen in love with the girl who had smiled at him once.