The Gu family banquet sparkled like a galaxy under crystal chandeliers.
Guests whispered and laughed, but Lin Guo's eyes were fixed on one point: Chen Yuxi.
Yue Xinyan glided in, flawless, her gown shimmering, her smile sharp.
Time to humiliate her.
She approached the table with calculated grace, every step screaming entitlement.
"Good evening," Xinyan said sweetly, voice dripping poison.
Yuxi tilted her head, calm, almost amused.
"Good evening," she replied lightly.
System, monitor: scheming female intensity—high.
Xinyan leaned closer, whispering just for Yuxi's ears:
"You really think you belong here?"
Yuxi's eyes flicked to Lin Guo.
He watched silently, calm, his presence enough to make Xinyan hesitate.
"Try me," Yuxi thought, not speaking.
The system hummed faintly in her mind.
"High probability: she will attempt public sabotage."
Perfect.
Minutes later, the opportunity arose.
Xinyan subtly poured a small vial into Yuxi's wine.
Again, she tried.
Yuxi caught the faint shimmer of liquid.
Her mind raced.
Same substance as last time.
Detect and neutralize.
The system flickered.
The wine fizzed slightly in her glass.
She smiled faintly.
Nice try.
Xinyan noticed her smirk and froze.
Lin Guo's lips curved faintly.
She's not falling for it.
The room was silent for a moment.
Then—
Yuxi stood.
Calm. Polished. Deadly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she said lightly, raising her glass,
"I'd like to make a toast—to honesty, transparency… and to those who underestimate me."
Gasps rippled through the room.
Xinyan's jaw tightened.
Lin Guo stood beside Yuxi, towering, composed, protective.
"Bold," he murmured quietly.
Yuxi glanced at him, a faint smile touching her lips.
Always watching. Always protecting.
The guests whispered, but Yuxi held her ground.
Xinyan's hand shook slightly.
Her sabotage had failed. Publicly.
Lin Guo finally addressed the room:
"This woman isn't here to compete," he said calmly,
"She's here to stay. And anyone who challenges that… will regret it."
Xinyan paled.
The Gu family members exchanged glances.
The game had changed.
Yuxi's heart raced—not from fear, but adrenaline.
This is just the beginning.
Lin Guo's gaze met hers.
Possessive. Commanding.
And for the first time tonight, she felt… truly untouchable.
The banquet continued, but the tension was electric.
Xinyan's smirk was gone.
Yuxi's calm dominance was unmistakable.
And Lin Guo?
He stood silently, letting everyone see who was truly in control.