Belle stormed out of the meeting room, the cloying scent of her French perfume lingering like a toxic cloud. Her face was contorted with a rage that threatened to shatter her carefully constructed facade of sophistication. That little tramp! she seethed inwardly. How dare she usurp my place?
Xia, meanwhile, felt a strange mixture of relief and unease. Zhenting's defense had been unexpected, a shield against Belle's venom. But the intensity of his gaze, the way he seemed to see into her, left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. The scent of sandalwood and rain clung to her, a constant reminder of the night she desperately tried to forget. I have to remember that he's engaged to Belle. I am nothing but an employee.
As Xia returned to her desk, a gala invitation sat waiting. It was a prestigious charity event, the kind where fortunes were made and broken. The Lu Group was a major sponsor, and attendance was mandatory for senior staff. Xia sighed. Another night of dodging Belle's barbs and Madam Lin's scrutinizing gaze.
Later that evening, as Xia prepared for the gala, her heart sank. The only dress she owned suitable for such an event was a hand-me-down from Belle, a gaudy, outdated thing that hung awkwardly on her frame. She did her best to alter it, securing the drooping neckline with a safety pin hidden beneath a cascade of cheap fabric. At least it's clean, she thought wryly.
At the Azure Grand, the air thrummed with the electric energy of the city’s elite. Crystal chandeliers cast a shimmering light on the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits. The scent of expensive champagne and floral arrangements filled the air, a stark contrast to the faint, natural jasmine that clung to Xia.
Belle spotted Xia the moment she entered, her eyes narrowing with malicious glee. "Well, well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with condescension. "Look who decided to grace us with her presence. Did you find that dress in a dumpster, Xia?"
Xia swallowed her pride and forced a polite smile. "Good evening, Belle. The dress is lovely, thank you."
"'Lovely'? Darling, it's charity. You're making us all look bad by not even trying to dress well!" Belle leaned in, her voice a low hiss. "You know, Zhenting despises sloppiness. It's so distasteful."
Before Xia could respond, Belle feigned a stumble, sending a cascade of red wine cascading down the front of Xia’s already-maligned dress. The stain spread like a blooming wound, ruining the already fragile fabric.
"Oh, Xia! I'm so sorry!" Belle exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with false remorse. "It seems you’ve had a little accident. You simply can’t attend the gala looking like that. You better head home."
Xia's stomach churned. She glanced around, mortified by the stares of the surrounding guests. Belle’s triumph was palpable. This is it, she thought, I can’t do this.
Tears pricked at her eyes as she turned to flee. But before she could take a step, a familiar voice cut through the murmuring crowd.