As if sensing something amiss, the three turned their heads toward the figure behind them.

Before they could react, a brutal punch slammed into each of their stomachs.

They crumpled to their knees one after another, bile rising in their throats.

Without a word, the man stuffed something unknown into their mouths and forced it down with water.

Their eyes widened in terror, now fixed on the waiter who’d led them here with newfound dread.

"W-who are you?!"

"Yeah! Do you even know who we are?"

"Let us go right now!"

Ignoring their shouts, the waiter calmly set up equipment on a nearby table.

A searing heat surged through the trio’s bodies, flames licking at their sanity.

"What are you doing?!" one gasped, clawing toward the waiter through the haze of lust.

The waiter simply tossed them onto Zhou Lili’s bed.

Like a lit fuse meeting gunpowder, Zhou Lili’s cloying perfume became poison to their senses.

Their bloodshot eyes locked onto her. Clothes shredded to pieces under frantic hands. Fingers roamed her body wildly. Someone fumbled with his pants, desperate to unleash his desire.

Watching the scene unfold, the waiter’s interest seemed to fade.

He propped his phone on the table, its camera capturing every obscene angle. Then he walked out calmly.

He’d found something far more interesting on Zhou Lili’s phone.

...

"Just stand quietly beside me later. Don’t say a word."

The man looked at his daughter. Though the red mark on her cheek stung his eyes, she was still his child. A father always protected his daughter.

Li Tian’s gaze met Han Shuyi’s across the room.

Han Shuyi bowed respectfully—a gesture that pleased Li Tian deeply.

He’d never liked Han Huming. How dare that boy openly confess to another girl while betrothed to his daughter?

Now that Huming was cast out of the Khan Family, Li Tian owed him no courtesy.

Today, he’d announce Li Yue’s broken engagement to Han Huming publicly.

Han Shuyi, however, impressed him. And Huming? Worthless. Everyone knew Li Yue was originally promised to *him*.

Only a public annulment would satisfy Li Tian.

Han Litan might be unaware, but Madam Han had heard his words clearly.

Her silence was consent.

His eyes scanned the crowd—no sign of Hu Ming. Disappointment soured his mood. He’d wanted to humiliate the boy in front of everyone.

Li Yue hurried to Han Shuyi’s side, her heart pounding with excitement.

"Shuyi... what if Huming gets angry?"

"It’s alright. I’ll apologize to him."

"It’s not your fault. I... I want this too. I want everyone to know I like *you*."

In Li Yue’s heart, Han Shuyi had long replaced Hu Ming.

With Madam Han’s obvious favoritism toward Shuyi, she believed he was truly her destined one.

Hu Ming’s warnings? Forgotten.

A trace of guilt lingered—but only a trace.

...

Han Yunxi found Hu Ming on the balcony overlooking the banquet hall.

He leaned against the stone railing, gazing at the distant city lights.

Relief washed over her. She rushed forward.

"Ge! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!"

Hu Ming didn’t turn. He remained still, lost in the night.

His silence unnerved her. He’d been fine just moments ago. Now he seemed... hollow.

"Ge?"

She stepped closer, worry etching her face.

"I’m fine. Just needed air. It’s stifling inside."

"Your voice doesn’t sound fine at all! Did someone hurt you? Tell me—I’ll make them pay!"

Yunxi rolled up her gown sleeves, a fierce glint in her eyes—utterly at odds with her elegant dress.

Hu Ming gently pulled her sleeve down and flicked her forehead.

"Fool. That’s hardly proper for a lady."

"Then tell me what’s wrong!"

Beneath the starry sky, Yunxi’s urgency was palpable. Hu Ming finally turned, meeting her worried gaze with a faint smile.

"Yunxi... I’m about to be publicly disowned as Li Yue’s fiancé."

The air froze.

Yunxi’s mouth fell slightly open. Words died on her lips.

This was supposed to be a private matter between the Khan and Li families. Why announce it publicly?

Was this just to shame him?

"Ge... how did you know?"

"Kangxin told me."

Hu Ming’s laugh held no warmth. He leaned back against the railing, the smile not reaching his eyes.

Yunxi’s mind went blank. Her body trembled slightly.

Then realization struck. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"You mean... Mother? She agreed to this?!"

"Madam Han wants all attention on her precious son. My sacrifice is necessary." Hu Ming patted her shoulder, a hollow comfort.

His touch felt like a slap. Heat flooded Yunxi’s cheeks.

*Would Mother really do this?*

Confusion clouded her thoughts.

Inside the hall, whispers began to spread: Hu Ming and Zhou Lili had vanished.

Someone claimed to have seen them heading the same way.

The rumors reached the Khan couple’s ears.

Han Litan and Madam Han’s faces paled—but their reactions were worlds apart.

Litan’s brow furrowed with concern. Madam Han’s expression twisted in disgust, her chest heaving with anger.

She gripped Litan’s arm, her voice sharp with blame.

"See? I told you not to bring him! He *always* causes trouble at these events. How many times must we clean up his messes?"

"Nothing’s even happened yet. Can’t you wish Hu Ming well for once?" Litan’s tone was stern, disapproval hardening his features.

Madam Han scoffed.

"This is Shuyi’s first grand banquet! If Hu Ming disgraces himself, Shuyi becomes the laughingstock. Can you bear that for your *son*?"

Litan fell silent, unable to counter her.

Suddenly, the elegant music filling the hall cut off.

Guests paused mid-conversation, glancing around in confusion.

Then—moans. Heavy, unmistakable breaths. And a gasped name that ignited the crowd:

"Han... Hu Ming..."