"Miss, we've arrived." At the hotel entrance, the driver opened Luo Xianxue's car door. His expression was respectful, yet he stole glances at her.

Lady Luo was undeniably beautiful. But wasn't she supposed to be icy cold? She didn't seem that way now.

Luo Xianxue stepped out, giving the driver a slight nod. She looked up at the towering hotel. Someone already waited at the entrance.

Taking a subtle deep breath, she offered a polite, faint smile and walked toward the door.

Luo Yi emerged from the hotel, dressed sharply in a white suit. Spotting Luo Xianxue, he spread his arms wide. Surprise flashed in his eyes, then vanished into a bright grin. "Xianxue, you're finally here! I've waited ages."

He moved to hug her.

Luo Xianxue and Luo Yi shared a distant bond—known only to them. Outsiders saw warm sibling affection.

Luo Xianxue frowned slightly. As he leaned in, she stepped back a fraction, lifting her gown gently. "Happy birthday, Second Brother."

The Lady's elegance shone perfectly in that moment.

That tiny retreat effortlessly dodged his embrace.

Embarrassment flickered across Luo Yi's face. He cleared his throat. "Xianxue, you grow more beautiful daily. Come inside. Father and Grandfather will join us soon."

"Okay," Luo Xianxue nodded, walking in. Her bodyguards stayed outside.

The Luo family had booked the entire venue. On their turf, safety wasn't a concern.

Once inside, guests began whispering. They admired her looks but were mostly curious.

This reclusive Lady was rarely seen. Kept tightly under Luo Nuo Yan's watch, many knew her only by rumor.

Inside, Luo Xianxue secretly exhaled. Outside stares had nearly made her flee.

But soon, fresh gazes pinned her down.

"Wow, that girl's stunning. Which family?"

"Chat her up?"

"You first?"

"Skip chatting—I'll ask her lineage and propose an alliance."

Whispers reached Luo Xianxue. Instinctively, she lowered her head, eyes fixed on the floor—a fearful, self-protective reflex.

Mostly self-deception, though.

"Ugh, Phantom Sir, hurry," she whispered. She scanned the room, chose an empty corner, and sat on a sofa.

Alone, she'd be fine. But under constant attention, her social anxiety flared.

She couldn't meet anyone's eyes.

Pulling out her phone, she scrolled aimlessly. Her gaze settled on the only comic group she'd joined.

Chatting eased her tension.

Moments later, clean shoes entered her view.

She glanced up. A young man in a casual suit held out a wine glass. A perfectly polite smile graced his face. "May I buy you a drink, lovely lady?"

Luo Xianxue leaned back, pressing her lower lip tight. Her eyes darted away.

Seeing her reaction, his eyes lit up. He edged the glass closer.

Such a soft, adorable kitten—easy prey. He didn't know her family, but today, she was Gao Huihuang's target.

Luo Xianxue froze, unsure.

Gao Huihuang pressed on. "Relax, miss. Just fruit wine—barely any alcohol."

His polite tone carried unspoken pressure. Under his stare, Luo Xianxue gave a slow nod, a faint "Mm" escaping her lips.

Her small hand trembled reaching for the glass.

"Phantom Sir..." she mouthed silently.

As always, crowded banquets meant endless approaches.

Then came demands.

A drink? Luo Xianxue, terrible at refusing, usually agreed.

Never had she craved Chen Mo's arrival so desperately.

But ten minutes remained until six.

Those minutes stretched like ten centuries.

As her trembling fingers took the fruit juice glass, Gao Huihuang beamed—then frowned. Something shifted in the girl before him. He hesitated.

Luo Xianxue lifted her head. Her stunning, makeup-free face fully revealed itself.

Gao Huihuang had seen countless beauties. None matched even a fraction of her.

The Luo Xianxue before him spoke. "Before I drink, may I ask a question?"

Her melodious voice snapped him alert. He smiled again. "Of course."

"Which family do you belong to?" she asked.

Gao Huihuang sensed strangeness—her gentle aura now edged with ice. He replied quickly, "The Gao family. We hold influence in the capital."

Silence followed. After a pause, Luo Xianxue responded, her smile still present but forced.

Gao Huihuang's grin froze instantly.

She handed back the juice glass gently. "Apologies. I have prior commitments. No drinking today."

"Luo Xianxue" stood, scanning the room. Under Gao Huihuang's stunned gaze, she approached a middle-aged man. "An empty room, please. I dislike crowds here."

"Yes, Lady. This way," the man bowed, leading her to the elevator.

Gao Huihuang stood alone, shock melting into bitter self-mockery.

His companion strolled over, joking. "Gao, even you fail at hunting? She refused your drink—so rude. Her family?"

Gao Huihuang shook his head with a wry smile. "Not rude. I'm unworthy."

His friend gaped. "Who is she?"

Gao Huihuang glanced sideways. "Addressed as 'Lady' by Second Young Master Luo's butler. What status do you think she holds?"

Relief washed over him, mixed with confusion. The Luo family's Lady seemed utterly unlike the rumors.