But he wouldn't even spare her a single glance. In the face of his absolute indifference, all her efforts felt laughable and futile.

Just then, Walden noticed her distraction and discreetly pinched her arm, a clear sign of his displeasure.

Vanessa snapped back to reality, pulling her gaze away and turning a gentle look to Walden, clinging to his arm as if it were her only lifeline.

"Walden, let's go inside!" she called out in a deliberately coquettish tone.

Walden genuinely liked this side of her. He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Let's go. I'll introduce you to a few friends."

Vanessa gave him a sultry look, but as her eyes shifted, she met another pair— gentle, yet distant. It was Xavier.

He was holding a glass of wine, conversing with a few guests. His gaze drifted in her direction and met hers head-on.

Vanessa's seductive smile froze on her face, a wave of embarrassment and shame washing over her.

If lan was her unattainable ideal, and Henry her loyal backup plan, then Xavier was her secret regret.

Xavier was gentle and refined, with a top-tier family background and capabilities. Unlike lan's coldness or Henry's passion, he was like fine wine, his character growing richer and more complex with time.

She had wondered more than once: if Xavier had pursued her back then instead of Henry, would she have been able to break free from her obsession with lan and choose him?

But now, here she was, in a place like this, on the arm of a man older than her father, standing right in front of him. It truly pained her.

Xavier's gaze lingered on her for two seconds before moving on. There was no surprise, no contempt in his eyes. He simply turned back to chat amiably with the others.

Xavier's impeccable upbringing and refined character meant he never judged people. Still, Vanessa's face burned with humiliation.

At that moment, Vanessa spotted a few familiar faces—the wives from Henry and lan's inner circle.

These women had once considered Vanessa a friend, having socialized with her at parties, afternoon teas and fashion galas Back then, under the guise of being a plano prodigy and fan's close companion, Vanessa had been the object of their private envy and public flattery.

Now, their eyes held only shock and disbelief.

After exchanging a smile and a nod with them from across the room, Vanessa saw the women turn, cover their mouths with their hands, and start whispering while glancing in her direction.

When Vanessa looked back, she saw them scrutinizing her as if under a spotlight. In their eyes, she was nothing more than a product with a price tag.

Blood rushed to Vanessa's face. All she could do was force her back straight and maintain the stiff smile on her face, trying her best to ignore their piercing stares.

Fortunately, the man beside her had enough status. As the head of TeraTech Induses, even if those

people gossiped about her, ther families and husbands didn'Chave his financial clout.

That was her only comfort.

***

Soon, it was time for the ceremony to begin.

The wedding march began to play, and the lights in the banquet hall softened focusing on the grand." floral arch at the entrance. The guests took their seats, their eyes all turned in that direction.

Henry stood on the stage, a look of nervousness and anticipation on his face. He

adjusted his bowtie, his gaze locked on the closed doors of the hall.