Such gatherings are like a fish in water for Charlotte Hayes, who glides effortlessly among the executives of Vanguard Industries, much like a butterfly fluttering gracefully from one blossom to another. She wore a delicate pale blue gown, the hem swaying gently with each step, as if tracing an elegant arc through the air. Her smile was as warm as the spring breeze, capable of touching hearts without effort. Both Sophie and Lucas Steele showered Charlotte with compliments, as though she were the very soul of this gathering.

I quietly found an inconspicuous spot to sit, thinking it best to keep a low profile in this setting. To my surprise, Celeste Harrington, the charming beauty from the administration department, was also here. She wore a simple white dress, which made her seem especially fresh and unpretentious. Upon seeing me, her eyes lit up, and she walked over with purpose.

"I heard you played a big part in securing this order," Celeste whispered, her eyes glimmering with curiosity and admiration.

I felt a slight blush on my cheeks, thankful that no one knew the full story—perhaps it was Linna who had ordered silence on the matter."It wasn't anything special, Sophie and the others had already negotiated the deal; it was always meant to go to them," I answered casually, secretly relieved.

Celeste tilted her head, seemingly not fully convinced by my words."But..." she began to say, but I quickly interrupted.

"No buts, come on, let's eat," I said with a smile, placing a generous piece of fatty meat into her bowl, hoping to change the subject.

"You're so annoying, giving me fatty meat," she chided playfully, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

"I just thought you were too thin, so I added some fatty meat for you," I said with a straight face, though inside, I was brimming with joy.

"Am I really that thin?" she asked, her voice full of surprise, her eyes sparkling with a glimmer of hope.

"You are very thin, but there is one part of you that is not thin." I said jokingly with a hint of mischief in my eyes.

Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, softly murmuring,"You're really annoying."

"I'm quite charming, actually, not annoying at all," I said with feigned confidence, though inside, I was a little nervous about how she would respond.

"Hee-hee, you're so narcissistic," she said, looking up with a sly smile.

"Really? What do you think it would feel like to fall in love with myself?" I said, pretending to ponder, just to make her laugh.

She laughed so hard, her eyes welling up with tears of joy."Ryan, I think you're really special," she whispered, her eyes holding a trace of tenderness.

"Really? Do I have a place in your heart?" I asked half-jokingly, though my heartbeat quickened involuntarily.

Stolen novel; please report.

"Do you want to?" she lifted her gaze, looking into my eyes with a mix of anticipation and shyness.

I was momentarily stunned by her directness. My heart leapt with joy, though I was afraid I might have misunderstood."Of course I do, but you'll have to give me a chance," I said with a smile, my tone carrying a hint of sincerity.

She lowered her head, her face reddening like a ripe apple, her gaze filled with shyness and hope."Then you'll have to show me you're worthy," she whispered, her voice so soft, almost a secret.

I smiled, but felt a little nervous,"I think so, but I'm afraid you won't leave me a chance."

She raised her head, a glint of mischievousness in her eyes."Then you'd better chase me, and I'll give you a chance."

"Wait, really? You don't have a boyfriend?" I asked, pretending to be surprised, though secretly pleased.

She sighed, the smile fading from her face as a slight furrow appeared on her brow."I'm in trouble, my mom wants me to bring my boyfriend home to meet her tomorrow. I'm so annoyed, I shouldn't have told her I had one in the first place."

I couldn't help but laugh."Well, you deserve it. Lying to your parents is never a good idea."

Her eyes suddenly lit up, and she gazed at me intently, as though she had found a lifeline."Ryan, could you do me this favor? Would you come back with me?"

I stared at her, blinking in hesitation."I can't. I don't lie," I replied, my voice uncertain.

She grasped my arm, her eyes brimming with earnest pleading."Please, Ryan, I'm begging you."

At that moment, our tablemate, noticing our interaction, couldn't resist teasing us."You two have already hit it off, huh? Go to the side," they joked.

Laughter erupted around the table, light-hearted and teasing, though it was tinged with warmth, drawing the attention of Linna. She shot me a sharp glare, her face darkening with displeasure.

I muttered under my breath,"What's the big deal with a little love between a man and a woman?"

Celeste Harrington leaned in and whispered in my ear,"Let's step outside for a while."

"Alright," I nodded, though a flutter of unease stirred within me, unsure of what was to come.

She hooked her arm through mine, guiding me out of the noisy restaurant. The cool night breeze swept gently by, her hair dancing in the wind, carrying with it a faint, enchanting fragrance.

"Ryan, I'm coming with you to Eldoria this time," she suddenly said, breaking the stillness of the evening.

"Why are you going there?" I asked, curiosity piquing my interest.

"To ensure consistency between our side and yours. I need to organize the documents from your side," she explained, her tone serious but purposeful.

"That sounds like a lot of work for you," I remarked, touched by her dedication.

She stopped walking, turning to face me, her eyes filled with both expectation and a hint of anxiety."Ryan, do you think you might like me?"

I paused, caught off guard, unsure of how to respond."I... I'm not sure," I admitted.

As the evening grew darker, the air filled with the subtle fragrance of osmanthus, and the autumn breeze gently rustled, scattering a few leaves from above. She pouted, lightly tapping my shoulder, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous light.

"You're such a typical straight guy, you don't even know how to comfort a girl," she teased, her voice carrying a blend of playful reproach, but mostly with a sense of indulgence and fondness.

I shrugged, smiling."I don't know how, that's why I'm still single."

She pursed her lips at this, a flicker of displeasure crossing her face, but it quickly faded, replaced by the warmth of her usual gentleness. She leaned against my shoulder and, in a soft voice, whispered,"Ryan, I think I fell for you at first sight."

I froze for a moment, a mixture of shock and surprise swirling inside me. Her words caught me completely off guard. I did my best to remain composed, casually replying,"No way, did you fall for my looks?"

Her cheeks tinged with a gentle flush, her gaze laced with a shy confusion."What do you mean by that?"

I smiled and teased,"Isn't 'love at first sight' just about being captivated by my appearance?"