Ariana took a deep breath and clenched her teeth. It was alright. Just a moment of awkwardness. Life was too short.

They pulled her along like she was a zombie. The deck waiter blinked in surprise at her appearance, then quickly composed himself, handing her a standard mask.

Blushing in embarrassment, Ariana donned the mask and found a quiet corner to sit alone. Sonia and Melon wandered off to explore the masquerade.

In the VIP restroom, Adele couldn't help but keep her gaze fixed on Ariana due to her costume. Following Adele's line of sight, Holden glanced at Ariana before quickly turning away with a slight frown

Seeing her unconventional outfit, Holden assumed she was seeking attention by dressing flamboyantly at a masquerade. His initial impression of her was negative, bordering on distaste.

With a hint of a nasal tone from a cold he caught after sleeping on the couch, he held Adele in his arms and asked softly, “Are you hungry?"

Adele responded not with words, but with actions. She leaped off the couch and made a beeline for the dining table, her bodyguards following suit under Holden's stern gaze.

Sadie took a seat beside him on the couch, while Holden continued his phone work without Lifting an eyelid.

Observing this, Sadie scooted closer and whispered, "You agreed to accompany me, remember? Spare your attention from work."

Holden didn't divert his gaze from the screen, his tone icy as he replied, "Adele Likes the grand prize Garage Kit."

Despite his busy schedule, he had made time for the party solely for his daughter's sake.

Sadie caught the undertone of his words, her expression darkening.

As the jewelry brand's spokesperson, Sadie was meant to be the star of the evening, drawing the attention of all the men present at the ball. Yet, among the admirers, Holden remained indifferent. Despite sitting right beside him, he didn't spare her a glance.

Struggling to control her feelings, Sadie forced a smile and ventured, “How about we share the first dance?" Holden's frown deepened as he promptly declined her proposal.

Even masked, the risk of being recognized was a concern he couldn't ignore. It was the reason he'd chosen a discreet approach to attending the party.

As the opening dance was about to begin, Sadie felt her eyes welling up with tears.

From the stage, the host announced the selection of two guests for the debut dance, but Holden remained aloof.

His focus remained absorbed in his work until an unexpected beam of light illuminated him from above.

His frown intensified as he glanced upward, only to spot another beam of light piercing through the darkness.

The second beam converged on the woman in the Medusa costume.