Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Two dances later, Henry and I exchanged contact information and I excused myself to go to the ladies' room.

I didn't need to go, but I wanted to distance myself from Henry.

He was funny, and he seemed genuine, but I knew that people are watching, and I shouldn't spend too much time with a man I just met.

I had a strong hunch that Henry was an experienced guy (in terms of seducing women), and there was a possibility he was a good actor, and his pleasant façade was too good for me to see through.

Back to the present and the ladies' room…

I looked at my gorgeous self in the mirror and frowned. All those people reminded me of my classmates who used to look down on me, yet tonight I was treated differently. Everyone tried to get into my good books.

Ironic, I thought. They used to diss me and now they are sucking up to me, and in both cases, they had no idea who I am as a person. The only thing that matters to them is background and image. How shallow.

"Oh, the heiress needs to use the restroom also…", a sarcastic voice came from behind me.

I guess not everyone is eager to suck up to me. Of course, when no one is watching, people will show their true colors.

I turned and faced a redhead beauty with a brunette who was half a step behind her. Great. Restroom bullies.

The two of them were giving me the 'who-do-you-think-you-are' look.

"Do I know you?", I asked, confused by the unexpected hostile attitude.

Did I offend her somehow? I met this young woman and I spoke to her mother briefly (who is the director in human resources at Notte Pharmaceuticals) but the chat was generic and uneventful.

I noticed her glaring at me while I danced. Surely, she is not envious of my dancing skills, is she?

"You should know me. Charity Thornton.", the redhead announced proudly.

"I don't remember us meeting.", I lied flatly.

I could see her brimming with anger that threatened to spill from her. What's her problem?

"Can I help you somehow?", I asked.

"Henry is mine.", she squeezed through her teeth.

I stifled a laugh. "You got to be kidding me."

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

She took a step toward me with her chin lifted high, challenging me openly. Does she want to fight?

I couldn't believe this. The whole evening I was trying to be prim and proper and not to step on any toes, yet here is one toe glaring at me.

I had no idea if I should laugh or cry. I only danced with Henry, but I guess she saw me as a threat.

I smirked at the foolish woman in front of me. "You are not very smart, are you?"

Charity's eyes flashed in outrage. "How dare you!"

I felt like slapping her and I realized that this is the second person tonight that I wanted to slap (the first one was Sebastian). Is this the posh society of London? Lecherous behavior and threats in the restroom?

Well, I have a few of those. Threats, I mean.

"No, Charity…", I said lazily. "You are the daring one. Your mother is a director of human resources, Charlene Thornton, right? You came here, giving me the diva attitude, boosted by your non-existent power. Aren't you afraid of offending me? Do you know I can get your mother fired? Just. Like. That."

Charity shrunk. "You wouldn't."

"Do you want to try me? Didn't you hear my father? He announced that I'm working with him at the company, side-by-side and my reach will increase."

I stepped toward Charity and she took a step back. Her previous arrogance disappeared and was replaced with fear. I liked that.

"You see, Charity, I am not a princess who came to use the restroom. I am your mother's boss. I advise you to think about it because my power doesn't end with firing her, I can also smear her reputation so badly that she never works again. If you fear that Henry will cheat on you, you should talk to him… assuming you and Henry are dating as he didn't mention he has a girlfriend when he invited me on a date."

Charity's chin trembled from what I assumed was a mixture of fear and anger. And probably embarrassment as well. I didn't care. She came onto me, just like so many others before, but now I can fight back, and I will.

Charity's companion was pale as a sheet of paper.

"Why do you look familiar? Tylor, right? Is your father in my finance department?"

She lowered her head.

I narrowed my eyes at Charity. "Why are you still here? Scram."

The brunette (aka Taylor) tugged Charity's hand and the two of them scrambled out of the restroom.

I let out a long exhale. I was never fond of drama, but this felt good.

Will those two girls talk about this incident? That is a possibility. Will they tell the truth? Absolutely not. They will make me a bad guy, but I couldn't care less.

If this was before, I would shrink and hope they forget I exist. Things changed. I changed and I can't believe how natural it was for me to put that snobby woman into her place.

Did I overdo it? No, I didn't.

Aldus said that I am the princess, and I can do whatever I want. And if I mess up and get into trouble, he will help me. It was truly empowering.

I didn't use strength, speed, weapons, schemes… it was only my confidence and attitude that I have as Aldus's daughter.

This incident was a confirmation that Sanya is officially fading into the background as Seraphina is stepping forward. I knew it will be a process, but it's happening, and I felt… energized.

On my way out of the restroom, I nearly bumped into a man.

"Are you alright?"

I frowned at Sebastian. "What do you want?"

He raised his hands defensively. "I saw Charity and Taylor storming out of here, so I was worried. Nothing more."

"If you want to comfort someone, you should go after them. I am fine."

Sebastian ran his hand through his hair and looked at me with a complex expression. "Listen, Seraphina… I am sorry."

I expected many things, but an apology was not one of them. And he seemed sincere. "For?"

"For acting like a jerk."

Well, he didn't really make a big offense. He tried, I refused, and it ended. If he was pushy or handsy, it would be different. I didn't want to dwell on that.

"Apology accepted."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Really?"

"Did you expect me to ask for money or a blood sacrifice?"

He chuckled. "I don't know. Other girls usually make a fuss when they get ahead."

"Well, if you want fussy then…" I gestured down the hallway, where the event hall is.

"No, no. This is fine.", he responded with haste and his lips lifted into a smile before he said in a singing voice, "More than fine."

Sebastian leaned his shoulder on the wall and looked at me with what I assumed was his expression for charming ladies.

Why did he make himself comfortable? And what's with that playful smirk?

"It's not wise to linger in front of the women's restroom.", I said while walking past him.

He straightened up and followed after me. "Of course, not. Now that you accepted my apology, we will join the party and... linger."

I cringed internally. What did I get myself into?

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