Allea stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, her brows lowered and face neutral, as she stared at herself from head to toe. The mirror reflected a girl dressed in a silk white bow blouse tucked in long white straight pants and a white tuxedo jacket left open- a complete white look. From past years, her dressing has been limited to only suits and light colors, she rarely has worn any dresses, so it was no surprise that she also decided to go with a suit for the party.

Her five feet ten looked exceptionally tall in straight pants enhanced by a pair of pointed white stilettos. Considering that this was also a party, she gave it a little advantage and decided to keep her shoulder-length wavy hair open with minimal makeup look -light foundation and blush, mascara, and dabbed cheery lipstick on her lips to enhance their freshness- the only jewelry she was wearing was the Rolex watch Elijah gifted on her birthday. All in all, she looked like a proper business person, sophisticated and classy.

Nodding at her reflection, she walked downstairs where both of her assistants were waiting; Ben was dressed in a navy-blue suit that looked quite good on his thirty-year-old lean, young body and his mature face. Nayla, the other assistant, was dressed in a full-length dusty rose gown that beautifully hugged her curves and complimented her beautiful black skin; although thirty-two, she looked quite gorgeous with her black hair braided and well-defined face. Though this party was not announced as an official business gathering but with the business persons from all around the world, it was perceived as one, that's why it was appropriate for Allea to bring her assistants.

Allea smiled at them and approved, "You both look good."

Her assistants' faces lit up and answered simultaneously, "You too, Boss."

Allea nodded and faced Kai, who was loafing on the sofa in the living area with an excuse of the reading book and was stealthily trying to glance at them. When he looked up, Allea was already staring at him, their gaze met, and she asked him with a raised brow, "How do I look?"

In an instant, Kai replied with a stupid grin, "White wall."

Allea didn't mind his words as if from his smile she knew he wasn't going to say something good, so she just smiled and pointed, "Don't stay awake too late, okay?" Earning a nod from him, she gestured her assistants -who have countless times witnessed this kind of interaction between their Boss and her brother, so this was not new for them-, "Let's go."

The party was being held at Nicholas Salvadge Mansion, inspired by medieval castles with a modern touch. Allea has been there only one time, precisely at this party, and she can recall never seeing a mansion pulchritudinous than that. It's considered the world's one of the finest and valued. It's situated outside the city because of how huge and grand it was, as the party was held in the hall, therefore, the rest of the mansion was not seen by anyone.

Although Allea's relation with Nicholas Salvadge has been improved to good terms in previous years, and countless times he has invited her and Kai over to have dinner. He's genuinely a kind and upright but a cunning old man, well-aware of this fact, she declined each time respectfully because she wanted only professional contact with him. They have met quite a lot through board meetings, and Nicholas Salvadge admires Allea greatly for her work, and the further success Allgaier corporation has achieved, he never forgets to mention each time after any successful project.

As they reached their destination, passing through gates and after an extended check by security, they were allowed inside. Ben was driving the car, and Nayla was seated on the passenger seat; one could see traces of nervousness and excitement on their faces as they took in the glorious mansion in front of them with wide eyes. This was their first time attending such a party, so it was expected, Allea too smiled lightly, observing the emotions shining in their eyes. But when they stepped out of the cars, like dedicated assistants, their faces turned blank and expressionless -all the excitement hid behind their professional demeanor.

Allea, who naturally wasn't much enthusiastic, already had an impassive look as they walked through the long hallway to reach the main hall, with her in the front, Ben and Nayla at her sides, her head was held high. She walked elegantly with her left hand inside her pants pocket, her stance rich and chic, her aura was screaming arrogancy, and the unbothered look on her face was evident to all: she appeared unapproachable with one eye toward her.

When they stepped inside the main hall, it suddenly turned quiet, and the guest's eyes turned to look at the girl, until a few months they may not know her face, but after her latest interview, they were mindful of who she was, the girl who took Allgaier Corporation on the top just in few years -Allea Ciarve. They couldn't help but appreciate that even more extraordinary than her work was seeing her in person; no one expected the young woman to be this charming even dressed opposite of the most woman in the hall, she still stood out distinctly to the eye. Her figure may be hidden behind her tuxedo, but the way she carried herself in the white suit looked nothing less imperious, putting shade to everyone else around her with her plain yet rich attire and the air of insouciance around her.

Ignoring the eyes gawking at her, she gave the hall a look; it was similar to what was in her memories, a single hall area equal to the whole Allgaier Mansion. It was unnecessarily spacious that even hundreds of guests could roam freely. The wooden carved detailing and open-beam ceiling higher and wide, adorned by the countless narrow slit and stained glass windows along the walls, and a staircase that led to the upper part of the hall. The walls and floors were embellished with realistic cultured stones shined in gleaming golden lights; in the center of the majestic hall was a circular fireplace; its exterior was of the same dramatic rocks. Seeing it only at once, years later, Allea still hasn't forgotten how magnificent this hall alone was; one can guess how impactful the mansions' beauty is.

Allea turned toward her assistants, who were also looking around, but the astonishment was hidden behind their faceless masks, and stated, "You don't have to follow me, socialize and enjoy the party."

They nodded, understanding the meaning behind her words; now that people have seen them arriving with Allea, they'll inevitably try to approach her through them. That's why she wanted them to deal with such people and see if there's someone worth having contact with. Of course, along with doing their job, they have to enjoy such a party.

When Ben and Nayla went on their own ways, Allea once again turned toward the people watching her with keen eyes, hoping to introduce themselves to her, but she skillfully avoided having any eye contact with them. With one sharp look, she recognized the familiar person stood leaning against the bar counter with a drink in his one hand and amusement dancing on his face as his eyes were already on Allea.

Walking nonchalantly through the crowd, who was turning to look at her and whispering as she passed them, she reached the bar, and pointed toward the bartender, "Wine," then lightly smiled toward the amicable person in front of her, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

The man dressed in an off-white shirt tucked in grey check paints fitted on his tall and muscular body perfectly, looking exceptionally fine and handsome. His medium-length long hair in messy wavy curls, illuminating his sharp features with a lazy yet chic look. A throaty chuckle left Elijah's lips as he retorted, "But you still looked for me in the crowd."

Ignoring the playfulness in his tone and eyes, Allea affirmed with a taunting smile, "Because I know you are a liar."

He raised a brow and bragged, "How could I leave your lone self? If I didn't come, you'd be standing here alone, how sad."

"No, I won't," Allea picked the wine glass which the bartender presented to her and lightly leaned against the counter, her left hand still leisurely in her pants pocket. When she took a sip from wine -she paused, turned toward the bartender, and flashed him a smile, it didn't take long for her to recognize and relish the exquisite taste of wine.

After that, Allea continued, "Look around, how eager their faces are, just for one look..." her voice lowered, she smirked at the man in front of her and mouthed with a hint of amusement, "from me."

"Now, don't go way above yourself, you narcissistic. Half of them are looking toward me."

Although she noticed the women sending glances at the handsome man in front of her but Allea still gave a taunting response, "Yeah, sure. Who would look at a poor person?"

Elijah laughed at Allea's words, the same words he used for himself harmoniously a few days ago, "Well, that's true, in front of you, I sure 'm poor."

"It's good you know your place," Allea smiled; from her tantalizing tone and curved lips, it was evident she was joking.

The guests who were stealing the glances of the pair, although they were aware of the friendship between Elijah Cohan and Allea Ciarve, but witnessing such friendly relation between them with their own eyes was a little surprise, the girl who ignored everyone in the room and walked straight toward Elijah Cohan -who just like her overlooked everyone. They also can't approach her because they have heard how rude she can be in her words and don't think before reminding where the other person stands in front of her. Although among the guests, those people were also included who were more influential than Allea, it was her first time attending such a social gathering, yet she still disregarded them -not even bothering to introduce herself. Showing that she doesn't really care who they are, and people could guess why.

From past years all the achievements Allgaier Corporation accomplished were on their own. Even reaching such heights, it was the only company that had full control of its shares. The biggest shareholder was Nicholas Salvadge with twelve percent; even if he takes a step back, undoubtedly thousands will stand to take his position, and the company will face no losses because the aloof-confident girl in front of them has proved how capable she is. If she can put Allgaier Corporation at such extents in just five years, then what about in the coming years? Moreover, the young heir of Allgaier Corporation has yet to step into the game, so as far as they can see, there was nothing but success for Allgaier Corporation; that's why they could understand the arrogancy in Allea Ciarve -she earned it.

As they proceeded toward their random conversation, which turned toward Elijah's race. In between, Allea occasionally savored a delightful small sip of her Ermitage Cuvée Cathelin, although, from past years only drinking wine, her alcohol tolerance has enhanced, she still didn't want to lose even a bit of her senses. Talking about the Salvadge Manufacturers, she asked about its owner, "So, have you met Aris Salvadge before?"

"No, I haven't. I'm working with him for the first time and his friend or partner or whatever, Nial Delton, approached me," Casually stating, Elijah took a sip from his whisky. Allea nodded and didn't ask further; noticing the thoughtful look on her face, he added, "Why, you too are anxious to meet him?"

"Who wouldn't?" Calmly shrugged Allea, pointing her glass toward the crowd. Following her gesture, Elijah understood what she was hinting at. The people who were seconds ago gaping at them were now staring at the staircase entrance, their focus entirely on the Salvadges who would any second make their entrance in the hall.

"But not me, I have seen enough," Allea continued -her voice held the same cold leisureliness-, "Except money, what's in him to be ecstatic about."

Hearing her words, Elijah gave another deep laugh, "And what about his face, I have heard he's quite handsome. Look at the ladies," he pointed at the women, dressed lavishly and flashy, "And even some men, that's the desire and eagerness on their faces to be noticed."

"Yeah, you and I both are quite familiar with this look," Allea laughed lightly, but it felt more like a self-mocking one and full of irony; instead of the people in front of them, she glimpsed at her vague reflection on the wine glass.

Raising her eyes, she held the pleasant hazel-ones of her friend, "I do admire him for handling such an empire, but above that, as I said, I have seen enough, and believe me when I say, he's no different."

"I believe you."

Stating this, Elijah raised his glass towards Allea for toasting, which Allea gladly followed with a smile. For past years Elijah has been alongside Allea; he has seen how indifferent she can be to the outer world. He, himself, has experienced this in the beginning; it took three years for him to enter her barriers. So, her detached and proud form was not new to him; she didn't really care about anything and never bothered herself with it. He knows even in front of millions, Allea would stand confidently with her head held high and can build her walls so high that she appear inaccessible from a single glance, above everyone's reach.

The next instant, the whole hall turned quiet, and every eye moved toward the staircase, from where the Salvadge family stepped down.

"Rich people sure have their own...cinematic entrances."

Elijah mumbled, and Allea nodded, not pointing out that witnessing him driving the cars was nothing less than cinematic shots on every race track. "Let's enjoy the show..." She whispered back, and both of the friends stood there scrutinizing how rich people behave around wealthier people while enjoying their drinks.