Liyana set her glass down with a soft clink, her gaze sweeping across the dining hall. The air was still lively with conversation, her employees enjoying their meals, some sneaking quick glances at her, still not entirely accustomed to her presence among them.
She was aware of it—how people expected her to remain a distant figure, unapproachable, a CEO who ruled from behind an impenetrable wall. But she wasn't that kind of leader.
"That was the best meal I've had all week," one of the junior designers, Elise, sighed, leaning slightly toward her friend.
Liyana chuckled, setting aside her utensils. "Then I should make it a point to join more often. We can't have my employees starving outside of these lunches."
A few chuckles rippled through the table, and the atmosphere warmed. It was moments like this—when she felt connected to the people who built Celeste alongside her—that made everything worth it.
Her phone buzzed.
Liyana excused herself from the table, glancing at the screen. A reminder from Mom.
Family dinner tonight.
Right.
Her expression softened. It had been a while since both families gathered together like this.
Rising from her seat, she gave her employees a small nod. "I'll leave you all to enjoy. Don't let work creep into your meal."
A few exchanged grins as she walked away, heels clicking against the marble floor. She went to her office.
Liyana leaned back in her chair, the soft rustle of papers and murmurs of conversation fading as she finished reviewing the last document for the day. She glanced at the time—just enough to return home and prepare for the dinner.
With a swift motion, she pressed the intercom. "Mira, reschedule anything planned for the evening. I'll be leaving now."
"Understood, Miss Xu," Mira's voice came through crisply. A moment later, the secretary stepped into the office, her clipboard in hand. "Your car is ready. Do you need me to arrange anything else?"
Liyana shook her head, gathering her belongings. "That will be all for today. You may leave after wrapping things up."
Mira nodded, offering a polite smile. "Enjoy your evening, Miss Xu."
Liyana strode out of her office, her heels clicking against the polished marble floors. Employees bowed slightly as she passed, a mixture of admiration and respect in their gazes. The exclusive dining hall, now empty, carried remnants of the warm camaraderie she had shared earlier with her staff.
But warmth was fleeting. The moment she stepped into the elevator, the polished reflection of herself stared back—a reminder that outside those rare moments of ease, she was Liyana Xu, the woman who built her empire with her own hands.
The elevator doors slid open to the private basement, where her sleek black car awaited. Instead of sliding into the driver's seat, she walked to the passenger side, where her chauffeur stood waiting.
"Drive me home, Ethan," she instructed as she settled in.
"Yes, Miss Xu."
The cityscape blurred past as the car smoothly merged into the bustling streets. Liyana leaned against the cool leather seat, her fingers tapping lightly against her lap.
She had spent years forging her path in the business world, earning her position through sheer determination. Even so, there was a certain comfort in knowing that beyond all the corporate rivalries and power plays, she had a place to return to—a home that was truly hers.
The car pulled up to her private villa, a sleek, modern estate tucked away in one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods. The high gates slid open automatically, revealing the manicured gardens and the grand facade of her home.
As the car came to a stop, the villa's staff stood in neat formation by the entrance.
"Welcome home, Miss Xu," a familiar voice greeted her.
She turned to see an elderly butler, Mr. Zhao, bowing slightly. He had served the Xu family for decades and had insisted on staying by her side when she moved into her own residence.
"Everything is prepared for you," Mr. Zhao continued. "Would you like refreshments before you get ready?"
"Tea," Liyana said simply as she stepped inside.
The grand interior of the villa exuded understated luxury. Every detail—from the intricate chandeliers to the tasteful art—was a reflection of her meticulous taste. She ascended the sweeping staircase, heading towards her room.
Inside, the ambiance was calm. A faint floral scent lingered in the air, the dim lighting casting soft shadows on the elegantly designed space.
A set of carefully curated evening dresses hung in her wardrobe. Liyana's fingers trailed over the fabrics before settling on an elegant yet commanding black dress—one that carried the perfect balance of sophistication and quiet power.
As she changed, her mind wandered.
Tonight wasn't just a casual dinner. It was a gathering of two powerful families. And knowing their elders, they wouldn't just exchange pleasantries.
Something was bound to shift tonight.
Something irreversible.
She fastened her earrings and smoothed the fabric of her dress.
Then, with a final glance in the mirror, she turned to leave.
"Let's see what they have planned."