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Cecile was found in the orphanage gate with her birth certificate making her easily find her parents but Cecile had misunderstanding that made her hate her biological family.
What will happen to her when she finds her biological family?
Will sh...
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I'm the makeup artist myself, so I didn't need anyone's help getting ready for tonight.
One hour. That's all it took.
Blue eyeshadow blended carefully across my lids, soft silver glitter pressed into the center so it caught the light when I blinked. I kept the rest simple—sharp eyeliner, clean base, and deep red lipstick as the final touch.
I brushed my hair until it was smooth, then curled it loosely and pinned it into place. Not too perfect. Just enough to look like I didn't try too hard.
When I stepped into the dressing room, my dress was already laid out.
It felt like it was waiting for me.
I picked it up carefully and changed.
A final glance in the mirror.
Done.
Downstairs, everyone was already waiting.
We left together, the energy in the car quieter than usual. Odessa barely spoke, Logan was focused on the road, and I just watched the city pass by.
The mansion hosting the party was already glowing when we arrived.
Lights. Music. Guests everywhere.
I exhaled once and stepped out, Logan immediately beside me like a shadow that refused to leave.
Inside, everything was louder.
Odessa excused herself almost immediately, saying she needed to meet a few people—and then casually added that I wasn't allowed to disappear because she still had someone important to introduce me to later.
Of course.
I sighed under my breath. "Why did she even bring me here..."
Logan handed me a wine glass without a word.
I took a sip.
Barely a second later—
"The heir of the Poison clan is approaching," Lauren's voice came through my earpiece. "Tobias Bauman."
Great.
I already knew that name.
And I already hated it.
I straightened slightly, forcing my expression into something neutral.
Then I heard him.
"Nice seeing you again, Miss Fox."
I turned.
Tobias Bauman.
Same confident smile. Same irritating presence.
Five years older than me.
And still acting like he had any right to stand this close.
"Mr Bauman," I replied politely. "It has been a while."
Fake smile.
Perfect tone.
Nothing more.
He looked me over like he always did—like I was something he could eventually own if he waited long enough.
"How have you been?" he asked.
"Very well," I said simply.
He stepped closer.
Too close.
His hand lifted, brushing a strand of my hair like he had permission.
I didn't move.
Didn't react.
But internally, I was already calculating distance, exits, and how long it would take to break his wrist if needed.
Then he kissed the strand of hair.
I felt my expression tighten instantly.
Disgust.
Before I could respond, Logan was suddenly between us.
"Maintain your distance," Logan said flatly. "She's not comfortable with this."
His hand rested lightly at my waist, not pulling me closer—just positioning me behind him.
A barrier.
Tobias raised a brow, amused. "Mr Vesper, don't start a scene."
Logan didn't blink.
"It's not a scene if you're the problem."
A pause.
Then Tobias chuckled.
"Relax. I was just greeting Miss Fox."
He glanced at me again. "Always a pleasure."
"Sure," I said without emotion.
Then he finally stepped back.
"Be careful," he added before leaving. "People here talk."
When he was gone, I let out a quiet breath.
Logan didn't move immediately.
Then I gently pushed his arm away from my waist.
"We already have enough enemies," I said lowly. "We don't need more because of unnecessary drama."
He didn't argue.
But he didn't look satisfied either.
I took another sip of my drink, scanning the crowd.
Too many people.
Too many eyes.
And somewhere in this room, Odessa was about to drop something I definitely wasn't ready for.
