Yeri felt their scrutiny like a passing breeze.
Then she spotted another familiar face and her smile widened instinctively.
Before she could step forward, a small figure broke away from the adults and sprinted toward her.
"Big sister!"
Sean collided into her with unfiltered joy.
"Slow down, Sean." Yeri laughed, gently patting his head.
Her gaze lifted to Lianna and Zahn Neri as they approached more gracefully.
More than a week ago, she had forwarded the investigation report Saeki had delivered to her.
Lianna met her eyes and offered a soft, composed smile. "Congratulations, Yeri."
Zahn nodded beside her, but his demeanor was noticeably off. Pale with dark shadows sat beneath his eyes, his complexion lacking its usual vitality, as though he had not slept properly in days.
Yeri's curiosity flickered.
For a brief moment, she considered asking.
But the flow of guests did not pause for private inquiries.
Madam Zhi's face brightened the moment she saw Lianna. After all, the latter had once stayed at the Zhi residence for several days.
"My dear, you're here," Madam Zhi said warmly before her gaze dropped to the little boy at Lianna's side. "Is this your son? How adorable!"
Lianna smiled and gently nudged Sean forward. "Yes, this is Sean."
The child offered a shy greeting, and Madam Zhi's heart melted almost instantly. Having lived in a quiet household for many years without children's laughter echoing through the halls, she found herself immediately charmed.
She bent slightly to Sean's height, her voice soft and affectionate as she spoke to him, already treating him as if he were her own grandson.
Lianna exchanged a few more pleasantries before guiding Sean inside.
Though they had arrived together as a family, Yeri could not help but notice the subtle distance.
Doctor Neri walked just half a step behind Lianna, he resembled a shadow trailing faithfully behind its source, present yet strangely unnoticed.
Soon, another arrival drew attention.
The atmosphere subtly shifted as Calin Ricci entered the ballroom in a white gown adorned with a delicate pearl necklace.
The soft fabric draped around her like ceremonial snow, painting her in an image of innocence and refinement.
She stopped before Yeri, her expression gentle, elegant.
"Miss Zhi," she greeted politely.
Her parents stood behind her but unlike Calin's composed façade, their scrutiny was undisguised.
They were meeting the girl who had replaced their daughter as Shin Keir's fiancée.
Sergei Ricci's gaze lingered on Yeri for a moment, unreadable. At his side, Marianne Vega appeared almost detached, her attention drifting toward Sergei instead of the unfolding social tension.
"Are you alright?" Yeri asked suddenly, noticing the slight stiffness in Calin's steps.
Calin's smile tightened. "I had a small accident a few days ago. My ankle is still hurting a bit."
In truth, the injury had been more serious. But there's no way she'll appear in a wheelchair tonight.
Yeri nodded with genuine concern and signaled to an attendant. "Please assist Miss Ricci to her seat."
"And Brother Shin?" Calin asked casually, though her eyes had already begun searching.
From across the room, among a circle of influential businessmen, Shin stood tall and composed. Yet tonight there was a subtle difference. His usual aloofness was tempered by something lighter and his expression, while still controlled, carried a faint warmth.
Of course, she noticed this difference. She had observed him for years in countless occasions.
She knew the difference between polite indifference and quiet contentment.
"What does Miss Zhi do?" Madam Ricci's voice cut in smoothly, she wore a gracious smile that did not reach her eyes.
Master Ricci frowned faintly but did not interrupt, seated quietly in his wheelchair.
Once upon a time, he had been the gravitational center of gatherings like this.
Now, the glances he received were different. Some carried sympathy, others, discomfort.
"I'm just curious. It's no secret that Shin Keir has almost never shown interest in women over the years. You don't mind me asking, do you?" Madam Ricci added.
Yeri met her gaze evenly. "I'm still a student."
Seeing two stunning women standing within the same frame. One the once rumored fiancée, the other the official one, comparisons were inevitable.
Appearance wise, many could not deny that Yeri possessed an almost ethereal beauty. There was something luminous about her that required no effort.
But beyond that?
The whispers sharpened.
Calin had lineage. Status and upbringing molded precisely for high society.
In pedigree, she was the safer choice. The logical alliance.
Yeri, to many, remained an unknown equation.
The murmurs did not escape Calin's ears and her smile widened slightly.
So what if Yeri stood beside Shin Keir tonight?
In the eyes of the elite, Calin Ricci was still the ideal candidate.
A pity that Shin Keir was blind.
Sergei, clearly uninterested in the social fencing, excused himself almost immediately and joined the group of businessmen where Shin stood.
Madam Ricci seemed prepared to continue her delicate interrogation, but another wave of guests approached.
As Calin allowed the attendant to guide her toward her seat, she cast Yeri one last glance.
The smugness she had felt moments ago began to thin.
Yeri stood there as though untouched by the noise.
That same uncaring expression, same calm composure she wore the night they had gathered with Shin's circle of friends.
Was she pretending? Or did she genuinely not care?
Anyway, that attitude only irritated Calin more than any insult could have.
In truth, Yeri had heard everything. But why should she let strangers dictate her mood?
Besides, she had grown up with far sharper words thrown her way. Mockery about her weak constitution had followed her for years like an uninvited echo. Compared to that, tonight's chatter was merely background static.
Gradually, the whispers softened because a new shift occurred.
With Shin Keir's friends arriving one after another, it was obvious that Yeri wasn't a stranger to them.
Zoren Lin approached first, offering a broad grin and sincere congratulations.
Allen followed, clapping Shin on the shoulder before greeting Yeri with warm respect. Daniel raised a glass in playful salute.
Then Saeki Jie, sliding to Yeri's side as if summoned by invisible gossip sensors, harvesting information with the dedication of a newsroom intern.
"Now, about Marco Fabian…"
Yeri shot Saeki a sharp, questioning look.
What? When? And from whom did he even hear that name?
Suddenly, all attention turned.
Master Keir entered and behind him followed the rest of the Keir family.
Conversations stalled mid sentence, even the music seemed to lower its tone out of respect.
Master Keir walked forward with measured authority, each step steady and deliberate.
Age had not diminished his presence. If anything, it had refined it into something heavier, more commanding.
When he reached Yeri, his stern expression softened.
"Daughter in law, you look amazing," he said warmly before pulling her into a brief but firm embrace.
Yeri nearly choked on the title 'Daughter in-law'
Around them, eyes widened.
That single gesture, that open acknowledgment, swept through the ballroom like a silent decree.
Whatever doubts lingered about Yeri's standing evaporated under Master Keir's public acceptance.
As Master Keir turned to greet Madam Zhi respectfully, another presence loomed.
Elder Madam Keir stood stiffly, her posture rigid enough, her gaze landed on Yeri with unmistakable scrutiny.
Displeasure simmered beneath her refined exterior.
But reputation was her lifeblood. She would never risk public impropriety to openly humiliate Yeri.
Embarrassing her would only reflect on her authority as the matriarch, implying she lacked influence over her own grandson. That Shin Keir's chosen fiancée wasn't someone she approved.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"Be good. Watch your actions and words. From now on, you carry the image of the Keir family. Every gesture will be scrutinized. If you embarrass yourself, you embarrass Shin and the Keirs. I will assign you an etiquette- "
"Mother."
Master Keir's voice cut through smoothly, his gaze firm.
Elder Madam Keir snapped her fan open, half covering her face. "I was saying it so only she could hear. What are you worried about?"
"This isn't the right place," Master Keir replied calmly.
The old matriarch almost rolled her eyes, then glanced back at Yeri. Her mouth twitched as though wrestling with muscles that refused cooperation.
Yeri "..."
After visible effort, Elder Madam Keir arranged her expression into a passable smile just as Shin approached.
"Dear, you look beautiful," she declared.
Yeri felt goosebumps rise along her arms.
"Thank you, Elder Madam Keir," she replied politely.
Elder Madam Keir lowered her fan slightly, ensuring nearby guests could hear her next words.
"What do you mean 'Elder Madam'? We will be family. Just call me Grandma."
Yeri's lips twitched this time. A small lump formed in her throat. "Yes… G- Grandmother."
From across the small circle, Shin's gaze flickered briefly between the two women. He nodded respectfully to his father and the elders before turning to Yeri.
"If you're tired, go take a seat," he said with quiet concern. "It's time to start. Late guests can enter after."
Yeri nodded, grateful for the reprieve, and followed him further inside the ballroom.
Meanwhile, Hadi stood frozen. The moment he'd recognised Yeri Zhi, astonishment carved across his features.
Why didn't he know that demon's fiancée was a Zhi?
The same Yeri Venice had casually mentioned more than once.
Beside him, his father and older brother Hiro exchanged subtle looks of relief.
They had never fully understood Shin Keir's strategies. Choosing a woman with no obvious political leverage or overwhelming influence seemed irrational.
But from their perspective? It was advantageous and less threatening.
"Husband?" Serenity's voice slid in smoothly as she stepped into Hadi's line of sight. "Why do you keep staring at Shin's fiancée?"
She positioned herself deliberately, blocking his view.
Hadi flinched and took a small step back.
For a split second, the beige dress she wore tricked his mind into remembering something darker. He exhaled quietly in relief when he registered the neutral color.
He had almost forgotten that this poisonous woman had attached herself to his grandmother for the evening like an accessory.
"You- stay away from me. Go find your friends or some other... I don't care. " He warned in a low voice.