The crystal chandeliers bathed the grand ballroom in a soft golden hue, catching the shimmer of champagne glasses and sequined gowns. Every detail of the Bai family's banquet had been meticulously arranged—from the imported roses lining the entrance to the musicians softly playing classical pieces in the background. Cameras flashed subtly in corners, reporters whispering amongst themselves, though all under strict instruction not to cause a stir—yet.
At the center of it all stood *Bai Lanyue*, resplendent in a silver off-shoulder gown custom-designed by a Milanese atelier. Her makeup was flawless, her smile practiced to perfection. She held herself with the ease of a woman born into privilege—and tonight, she was the crown jewel of the Bai family.
"Lanyue, the guests are arriving faster than expected," said *Madam Bai*, stepping beside her daughter and smoothing a non-existent crease from her dress. "You've done well. This... this is your night."
Lanyue tilted her head slightly, scanning the room with barely disguised satisfaction. "It should be. We've waited long enough for things to return to how they should be."
Across the room, *Shen Yichen*, in a tailored black suit, stood with a wine glass in hand. He was speaking with a few business associates, but his eyes wandered back to Lanyue more often than not.
"Yichen looks proud," Madam Bai said, following her daughter's gaze. "He knows he chose well."
Lanyue's lips curved into a soft, triumphant smile. "He had a moment of confusion back then. But who doesn't stumble once or twice?"
Before Madam Bai could respond, *Wen Qing* approached, her stilettos clicking confidently against the marble floor. Dressed in a deep wine-red gown, she oozed elegance with a thin layer of arrogance.
"Lanyue, you're stealing everyone's breath tonight," she said, offering a quick cheek kiss. "I overheard a couple of heiresses already complaining they should've cancelled their own birthdays."
Lanyue laughed lightly. "Let them. It's not every day you celebrate success."
Wen Qing's eyes glinted. "Speaking of success… is everything in place?"
Lanyue gave her a pointed look. "The invitation was sent. I'm sure she won't resist."
"She wouldn't dare," Wen Qing murmured. "Not after being silenced for so long. Curiosity alone would drag her here. And when she arrives—"
"She'll regret it," Lanyue finished with a calm, icy elegance. "In front of everyone."
Madam Bai didn't speak, but the way her brows raised slightly showed her disapproval. "Lanyue, we agreed—grace is the mark of true power. Whatever happens, it must not be… messy."
Lanyue turned to her mother with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It won't be messy. It'll be art."
Before Madam Bai could protest further, Shen Yichen approached, placing a gentle hand on Lanyue's back.
"Everything looks beautiful," he said, brushing a kiss on her temple. "And you… stunning."
"Of course," Lanyue replied, turning to face him. "I wouldn't allow anything less."
Wen Qing looked between the two and raised her glass in amusement. "Power couple of the year."
Yichen gave a quiet laugh. "Don't jinx it."
"I don't believe in jinxes," Lanyue replied smoothly. "Only poor planning."
"Speaking of," Wen Qing leaned in closer, voice lowered, "do you want me to handle it if she shows up late? Create some distraction?"
Lanyue shook her head, her smile unbothered. "No. Let her come. Let her walk in thinking she's the center of attention. Then watch as everything shifts beneath her."
Madam Bai sighed. "Lanyue..."
But her daughter turned, linking arms with Shen Yichen. "Mother, you said it yourself. I've done well. It's my night."
With that, she strode forward, past the reporters who began snapping more intently, past the socialites offering polite praise, and up onto the short stage meant for her welcoming speech.
As the lights dimmed slightly and the spotlight fell upon her, Bai Lanyue held the microphone like a queen holding her scepter.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, voice ringing out clearly, "thank you for coming to celebrate this special night with me. I promise you… it will be a night to remember."
In the crowd, a few glances were exchanged. Some curious. Some cautious. A whisper began to grow—*Would the veiled musician come? Was the invitation real?*
But for now, Bai Lanyue stood at the center of it all—flawless, unshaken, and utterly convinced of her own victory.