The Qin Family Manor was ablaze with lights. Luxury cars lined the driveway. Everyone who was anyone in the city was there.
Inside the banquet hall, Mark was holding a champagne glass, accepting congratulations. Chloe was clinging to his arm, dressed in a white gown, acting like the hostess.
"Mark, is it true you finally got rid of that boring woman?" a friend asked.
Mark laughed. "Yes. Best decision I ever made. Look at Chloe—she's pregnant with the Qin heir. Grandfather is going to be thrilled."
Mrs. Qin, Mark's mother, beamed. "My son is finally free. That Aria was bad luck."
Suddenly, the chatter in the hall died down. The music stopped. A hush fell over the crowd as the heavy main doors swung open.
"Who is that?" someone whispered.
"Is that... Lord Julian?"
Julian Qin walked in. He was wearing a dark velvet suit that screamed power. But no one was looking at him. They were looking at the woman on his arm.
She wore a crimson evening gown that hugged every curve, with a slit up the leg that was daring but elegant. Diamonds glittered at her throat—the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace that had been auctioned for 50 million last week.
Her hair was swept back, revealing a face that was stunningly beautiful.
Mark dropped his champagne glass. It shattered on the floor.
"A-Aria?" he stammered.
Chloe's face turned pale green. "What is she doing here? Security! Throw her out!"
Mrs. Qin stormed forward, her face red with anger. "Aria! You have no shame! We kicked you out this morning, and you sneak back in tonight? And holding onto... onto..."
Mrs. Qin froze as she realized who Aria was holding.
Julian stopped in the center of the room. His gaze swept over the terrified crowd like a predator. He looked at Mark, then at Mrs. Qin.
"Sneak in?" Julian's voice was calm, but it carried to every corner of the silent room. "This is the Qin family home. Why would the Mistress of the house need to sneak in?"
"Uncle..." Mark stepped forward, trembling slightly. "You... you know this woman? She is my ex-wife. She's a gold digger."
Julian's eyes narrowed. The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.
"Watch your tongue," Julian said. He lifted his hand, showing the wedding band on his finger. Then he lifted Aria's hand, showing the matching ring.
"Aria is my wife," Julian announced. "Which makes her your Aunt."
The silence was deafening.
Julian looked at Mark, his expression unreadable. "Mark, where are your manners? When you see your Elder, you bow and serve tea."
Mark's face turned purple. He looked at Aria, who was smiling—a beautiful, dangerous smile.
"Hello, Nephew," Aria said softly. "I heard you're having a baby. Don't worry, as your Great-Aunt, I'll be sure to give the child a very generous red packet."
Mark looked like he wanted to vomit. But under Julian's terrifying stare, he had no choice. His knees shook, and he slowly bent his waist.
"Hello... Auntie," Mark choked out.
Aria looked down at him, feeling a rush of satisfaction she had never felt before.
This was just the beginning.