After taking a shower, Navies stood in front of the mirror. His hair was still damp, droplets of water dripping from the ends. But that wasn't what bothered him.
He touched his chest, recalling the strange sensation that had coursed through his body when Mei hugged him earlier that afternoon. It was the first hug he had ever received. And strangely, there was something different a vibration that spread across his skin, making him feel unfamiliar with himself.
Was that a feeling? Or just a coincidence?
He furrowed his brows. I need to be sure.
That night, after dinner, he invited Balqis up to the rooftop. As usual, Balqis didn't ask questions. She simply followed obediently, her steps always half a pace behind Navies.
Under the clear night sky, they stood side by side.
"You always obey, don't you?" Navies' voice was flat.
Balqis turned to him, slightly confused, then smiled faintly. "It's my duty, Master."
Navies was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "You'll always be by my side, right?"
Balqis gazed at him longer, as if searching for something in her master's eyes. Then, she nodded. "Of course. I was sent by the committee to protect you."
Navies held onto those words in his mind. Slowly, he pulled Balqis into an embrace.
Balqis was startled. Her breath hitched, but she didn't resist. She allowed herself to sink into Navies' warmth, letting her heart beat faster than it should.
But Navies remained silent.
He waited. Searching.
Would he feel the same vibration as when Mei hugged him? Would that strange sensation return?
But there was nothing.
Only ordinary warmth.
Navies frowned. No. This isn't enough.
He released the embrace, looking at Balqis, whose face was still filled with confusion.
"Master…?" Balqis' voice was barely a whisper. There was a faint trace of hope in it.
Navies didn't answer. He simply took a deep breath and pulled Balqis into his arms once more. This time, tighter. Longer.
This time, he wanted to be absolutely certain.
Yet, it was the same.
No sensation. No electricity sparking across his skin.
Just warmth ordinary warmth.
Balqis closed her eyes, allowing herself to believe this was real that Navies was finally acknowledging something unspoken all this time.
But when she opened her eyes, Navies had already pulled away, his expression blank.
Balqis swallowed hard. "Does this mean…?"
Navies shook his head slightly. He didn't need to say anything. Balqis wasn't a fool she would understand.
And at that moment, Navies realized.
Mei's hug was indeed different.
Perhaps it was just something ordinary something new that made his body react out of surprise. Something that could be logically explained.
But deep down, beneath all the rational justifications, Navies knew there was something he couldn't ignore.
He took a deep breath, then said, "Balqis, go inside. That embrace won't keep you warm for long. Let's go downstairs."
Navies turned and walked away, leaving Balqis behind.
Behind him, Balqis' face had turned a deep shade of red. Her heartbeat quickened.
Because to Balqis, that embrace was anything but ordinary.
At 8:30 PM, inside the Ministry of Finance building, an exclusive party was being held for the biggest banking magnates in Aratsun. That night, crystal chandeliers glittered on the ceiling, reflecting light from clinking champagne glasses. The scent of fine wine mixed with the fragrance of elite perfumes, creating an atmosphere that was both warm and sophisticated.
This was no ordinary banquet. Led personally by the Minister of Finance, the gathering aimed to strengthen the nation's economic stability, uniting banking leaders whose influence shaped Aratsun's financial policies. What was usually an evening filled with serious discussions had slightly softened with light laughter and subtle jokes, though the weight of business interests still lingered beneath the surface.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, a young man in his early twenties stepped in with quiet confidence. He was Huang Zicheng, the Minister of Finance's son, attending at his father's request. His sharp features and well-fitted black suit complemented his tall, poised stature. Yet, despite his composed demeanor, something in his eyes hinted at discomfort an unspoken struggle to find his place among the giants of the financial world.
"Ladies and gentlemen, these are Aratsun's greatest banking leaders and my close associates," the Minister of Finance declared, his voice steady yet commanding, as he introduced a man in his fifties with piercing eyes and an aura of dominance.
Zicheng approached with a polite smile, extending his hand. The man was Albert Navies, a titan in the banking industry. Albert accepted the handshake with a small smile, though his sharp gaze remained unwavering, as if assessing something beyond the surface.
Trying to show respect, Zicheng picked up a tray of drinks from a passing waiter and carefully offered one to Albert. However, whether from nerves or inexperience, his hand trembled slightly, causing a few drops to spill onto Albert's expensive suit.
For a moment, Albert merely gave a thin smile, but Zicheng, acting on reflex, quickly pulled out a handkerchief and attempted to wipe the stain. That was when Albert's eyes caught something that made his smile vanish instantly. His gaze froze on Zicheng's wrist a luxury watch with a design exclusively crafted for the Navies family.
His expression darkened. His eyes narrowed, jaw tightening, and an icy tension spread through the room.
Without warning, a resounding slap struck Zicheng's left cheek. The sharp sound echoed, silencing all conversations. The guests, caught in mid-discussion, halted and turned, their faces filled with shock and confusion.
Zicheng staggered back, his hand instinctively touching his reddening cheek. His eyes widened, reflecting a mix of disbelief and pain. The room was plunged into an eerie silence, a tension heavier than before.
"This slap is nothing compared to what you've done," Albert's voice was cold and cutting. "You're both bold and foolish. Do you even realize what you've done? I never expected the son of Minister Huang to be so shameless."
Whispers rippled through the crowd as the guests tried to piece together what had just happened. Their gazes darted between Albert and Zicheng, who now stood frozen, his face pale with confusion. His mind raced, desperately searching for the reason behind Albert's sudden outburst.
Albert's eyes bore into him with disgust before he turned sharply and exited the hall with his staff, his decisive steps leaving behind a room thick with unease. The once elegant scent of wine and perfume now felt suffocating.
Meanwhile, Minister Huang's face burned not with anger, but with humiliation. He understood how disastrous this incident was for his reputation. A small scandal on a night meant for honor. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to maintain composure before finally speaking, his voice tense yet measured.
"It seems there has been a misunderstanding. Please, continue the reception. I will return shortly," he announced before swiftly striding toward his son, who remained standing still, staring blankly at the floor, struggling to grasp what had truly transpired that night.
Gripping his son's arm firmly, he pulled him out of the hall toward his office, his steps fueled by restrained fury, leaving the stunned guests murmuring behind them. Their eyes followed the father and son's departure, hushed whispers filling the space.
Lily followed cautiously, her heart pounding erratically. She held her breath, trying to suppress her growing anxiety. Upon reaching the slightly ajar office door, she peeked inside and saw Mada standing stiffly before Minister Huang.