The Emperor's Banquet Part 5: Family

Hua Jing watched as her stepmother and stepsister walked in with poise and splendor.

Their movements were graceful, their expressions perfectly composed, their steps measured like they were walking on clouds. To anyone else, they looked like the picture of a noble family—elegant, dignified, respectable.

But to her—

Hua Jing felt the blood in her veins grow colder and colder with every step they took.

Beside her, Zhao Yan remained silent. But he had been holding her hand this entire time, and now he could feel the shift in her demeanor.

The change in her grip.

The way her fingers trembled slightly before tightening, as if grasping onto him for support without even realizing it.

She was no longer just holding his hand—she was clutching it.

Yet, Zhao Yan said nothing. He simply held her hand back, firm and unwavering, offering silent reassurance as his sharp gaze stayed on the approaching figures.