Chapter 18: Beneath the Gilded Masks

The banquet hall had begun to thin out, with nobles drifting away into their own corners of the palace to engage in whispered conversations and secret dealings. The tension that had coiled tightly in Bai Yue's chest from the moment she arrived still lingered, refusing to ease.

She stood near the side of the grand hall, her gaze sweeping over the remaining guests. The man who had been watching her earlier was gone, but the unease he left behind remained.

Beside her, Weishan stood like an unwavering shadow, his presence a quiet but undeniable force.

"You're too tense," he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Bai Yue didn't look at him. "And you're too close."

Weishan chuckled softly, but he didn't step back. "It's the only way I can make sure no one tries anything foolish."

She sighed, turning slightly to face him, her expression unreadable. "You think everyone here is a threat, don't you?"

His dark eyes met hers, unwavering. "That's because they are."

Bai Yue didn't argue. She knew the truth of his words, and yet something inside her rebelled at the thought of being constantly watched over. She had spent so long fending for herself, the idea of someone else taking responsibility for her safety felt foreign… unsettling.

"I don't need you to keep hovering over me," she said quietly.

Weishan's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You say that now, but we both know you don't really mind."

Bai Yue's face remained neutral, but she couldn't stop the slight warmth that crept up her neck. "You're insufferable."

"I'm effective," he corrected smoothly.

Before she could respond, Bai Rong's voice rang out from across the hall. "Bai Yue, come here for a moment."

Bai Yue inwardly groaned but plastered a polite smile on her face as she stepped away from Weishan's side and approached her cousin. Bai Rong stood with a group of elegantly dressed young noblewomen, their faces painted with feigned sweetness.

"We were just discussing the most interesting things," Bai Rong said, her smile laced with hidden malice. "Tell me, Bai Yue, have you found a patron to support your little… endeavors?"

Bai Yue kept her expression composed. "I have no need for a patron."

One of the noblewomen giggled behind her fan. "But surely you can't expect to rise above your current… position without one."

Bai Yue's eyes flicked to Bai Rong's smug expression, understanding the game at play. Bai Rong wanted to humiliate her, to remind everyone that she was an orphaned stray barely tolerated by the Bai family.

Before she could speak, a familiar voice cut through the conversation.

"She already has one."

Bai Yue stiffened as Weishan appeared beside her, his tone casual but carrying an unmistakable authority. He looked at Bai Rong with a slow, dangerous smile. "Surely you've heard?"

The color drained from Bai Rong's face, but she quickly composed herself, forcing a laugh. "Oh? And who might that be?"

Weishan's dark gaze never wavered. "Me."

Bai Yue's heart skipped a beat. What is he doing?

The noblewomen exchanged startled glances, and Bai Rong's lips curled into a sneer. "How generous of you."

Weishan's smile didn't falter. "Isn't it?" His hand ghosted lightly over Bai Yue's lower back, a subtle but possessive touch that made her breath catch. "I take my responsibilities very seriously."

Bai Yue's fingers curled into fists beneath her sleeves, her mind racing. He was marking his territory in front of everyone, and she wasn't sure if she should be furious or relieved.

Before Bai Rong could retort, a servant approached, bowing deeply. "Miss Bai Yue, the first mistress has requested your presence."

Bai Yue seized the opportunity, bowing lightly. "If you'll excuse me."

She turned on her heel, practically fleeing the suffocating situation, but Weishan followed close behind.

The corridor leading to the first mistress's private chamber was dimly lit, the flickering lanterns casting elongated shadows along the polished floors. Bai Yue walked briskly, eager to put distance between herself and Weishan.

"You didn't have to do that," she said, not bothering to look at him.

Weishan's voice was calm, infuriatingly so. "Yes, I did."

She stopped abruptly, turning to face him with narrowed eyes. "Why?"

His gaze darkened, the teasing edge gone. "Because they would have torn you apart if I hadn't."

Bai Yue's lips parted, but no words came. He was right. She knew it. But his possessiveness unsettled her. "I don't need you to protect me from people like them," she muttered, looking away.

Weishan stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her chin, tilting her face back up to meet his eyes. "Then who will?"

She stared at him, heart pounding in her chest. "I will."

His eyes softened for a brief moment, but his grip didn't loosen. "You're too stubborn for your own good, Bai Yue."

"I manage," she whispered, but the fight in her voice sounded weaker than she intended.

Weishan studied her for a moment longer before releasing her, stepping back. "I'll be watching."

Bai Yue exhaled sharply, composing herself before continuing down the corridor. "I know."

The first mistress's chamber was adorned with dark wood furniture and elegant silk tapestries, the air thick with the scent of sandalwood incense. Bai Yue knelt gracefully before Bai Jiaying, the imposing matriarch of the Bai family, who studied her with an expression of cool indifference.

"I trust you've been conducting yourself properly tonight," Jiaying said, swirling her cup of tea.

Bai Yue kept her gaze lowered. "Of course, first mistress."

Jiaying hummed in approval, but her gaze sharpened. "Your presence has been… noted by certain individuals. We must ensure that whatever attention you attract does not reflect poorly on the Bai family."

Bai Yue knew this was a warning. "I understand, mistress."

Jiaying set her cup down with a soft clink. "Good. See that you do."

As Bai Yue rose to leave, Jiaying's voice halted her. "And Bai Yue—keep that man in check."

Bai Yue stiffened but nodded. "Yes, mistress."

Walking back through the corridors, Bai Yue felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her. The banquet was only the beginning of the tangled web she found herself trapped in.

And at the center of it all was Weishan—dangerous, unpredictable, and unwavering in his pursuit of her.

She wasn't sure if he was her greatest ally or her most dangerous distraction.

But one thing was certain—escaping him would not be easy.