The Mysterious Heiress & A Clash Of Jealousy

An Invitation to the Elite

The city lights of Shanghai flickered like scattered diamonds against the darkened sky. Joshua sat in the back of his Bugatti, casually scrolling through his phone when a message appeared from an unknown number.

Unknown Number: "Chairman Lim, I would like to formally invite you to the Moonlit Gala tomorrow night. Your presence would be greatly appreciated. - Bai Lianhua."

Joshua's eyes narrowed slightly. Bai Lianhua… That name carried weight in China's upper-class circles. The Bai family was known for their old-money influence, deep political connections, and ruthlessness in business. If she was reaching out to him, it meant she had an agenda.

He smirked, already intrigued.

Before he could reply, another notification popped up—this time from Jia Yi.

Jia Yi: "What are you doing tomorrow night? Let's have dinner together ❤️"

A mischievous glint appeared in Joshua's eyes as he typed back:

Joshua: "How about something better? Come with me to an elite gala."

Jia Yi's reply came almost instantly.

Jia Yi: "A gala? I get to dress up and show off? Of course I'm in! 😏"

Joshua chuckled before sending another message—this time to Sung En.

Joshua: "Are you free tomorrow night? It'll be fun."

Sung En responded with a playful voice note, her sweet voice carrying a teasing tone. "Chairman Lim personally inviting me? How could I refuse?"

With both women confirmed, Joshua leaned back in his seat. This was going to be an interesting night.

The Grand Entrance

The Moonlit Gala was held at the Celestial Pavilion, an extravagant venue reserved only for China's elite. The grand chandeliers, marble floors, and an orchestra playing in the background exuded luxury.

Joshua arrived dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, exuding effortless confidence. At his side, Jia Yi wore a stunning red dress, her presence turning heads, while Sung En dazzled in an elegant silver gown, her ethereal beauty shining under the ballroom lights.

As they walked in, whispers spread through the crowd.

"That's Joshua Lim, the rising tycoon."

"The women with him… both are famous beauties."

"Looks like he's already a legend in the making."

Joshua paid no attention to the murmurs, but Jia Yi smirked, enjoying the attention. She looped her arm around his, making her claim on him obvious.

Meeting Bai Lianhua

Near the center of the ballroom, a beautiful woman stood alone, sipping a glass of champagne. She had long, snow-white hair, porcelain skin, and an aura of grace and refinement. Dressed in an exquisite white qipao with gold embroidery, she looked untouchable—like a noble from an ancient dynasty.

Joshua immediately knew—this was Bai Lianhua.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, an unspoken challenge passed between them.

She walked toward him with measured steps, her every movement elegant yet calculated.

"Chairman Lim," she greeted, her voice soft yet commanding. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

Joshua tilted his head slightly. "Miss Bai, I have to admit, I was curious about this invitation. What business does the prestigious Bai family have with me?"

Bai Lianhua's lips curved into the slightest smile. "All in good time."

As they spoke, Jia Yi subtly tightened her grip on Joshua's arm. Her sharp gaze scanned Bai Lianhua, immediately sensing the threat.

Jia Yi wasn't the type to be intimidated, but Bai Lianhua was… different. She carried herself with the confidence of someone born into power.

Feeling the tension, Sung En leaned in with a light laugh. "Wow, it's rare to see Joshua this intrigued. You must be special, Miss Bai."

Bai Lianhua glanced at Sung En with mild interest. "And you must be Sung En—the songbird of Qiqi TV. I've heard of you."

Sung En smiled, but her grip on her champagne glass tightened slightly. She wasn't used to being sized up so quickly.

Joshua chuckled. "Well, ladies, let's not make this an interrogation."

But Jia Yi wasn't done.

She turned to Bai Lianhua and said sweetly, "Miss Bai, I have to thank you for inviting Joshua tonight. It's always nice when people acknowledge my boyfriend's success."

The words were polite, but the emphasis on 'my boyfriend' was sharp.

Bai Lianhua's smile didn't falter. "Oh? Is that so?" Her gaze shifted to Joshua, who remained amused but silent.

Jia Yi's possessiveness was on full display, and Bai Lianhua clearly found it entertaining.

A Private Conversation

After some mingling, Bai Lianhua finally asked Joshua to speak privately.

Inside a secluded lounge, she poured them both a drink. "Let's drop the formalities," she said, sitting gracefully. "I didn't invite you just for idle talk."

Joshua leaned back in his chair. "Then get to the point."

Bai Lianhua's golden eyes gleamed. "I know about Titan Dynamics. And more importantly… I know they stole your AI program."

Joshua's expression remained unreadable. "Oh?"

"I also know," she continued, "that you're planning something. And I want in."

Joshua studied her, intrigued. "Why would a Bai family heiress care about Titan Dynamics?"

For the first time, Bai Lianhua's expression darkened slightly. "Because their CEO has made enemies within high society. And my family has reasons to see him fall."

Joshua smirked. "So, an alliance?"

"Temporary," she corrected. "But beneficial. You get insider information on Titan Dynamics, and I get to… assist in their downfall."

Joshua took a sip of his drink. "And what's your price?"

Bai Lianhua leaned closer, her voice a near whisper. "Surprise me."

The tension between them crackled like electricity, but before Joshua could respond, the door swung open.

Jia Yi stood there, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "Am I interrupting something?"

Joshua chuckled. "Not at all."

Bai Lianhua merely smiled, finishing her drink. "I'll leave you two lovebirds, then."

As Bai Lianhua gracefully exited, Jia Yi stepped forward, glaring at Joshua.

"Don't tell me you're interested in her," she said accusingly.

Joshua laughed, pulling her into his arms. "Jealous?"

Jia Yi huffed, resting her forehead against his chest. "I don't like her."

Joshua smirked. "Good. Then it'll be fun watching you two interact."

Jia Yi groaned. "You're impossible."

Joshua only kissed the top of her head. Tonight was just the beginning.

[Current Favorability Points]

• Jia Yi: 91 Points (Possessive & jealous but deeply in love)

• Sung En: 75 Points (Amused but wary of Bai Lianhua)

• Bai Lianhua: 30 Points (Intrigued by Joshua; sees him as a worthy player)