MIRIAM

Just then, Miriam, the host's daughter, rushed out, her face contorted in shock and anger. "Dad, I thought you said the party was for me to link up with him?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage.

She glared at Ace and Lucien, her eyes blazing with resentment. "You promised me, Dad! You said Ace would be interested in me!"

The host, clearly uncomfortable, tried to placate his daughter. "Miriam, sweetie, I—"

But Miriam wouldn't let him finish. "No, Dad! You lied to me! You said Ace was looking for someone like me, and now...now he's engaged to her?" She spat out the words, her face twisted in disgust.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the drama unfolding before them. Ace and Lucien exchanged a uncomfortable glance, unsure of how to react.

Ace stood up, his eyes locked on Miriam's angry face. "Miriam, I'm sorry if there was a misunderstanding," he said calmly. "But I never agreed to be set up with you. And even if I had, I wouldn't have gone through with it. Because from the moment I met Lucien, I knew she was the one for me."

Miriam's face turned red with rage, and she took a step closer to Ace. "You're just saying that because you're blinded by her beauty," she spat. "But I know the truth. You're just a rich, arrogant man who thinks he can have anyone he wants."

Lucien stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. "That's not true," she said firmly. "Ace loves me for who I am, not just my looks. And I love him for who he is, not just his wealth."

The room was silent, with all eyes fixed on the tense scene unfolding before them.

Miriam's face twisted in a scowl, and she turned to her father. "This is all your fault," she hissed. "You're the one who told me Ace was interested in me. You're the one who lied to me."

The host looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "Miriam, I...I didn't mean to hurt you," he stammered.

But Miriam was beyond consolation. She turned and stormed out of the room, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

Ace and Lucien exchanged a glance, and then Ace turned to the host. "I think it's time for us to leave," he said politely.

The host nodded, still looking uncomfortable. "Yes, of course. I apologize again for the...unpleasantness."

As Ace and Lucien made their way out of the room, the guests began to murmur and whisper to each other. The evening had certainly taken a dramatic turn.

"Hold your cat," Ace warned, his voice low and menacing.

The host was already shivering, his eyes wide with fear. Everyone in the room knew who Ace was - he wasn't someone to joke with.

The host started apologizing profusely, but Ace cut him off. "Save your apology," he said, his voice cold and upset.

Without another word, Ace scooped Lucien up into his arms, cradling her like a bride. Everyone in the room marveled at the sight, and Lucien's eyes widened in shock.

As they exited the mansion, Ace's chauffeur, Jenkins, was waiting by the limousine, a hint of a smile on his face. "Congratulations, sir," he said, opening the door for Ace and Lucien.

Ace settled Lucien into the seat, his eyes never leaving hers. "Thank you, Jenkins," he said, his voice low and husky. "I think this has been a night to remember."

Lucien's cheeks flushed pink as she gazed up at Ace, her heart still racing from the drama of the evening. "I think you can say that again," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.

As the limousine glided smoothly away from the curb, Ace leaned in, his lips brushing against Lucien's ear. "I have one more surprise for you tonight," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

Lucien's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she turned to Ace, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is it?"

Pictures were taken, cameras clicking away as Ace strode out of the room, Lucien secure in his arms. The host's party had just been upstaged by Ace's dramatic exit.