Chapter 15

As they stepped outside, the slightly cool evening breeze brushed against Melisa's skin. The tension and anxiety for tonight seemed to be carried away by the soothing air.

The driver was already waiting beside the sleek black car, its polished surface gleaming under the streetlights. He stepped forward to open the door, but Leonard's gaze stopped him. Without a word, Leonard moved ahead, pulling the door open and stepping aside.

Melisa glanced at him before sliding into the soft leather seat, smoothing the slight wrinkles on her dress. Leonard followed, settling beside her. His gaze drifted to the car window, finding the dull, deserted view outside far more interesting than the beauty sitting beside him.

A soft chuckle escaped Melisa's red, plump lips.

Leonard's ears turned red again. He instinctively glanced at her before quickly looking away.

Aside from this brief moment, the car ride remained quiet—not the kind of silence filled with awkwardness or indifference, but one laced with warmth and an unspoken comfort.

The driver glanced at the couple in his mirror, recalling the maids' gossip about how cold and distant they usually were. Today, however, he couldn't help but notice the gentle warmth between them—a quiet, unspoken tenderness that defied the usual rumors. He mused to himself that when he returned, he'd have to tell those gossipers exactly how wrong they were: this couple was clearly the gentle and tender type.

Soon, they arrived at their destination. The driver remained seated as he parked the car,learned from his previous mistake. Leonard stepped outside, holding the door open for Melisa,then closing it softly after she got out.

"What a gentleman," Melisa teased with a playful smile.

Leonard's expression remained casual, but his eyes betrayed him, softening at Melisa's teasing remark. "That's what I should do," he thought, even though he neither had the right nor the opportunity.

Melisa seemed to sense what he was thinking, and she quickly looked away. She wasn't sure about his feelings, nor did she feel secure that he wouldn't let her down. After all, as long as someone has emotions, they can be manipulated—by Olivia or anyone else—and she didn't want to be hurt.

Leonard didn't press further; instead, he simply guided Melisa's hand to rest on his right arm.

She was startled at first by the unexpected gesture but soon complied, allowing herself to be led beside him. His touch was steady yet light, giving her the choice to pull away if she wanted.

After showing their invitation card to the guard at the entrance, they stepped inside. The grand banquet hall was bathed in warm golden lights, the soft hum of conversation mixing with the gentle melody played by a live orchestra. The scent of fresh flowers and expensive wine lingered in the air, making the atmosphere both refined and imposing.

Despite the grandeur, Melisa's attention remained on the guests still arriving. They weren't late, but they also weren't early enough to avoid the watchful eyes of the elite.

Mr. Shou, the host of the banquet, soon noticed them. He was a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze that softened into a polite smile as he excused himself from another conversation and approached them.

"Mr. Soveir, it's a pleasure to see you here," Mr. Shou greeted with a respectful nod before turning his eyes to Melisa. "And this must be your lovely wife. Mrs. Soveir, welcome."

Melisa responded with a courteous nod. "Thank you for having us."

Leonard, maintaining his composed demeanor, shook Mr. Shou's hand firmly. "It's been a while. You've put together quite an event."

Mr. Shou chuckled. "Only the best for my guests. Please, enjoy yourselves."

As he moved on to greet others, Leonard led Melisa further inside. She could already feel the weight of subtle gazes on them—some filled with curiosity, some with polite indifference, and others with an unspoken judgment.

She straightened her posture, but the slight stiffness in her body didn't escape Leonard's notice. Feeling her tense hand, he patted it gently.

"Don't worry. Just relax and enjoy," he said in a low voice.

Melisa exhaled softly, though a hint of tension remained. "But shouldn't I be mingling with the other influential ladies?"

Leonard's gaze remained steady. "Only if you want to. If you're uncomfortable, you don't have to force yourself."

Soon, many people started gathering around them, and Leonard quickly became engaged in conversations. Though some occasionally included Melisa, she wasn't completely left out. Being an assistant, she naturally had some knowledge of the business world and was able to keep up.

Meanwhile, a few ladies observed her from a distance before finally approaching. Initially, they maintained a polite demeanor, but after noticing her gentle and composed nature, they gradually became more casual. Before long, the conversation shifted to the latest designer bags and dresses.

"Sis."

Hearing the familiar voice, Melisa turned around.

How could she have forgotten that her family would also receive an invitation?