The next evening, Lisa stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection.
The black designer dress Felix chose hugged her figure perfectly, its silver embroidery shimmering under the soft lighting.
Her makeup was subtle yet elegant. Her hair cascaded down in soft waves.
She looked… different.
Not like a regular girl from Nigeria who came to Beijing for her dreams.
But like someone who belonged in Felix's world.
The thought made her chest tighten.
"It's just one night. Don't overthink it."
A sharp knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts.
She took a deep breath and opened it.
And there he was.
Felix stood in a perfectly tailored black suit, his usual cold expression in place.
But the way his eyes briefly flickered over her—just for a second—made Lisa's heart skip.
"You're late," he said.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "You're early."
Felix smirked slightly but didn't argue. "Let's go."
The sleek black car moved smoothly through Beijing's bustling streets, but inside, the atmosphere was strangely tense.
Lisa stole a glance at Felix. He was staring straight ahead, his jaw tight.
"You don't like these events, do you?" she asked.
Felix didn't answer immediately. Then, he sighed. "They're necessary."
Lisa tilted her head. "Why? You're already successful."
Felix's fingers tapped lightly against his knee. "Because power isn't just about money. It's about connections. If I want to keep this company stable, I have to play their games."
Lisa frowned. "That sounds exhausting."
Felix's lips twitched. "You get used to it."
Lisa studied him.
For the first time, he didn't sound cold.
He sounded… tired.
And for some reason, that made Lisa's chest ache.
"You don't have to do this alone, you know," she said softly.
Felix finally turned to look at her.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment, something shifted between them.
Something Lisa couldn't name.
But before she could figure it out, the car pulled up to the grand event hall.
Felix's expression hardened again.
"Time to act," he said, stepping out first.
Lisa swallowed, then took his hand as he offered it.
The deal had officially begun.
But why did it suddenly feel like something else was starting too?