Behind the Mask Lies the Model’s Truth.

Meanwhile, Aaliyah swung the door open and looked at Lux.

"Why did you refuse to show up at the event?"

She yelled, staring at him.

"You were supposed to be the faces of this new line, but you were nowhere to be found, Lux!"

"You're bothering me. Besides, I told you I'm done being a model under his empire,"

Lux said coldly, twirling his wine glass as he looked at it.

"And I knew you'd side with your brother regardless, so why bother talking about this? Just save your breath!"

He glanced at her with a cold glare.

"Save my breath?"

Her anger flared as she looked at her son.

"What are you saying? I'm only doing this for your own good, Lux!"

Aaliyah sighed and placed her hand on her forehead.

"Did you know most of the VIPs expected you to be the face?"

She scolded him further.

"Seriously, what's wrong with you? Or do you want to lose your career overnight?"

"Because I promise you, no other company will treat you the way he does. So rethink this, Lux!"

She slammed the door as she walked away.

"Now I have to beg Ethan to pardon his mishap again,"

she thought about Lux.

Not only was she aware because she was his sister and their close relationship made Ethan more lenient toward him, but also because there was a secret between them that only they knew well.

Meanwhile, Lux walked out in disguise—black hoodie, mask, and cap pulled low—before slipping into his car and speeding off.

"I need some fresh air," he thought, driving away.

Not only was he traumatized by crowds due to past incidents, but he kept that struggle locked deep inside, refusing to share it with anyone.

"Modeling, acting... and still only a shadow behind the mask of his empire."

His grip tightened on the wheel.

"You think I don't know you'll always take his side? He's your blood brother, while I'm just the adopted one."

Later, he stepped into a quiet convenience store, tugging his hood down slightly as he wandered toward the snack aisle.

Then he froze.

A soft, unmistakable voice floated down the aisle. He turned his head.

"Of course… no one else have such tone like that."

His eyes locked onto her—Tiana, standing at the milk section.

Not only did her teasing and cheerful banter keep his mood light despite family chaos, but recently… he found himself craving those little moments more and more.

Meanwhile, Tiana felt a looming presence above her.

"Looking beautiful as always."

"Uhh?!"

She looked up—only to see him again. Lux, with his mask pulled down, smiling brightly at her.

"Ughhh! It's him again."

She internally screamed, wishing she could disappear.

"What are you doing here? Don't you worry about scandals at all?"

Tiana grabbed her milk and headed toward the counter.

"Scandals? I couldn't care less."

He followed her with zero shame.

"This jerk!"

She shot him a cold glare.

"Well, I care. But since you seem dead set on ruining my career, I guess it makes sense."

She placed the milk on the counter for checkout.

"Excuse me, sir… are you Lux?"

The store clerk looked up, clearly starstruck.

"My career is officially over," Tiana thought, eyes shut in agony.

Lux just smiled casually.

"Oh, I hear that a lot. Must be someone I just look like."

Then he winked as he paid for her milk—and his chocolates.

"Hey! I didn't tell you to pay for me, jerk!"

Tiana snapped, glaring as he strolled off.

Lux turned slightly, sticking his tongue out playfully.

"Too bad."

Tiana stood there, flustered and fuming.

"What is wrong with this guy?"

She thought, feeling utterly stranded.

Exiting the store, Lux sat in his car parked a short distance away, watching her quietly.

"We'll meet again."

He murmured, his gaze drifting to the small hairpin in his hand—the one he'd slipped off her earlier.

"So her"

The pin bore her name, hidden cleverly in the design, along been her stylus pen.

Meanwhile, Tiana suddenly jumped up with a small squeal of joy.

"I knew it! I knew he wasn't that heartless!"

She beamed proudly to herself.

"Oops."

She immediately composed herself, noticing passersby giving her odd looks.

She cleared her throat and flicked her hair confidently.

"Anyway… I can't believe he reconsidered."

Her grin widened.

But then a thought crept in.

"Wait… why the sudden change? Especially after how harsh he was before?"

She paused, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Then, she smirked.

"Of course. My charm and plan must've rubbed off on him."

She spun on her heel, victorious.

"Oh man, just when I thought of giving up—You answered my prayer again, dear sweet Lord!"

Tiana exclaimed, quickly typing out a reply to Ethan's message.

"Since my first revision was rejected, do you mind if I come over so you can help me fix it?"

She hit send, then tucked her phone into her pocket.

"Let's not wait anxiously for the reply…"

As she walked, her smile slowly faded.

"Now that I think about it… are my plans even ethical?"

She frowned to herself, thoughts clouding.

The plans

Seduce Ethan, Use him to crush Lux's ego, Secure her place in the fashion world, and Walk away, untouched.

It wasn't like her at all.

She had never been in a relationship. In fact, she'd been oblivious to romantic advances most of her life. During university, she turned down nearly every guy—most of them only interested in her looks. And she was firmly against premarital relationships.

"If Grandma ever heard this…"

She physically shuddered.

"She'd flip on me heavily."