Celia was led by a waiter to a luxurious private lounge, where she happened to run into someone she knew—Wanda.
Wanda had always been known for her stunning looks and sultry style. Tonight, she was dressed to impress in a sleek black spaghetti-strap dress, paired with crystal heels and soft, refined makeup. Her glamorous appearance turned heads the moment she walked in.
In fact, several wealthy young men had already approached to ask for her contact info, but she had politely declined each one.
She hadn't come here for them. Wanda and her two supermodel friends were waiting for someone much more important—the head of the Fu family.
Rumor had it that Nathaniel Fu, the elusive heir of the Fu empire, along with Shaun Wen, a rising financial mogul, and Liam Song, the heir of the Song family, were playing cards in this very club. They were hoping to catch a glimpse of one of these powerhouses tonight.
"Wanda, we can't go any further. That's the VIP section of the Song Club. It's off-limits. No outsiders allowed."
Wanda raised her crimson lips in a confident smile. "That's fine. We'll just wait here. Who knows, maybe the mysterious head of the Fu family will show up."
Just then, she looked up—and to her astonishment, saw Celia approaching. It was the same "clown girl" from the countryside, the one from the second branch of the family. What on earth was she doing here?
Wanda had always been proud, barely tolerating even Sylvia, let alone Celia, whom she considered nothing but a joke. With a sneer, she stepped forward and snapped,
"Celia, what are you doing at the Song Club? Do you even know what this place is? Someone like you doesn't belong here. Leave now before you embarrass yourself—and drag me down with you."
Celia's eyes turned icy.
"Cousin, I'm just here to find someone. Once I do, I'll leave."
"Find someone? Who would you possibly know in a place like this?"
Just then, Secretary Song appeared and addressed Celia with quiet respect.
"Miss Su, please come with me."
Celia turned back briefly, her voice calm.
"Cousin, I'll be going now."
With that, she followed Secretary Song into the VIP section.
"Oh my god, Wanda, that's your cousin?" one of the models whispered. "How did she get into the VIP area?"
"We've been waiting here for hours and couldn't even get a glimpse inside! How did she get in?"
"And did you see that secretary? He looked so high-level. Did your cousin get involved with someone important?"
Wanda stood frozen, watching Celia vanish into the private area, utterly stunned. Was that really the same foolish country girl she once laughed at?
That clown girl had just walked into a place she couldn't even touch.
Outshone—by her.
Damn it.
And... who on earth had that girl gotten involved with?
—
Inside the lavish suite, Secretary Song led Celia in. Shaun Wen and Liam Song both glanced up—and immediately noticed the scar on her face.
"No way," Liam blurted out. "Second Brother, she's the clown girl who got your attention? Seriously?"
"Come on, let me give you some cash and help you find someone better looking. You deserve more than this."
Nathaniel Fu shot him a deadly glare.
Keep your money to yourself.
Celia stepped closer. Nathaniel was sitting at the card table with the two men, and beside him sat a fresh-faced beauty, delicate and charming in appearance.
Celia didn't want to linger. She simply walked over and said,
"Mr. Fu, Yingying asked me to come get the key."
Yingying?Wasn't that Nathaniel's niece?
Liam looked between the two of them in surprise.
"Wait... Second Brother, she's your niece?"
"I'm not his niece," Celia said, frowning slightly as she turned her gaze toward the man beside her.
Nathaniel hadn't so much as looked her in the eye since she entered the room.
She knew he was still upset. The slap she'd given him that night had clearly bruised his pride.
After all, any man who'd never been hit by a woman before would take a while to let it go.
"Mr. Fu," she said softly, "did you really tell him I'm your niece?"
Nathaniel finally lifted his eyes and met hers. His voice was calm and deliberate.
"No. I told him I'm your father."