The Game Begins
1014 Words
"La Foi et l'Amour."
The deep voice echoed from the entrance—calm yet authoritative.
Every head in the banquet hall turned.
A tall figure stood at the doorway.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his presence alone seemed to suppress the noise of the entire room. His features were sharp and refined, his expression completely indifferent.
Everyone instantly recognized him.
Adrian Montclair.
The sole heir and CEO of the Montclair Empire.
The Montclair family was the richest in the city, and their power was not to be underestimated. As its leader, Adrian Montclair could make the entire business world tremble with just a flick of his hand.
He was known for his cold and decisive methods—and more importantly, he never attended such social events.
His appearance stunned everyone present.
Including the Stone family.
Sierra's gaze shifted toward the entrance.
The moment her eyes met his—
She froze.
Wait… isn't this the same man who ordered his bodyguard to save me?
Even in her past life, there had been a man—
A man who stood at the very peak of power.
Untouchable. Unreachable.
Adrian Montclair.
She had never crossed paths with him in her past life…
Yet this time, she had.
He walked in slowly, each step steady and unhurried.
Yet somehow, it felt as though he was stepping directly on everyone's nerves.
The crowd instinctively parted for him.
Despite being only twenty-eight, his presence seemed to control the entire room.
He stopped in front of the painting, his gaze sweeping over it briefly before he spoke—
"This painting is fake."
His calm voice echoed through the hall, instantly confirming Sierra's claim.
Cecilia quickly stepped forward, her expression filled with apology.
"I'm really sorry, Sierra. I shouldn't have doubted you—I had no idea the painting was fake."
She nudged Bella.
Bella forced a smile. "Yes… we're really sorry. We'll make it up to you."
Sierra looked at their innocent expressions and sneered inwardly.
Such good actors.
At that moment, Henry approached Adrian and extended his hand.
"Mr. Montclair, I'm truly sorry you had to witness this."
His tone was respectful—almost cautious.
Adrian shook his hand lightly. "It doesn't bother me."
Henry smiled in relief before asking curiously,
"I didn't expect you to actually come after receiving my invitation."
The entire hall fell silent.
Everyone waited for his answer.
After all, Adrian Montclair had never associated himself with the Stone family.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
"I was curious… about Sierra Stone's return."
Sierra stiffened slightly.
He recognized me…?
She had assumed he wouldn't—after all, they had only met briefly, and at night.
Henry immediately turned, a hint of pride in his tone.
"Sierra, come and greet Mr. Montclair."
She stepped forward calmly and extended her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Montclair."
Adrian took her hand, his grip firm yet controlled.
"So you're Miss Sierra Stone… You seem to know quite a lot."
Sierra raised an eyebrow.
"And you seem to enjoy interrupting."
A cold smile appeared on his lips.
The air between them tightened.
"Mr. Montclair," Cecilia interrupted hastily, "we haven't properly introduced ourselves. I'm Henry's wife, Cecilia—and this is our daughter, Bella."
Adrian released Sierra's hand.
His gaze swept lazily over them.
Then he gave a slight nod.
That was all.
Yet somehow—
It felt humiliating.
Henry quickly stepped in.
"Mr. Montclair, let me show you to your seat."
Adrian glanced at Sierra one last time before leaving with him.
Bella shot Sierra a warning look before walking away with Cecilia.
The banquet gradually returned to normal.
Music began to play, and couples moved toward the dance floor.
Sierra stood by the bar, gently swirling the champagne in her glass.
A cold smile tugged at her lips when she saw Daniel approaching.
"Sierra… do you remember me? Daniel—your childhood friend."
Of course she remembered.
Too well.
Once, they had been inseparable.
Until her mother's death changed everything.
She had been sent away… and contact was lost.
In her past life, she had trusted him again.
Loved him.
Even accepted him as her fiancé.
Only to be betrayed.
The memory of him stabbing her flashed through her mind.
Hatred surged within her chest.
She suppressed it.
Barely.
"So what now?" she replied coldly.
Daniel froze.
He had expected excitement—not indifference.
"You remember me… so why aren't you happy to see me?"
"Oh, I remember," she said, taking a slow sip. "I'm just not happy to see you."
His expression darkened.
"Looks like you've forgotten what we meant to each other… Don't regret this, Sierra."
He turned and left angrily.
Sierra smiled faintly.
"You'll be the one regretting it… Daniel."
"Miss Sierra, may I have the honor of this dance?"
A voice sounded beside her.
She turned.
Adrian.
Though his words were polite… his tone wasn't.
It sounded more like a command.
Still—
She placed her hand in his.
"Why not?"
He led her onto the dance floor.
Whispers immediately spread through the hall.
"Is that really Adrian Montclair dancing… with a woman?"
"They look perfect together…"
"I heard she's engaged to Daniel Hale…"
Adrian placed his hand on her waist, pulling her slightly closer than necessary.
She rested her hand on his shoulder.
They moved in perfect sync.
"You dance well—for someone raised in the countryside."
Sierra felt irritation rise.
Is that a compliment… or an insult?
"I'll take it as a compliment."
"So," he continued, "how do you plan to repay me, Miss Stone?"
"I would've handled it just fine without your help," she replied calmly. "And I doubt I have anything you'd consider valuable."
He smiled faintly.
"Interesting way to avoid the question."
He spun her, then pulled her back into his chest.
At that moment—
Sierra noticed Bella slipping upstairs.
Daniel followed shortly after.
Her lips curved.
Perfect timing.
If she could record them…
A sudden force lifted her chin.
Her gaze snapped back to Adrian.
His eyes were cold.
"Eyes on me, Sierra "
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