REVERSE OMEGAVERSE

The Lu Conglomerate’s annual gala glittered like a kingdom of diamonds. Every guest bowed as the tall glass doors opened and Rose Lu walked in — dressed in a black silk suit that fit her like a blade sheathed in elegance. Her steps were measured. Calm. Deadly. “Miss Lu, the board of the Eastern Group is waiting for your signature,” her assistant whispered, trembling slightly. Rose didn’t answer. Her sharp gaze swept across the hall — a sea of powerful Alphas and delicate Omegas — all pretending to laugh, to flatter, to survive. To her, they were pawns on a board she already controlled. At only twenty-three, Rose Lu was the youngest Alpha heir in China, daughter of Lu Zheng, the richest man in the country. And ever since her father’s illness forced her into the spotlight, she had handled billion-dollar contracts like they were grocery receipts. But power had its price. Rose was feared. Not loved. As she approached the grand table, a few Alphas lowered their eyes out of respect. The Omegas, dressed in shimmering gowns, whispered behind their fans. “That’s the Lu daughter…” “She doesn’t even need a mate bond. She rules alone.” “I heard she rejected five Omega proposals this year…” Rose heard them all, but her expression didn’t flicker. When the deal concluded, the crowd applauded politely. She accepted it with a faint nod, then walked toward the balcony — her only escape from the suffocating room. Outside, the cold night wind brushed against her face. Below the city lights, Shanghai glittered — bright, alive, indifferent. Rose lit a cigarette and exhaled slowly. The smoke curled around her, softening the hard lines of her face. Her mind whispered, Another year, another victory. Yet I feel nothing. “Miss Lu.” A trembling voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned. A girl stood at the door — wearing a simple uniform, holding a tray of wine glasses. She looked too young to be serving at such a high-class event. Her long hair was tied neatly, but her eyes… those soft brown eyes held quiet sadness. “Forgive me,” the girl said quickly, bowing. “I was asked to bring you a drink.” Rose studied her — that Omega scent, faint but warm, like spring after a long winter. Something unfamiliar flickered in her chest. “Your name?” Rose asked, her tone low, cold, yet strangely gentle. The girl looked startled. “I-I’m Ivy, ma’am. Ivy Su.” Su? The name rang a bell — the fallen family her father once mentioned. Ruined by greed. Forgotten by the upper class. Rose’s gaze lingered. “You’re trembling.” “I— I’m sorry, Miss Lu, I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Ivy lowered her eyes, but the motion was graceful, humble, and… painfully pure. For the first time that night, Rose felt her heartbeat break its icy rhythm. She didn’t understand why. But she wanted to. “Be careful,” Rose said quietly as she reached for the glass. Their fingers brushed. The world seemed to still. Ivy’s pulse raced. Her scent deepened — shy, nervous, sweet. The Alpha inside Rose stirred dangerously. Before either could move, someone called from inside, “Miss Lu! The press wants a photo!” Rose withdrew her hand, cold mask snapping back into place. “Return to your post,” she ordered softly, then turned away. But as she walked back into the hall, she couldn’t ignore the echo of that scent — gentle, intoxicating, unforgettable.