(Third POV — shifting focus)
The music had barely settled back into its elegant, champagne-smooth rhythm when the murmurs began again — quiet waves rolling across the marble hall.
Steven stood beside Michelle with a closeness that left absolutely no room for interpretation.
His hand brushed the back of hers as he guided her toward the group where the rest of the Inner Nine had gathered, and the collective eyes of half the ballroom followed like well-trained predators sensing the fresh movement of prey.
Not hostile. Just voraciously curious.
Michelle felt the weight of every gaze.
She didn't shrink.
Michelle Lui did not shrink anymore.
Her hand remained steady in Steven's. Her posture unbent, her movements fluid, her smile poised — the smile of a girl who knew exactly who she was and exactly who was beside her.
And beside her was Steven Sy — the heir everyone expected to stand with someone else.
--
The Gathering of Heirs
