The final car came to a halt.
Several bodyguards in sleek black suits stepped out first, their expressions blank—like elite machines with the aura of trained killers.
Then, from the left side of the car, a man and woman exited—both dressed in ultra-elegant outfits, like they had just stepped off a movie set.
The woman wore a black-silver gown, glass heels, and a sky-blue sapphire necklace.
The man beside her wore a three-piece platinum-detailed suit and a wristwatch worth a private island.
Gasps filled the air.
"Is that... Miss Aiza?"
"I thought she was a teenager?"
"She looks like she's in her thirties... but wow, the charisma..."
Before the murmurs faded, the man turned around—then gently opened the main car door.
And in that moment, time itself seemed to freeze.
A girl stepped out.
A teenage girl, no older than seventeen.
Yet with every step, the atmosphere changed. Even the air felt different.
She wore a modern minimalist gown in shimmering white-gold, perfectly hugging her curvy figure.
Her slim waist and sculpted hips formed a flawless hourglass silhouette.
No excessive ornaments, yet she radiated grace, maturity, and commanding elegance.
Her long wavy hair flowed naturally.
Her eyes were sharp yet soft—like a goddess who could either protect the world or destroy it in an instant.
Silence.
Mouths hung open. Eyes widened. Even the background music stopped.
"Oh my god..."
"That's... her?"
"Am I still in the human world?"
"She knows how to be a star."
The words came out as a grander praise than any before, aimed at Aurielle. None of the guests dared speak so loudly.
One even dropped a glass without realizing it.
Aurielle, who had been confident moments ago… froze.
As the youngest business queen in Indorosia, she knew she was temporarily the most beautiful and perhaps the smartest. But when that girl arrived…
Why do I feel like one of the aunties trying to compete with a young girl? Hmph… she's far too young to be this captivating and genius, she thought, slightly annoyed.
If only she weren't so much younger than me. Seeing her as a rival would've been fair enough. But one thing was clear—her achievements in the business world were slightly ahead of mine. Maybe this is what Vianna felt…
The head of the Tamarvich family stepped forward to greet her, extending his hand.
But the bodyguard behind Aiza subtly signaled him.
He immediately understood and bowed instead, respectfully offering a path into the main hall.
Aiza Hiruzen—Miss Aiza—stepped forward.
As she walked in, her gaze subtly swept the room—
Until her eyes paused on one spot.
The table where Al sat.
Her expression shifted—barely noticeable.
Then, a soft smile appeared.
Not exaggerated. Not awkward. But just enough to shake the room.
"Did she just smile?"
"At who?"
"Was that for Aurielle? Maybe it's some kind of business signal?"
"Or... maybe David? They're about the same age... they'd make the perfect power couple!"
David, hearing the whispers, smiled proudly.
Rudi? Rudi nearly fainted.
His face turned red, mouth wide open, eyes glazed. His breath caught.
Even if I die right now... I'd be happy, he thought dramatically.
Meanwhile, Al glanced at Rudi's slack-jawed face—then casually shoved a piece of cake into his mouth.
"BRFGSF... PUWEHH, Ughk..."
Rudi choked and coughed from the surprise attack, then turned toward Al in rage.
"You little—"
He almost lashed out—but stopped himself.
From a distance... Miss Aiza chuckled softly.
Not a full laugh—just a gentle breath and amused smile.
But it was enough to cause panic among the staff nearby.
"Did... did Miss Aiza just laugh?"
And that was the main star of the night. Every small movement of hers would become public attention.
She arrived at the VIP table prepared for her.
Mr. Lefon bowed and gestured for her to sit.
And so, the banquet officially began.
But ever since her arrival, one thing had become clear—
The spotlight had shifted.
From Aurielle...
From the Tamarvich family...
From the heirs of prestige...
To one girl.
Aiza Hiruzen.
---
After Miss Aiza's earthshaking entrance, the VIP guests were gradually guided to the central table—a massive round setup adorned with spring blossoms from the Eastern Alps, soft lights, and crystalware.
The most important figures took their seats: top conglomerates, family heads, and key political figures.
Naturally, Aurielle sat among them—with Al trailing behind her.
David, still seated with Rudi, stood up, eager to join the main table.
"Sis, maybe I should go instead? I'm a family member, after all... Al's just—"
But Aurielle quickly turned.
"No. Everyone here already knows he's my assistant for tonight. If you follow me now and stand behind me? Your identity as a young master will be questioned."
David understood—but his expression darkened.
That orphan's luck... is ridiculous! he thought bitterly.
Especially when it involved Miss Aiza—the very girl he'd been obsessed with.
The one who dared to reject him.
The one who didn't even glance at him at the mall last time.
---
At the main table.
Aurielle sat beside Miss Aiza, as per social ranking and business importance.
Al stood behind her chair, like a proper assistant.
Miss Aiza's two personal aides—who had stood behind her the whole time—exchanged glances, clearly uneasy. Their eyes kept drifting to Al. Young. Handsome. But awkward.
Suddenly, Miss Aiza shifted slightly in her seat. Then, in perfect Indorosian, she spoke:
"Excuse me, but... would it be possible to provide seats for all assistants and attendants?"
Her voice was gentle, but firm.
The room paused for a moment.
Assistants? Sitting with high-ranking figures?
That wasn't standard protocol.
But this was Miss Aiza.
No one dared to object.
The head steward quickly arranged chairs for the aides and assistants.
Al ended up seated—right behind Aurielle, and slightly closer to Aiza.
Whispers rippled across the room.
"She even cares about those below her..."
"She's not just beautiful—she has character and humility..."
"I thought she'd be arrogant like the others at the top..."
The discussion turned to business.
Aiza only spoke when necessary—discussing strategic projects, market trends, global investment opportunities, and financial tech of the future.
Yet no one could take their eyes off the main table.
Or off her.
Amid the polite conversation, Mr. Lefon Tamarvich chuckled to lighten the mood.
"Tonight is truly a blessing. At this table, we have the goddesses of the business world! Miss Aiza from Alasia Group, and of course... Miss Aurielle Virellano from Virellano Group.
Two young women shaking up the global scene!"
Aurielle smiled confidently and raised her glass.
"Ah, a bit much—but I'll take it," she replied lightly.
Meanwhile, Miss Aiza remained composed.
Her face didn't change much... except for one thing:
From time to time, she glanced at Al.
Aurielle noticed.
Her sharp eyes narrowed toward Aiza—then to Al. Suspicion bloomed.
"Miss Aiza," she asked carefully,
"Is my assistant bothering you? If so, I can have him step away."
She was about to turn and dismiss Al when—
Aiza's hand suddenly caught her wrist.
Firm. Unyielding.
The smile disappeared. Her gaze turned sharp.
"That's not necessary," she said flatly.
"He's... not a bother."
That simple gesture stunned everyone.
The atmosphere shifted. Silence fell.
Aiza then calmly continued:
"I just happen to know him. He's one of the scholarship recipients from our foundation. I thought he was still a regular student... didn't expect he's now working as your assistant, Miss Aurielle. That's... impressive."
A formal answer.
No one could sense anything beyond her composed tone.
Aurielle finally nodded.
Just as Sarah had guessed. It's only because Al is her foundation's child. I almost thought there was something special between them. How foolish of me. she thought.
Meanwhile, Al, trying to immerse himself in his role as Aurielle's assistant, didn't forget to reply lightly to Miss Aiza.
"Thank you, Miss," he said, formally yet with a hint of casual tone.
Even though his voice wasn't loud, the casual tone still reached the ears of people at the table, whose sensitivity was heightened. A ripple of unease spread, and sharp glares turned toward Al, some ready to scold.
But seeing Aiza just smile and nod, no one acted.
Al felt the stares but ignored them. That uneasy feeling returned, as if something bad might happen. But there wasn't much he could do now except observe quietly.
Meanwhile, David and Rudi noticed the scene, and irritation hit them as well.
"That brat is so lucky. If my Dad were here, maybe I could be his companion and sit there," Rudi grumbled.
David remained silent.
What's wrong with this world? This makes no sense. That girl would rather look at and respond to him than me?! Does she have a problem with her eyes? he thought, feeling superior.
In the distance, Idham could also be seen—not sitting at the main table even though he was the eldest, the host. Instead, he was busy overseeing the event and the guests.
His expression was a bit strange, his gaze sharp.
From behind him, someone approached and spoke to him about something. Then he followed the man somewhere unknown.
Back at the main table.
The conversation resumed—professional and elegant.
But Aiza's visit was brief.
She stayed for just thirty minutes.
Before leaving, she presented several high-level collaboration proposals to the Tamarvich family and other elite entrepreneurs.
Everyone was impressed.
In such a short time, Aiza had made a bigger impact than the entire three-hour banquet.
Before departing, she stood and offered a few polite parting words:
"Miss Aurielle, thank you for your time. And to you as well..." —her eyes fell on Al—
"May you achieve success in the future."
Al nodded,
"Luckily, my success in the future will lie in your hands," he said ambiguously.
Aurielle glanced at him slightly but assumed Al was merely referring to the scholarship Aiza's foundation had given him, and didn't make a fuss.
Al himself smiled.
Which was met with a warm smile from Miss Aiza—and that small moment made her cheeks blush.
And their entourage exited.
She stepped into her car.
All eyes followed her until the car disappeared from view.
Moments later...
The banquet officially ended.
But the topic on everyone's lips remained the same:
Aiza Hiruzen.
And with that...
The Tamarvich Family's prestigious banquet came to a close—with hearts full of awe.
---