She turned to him, absentminded, and their eyes locked. In that silence, they stared at each other, feeling an uncomfortable tension in the air.

She wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. Every part of her felt uneasy with the unfolding events.

She bit her lower lip, her throat tight, and sweat formed on her hairline. Regret gnawed at her for attending this event. Maybe she should have stayed in the princess room without coming for the conference, but what about Alvin? Would they have tarnished his reputation because of her?

Suddenly, a fleeting smile graced his cold, handsome face, but it vanished as quickly as it...