The next day at school, Sara could hardly focus on the lessons. Her stepmother's words from last night echoed in her head.
A dinner with the Li family… and Daniel will be there.
During lunch, Lina plopped her tray on the table beside her. "You look like you saw a ghost. What's going on?"
Sara hesitated, then lowered her voice. "My stepmother told me I have to attend a family dinner this weekend. With the Li family."
Lina's chopsticks froze midair. "Wait. Daniel Li's family?"
Sara nodded, her unease spilling over. "She gave me this dress, like I'm supposed to perform or something. I don't know what she's planning, but… it doesn't feel right."
Lina frowned. "Sounds like she's trying to parade you around. Maybe even—" She stopped herself, but the thought was clear. Matchmaking.
Sara's cheeks warmed. "No. That can't be it. My father wouldn't—"
"Your father isn't paying attention," Lina interrupted, her voice sharp but not unkind. "And your stepmother looks like the type who would sell her own shadow if it got her more power. Be careful, Sara."
Sara swallowed hard. She wanted to believe her father wouldn't let that happen, but the doubt lingered.
As if summoned by their conversation, Daniel walked past their table with three boys beside him.
Sara glanced up, surprised. She had seen him alone most of the time, but today was different.
One of the boys, tall with playful eyes, nudged Daniel's shoulder. "Come on, don't be such a bore. It's just lunch." He laughed and winked at a passing girl, who giggled.
"That's Adrian Zhao," Lina whispered. "Big flirt. His family owns half the clubs downtown."
The boy on Daniel's other side was quieter, adjusting his glasses as he scanned the cafeteria. His sharp gaze made Sara shiver.
"Leo Feng," Lina continued under her breath. "Top of the class. His brain is worth more than our entire grade combined."
The last one was broad-shouldered, a sports jacket slung over his chair when he sat. He grinned at something Adrian said but had an energy that felt like a storm waiting to break.
"Ryan Xu. Athlete. He's loud, but loyal… mostly to Daniel."
Sara studied the group curiously. Daniel didn't laugh at Adrian's jokes or boast like Ryan, but the three of them naturally orbited around him, like he was the quiet center holding them together.
Daniel's eyes flicked toward her briefly. Their gazes met for the smallest moment before he turned back to his friends.
Lina smirked. "Interesting. The quiet prince does notice you."
Sara's face burned. "Stop."
"I'm just saying," Lina teased, then leaned closer. "If you're going to that dinner, you'd better be ready. Families like theirs… nothing they do is casual."
Sara picked at her food, her appetite gone. Lina's words rang true. Nothing about her stepmother's invitation was casual.
And if Daniel's friends — and family — were part of it, Sara had a feeling this dinner would change far more than she was prepared for.