The Chen mansion car pulled up to the Li estate just as twilight painted the sky in streaks of crimson and gold. Sara smoothed her silk dress nervously, her hands clammy despite the chill in the evening air.
Her stepmother's voice, sweet but commanding, broke her thoughts. "Smile, Sara. Remember, tonight is not about you. It's about the Chen family making an impression."
Sara's heart sank. She wasn't a daughter here. She was a display piece.
The Li estate was breathtaking — manicured gardens, lanterns glowing softly, and a house so vast it felt like a palace. Servants guided them inside, where the rich scent of jasmine tea lingered.
Mr. Li, tall and stern, greeted them at the door. His sharp eyes flickered briefly to Sara before settling on her father. "Welcome, Mr. Chen. Let's discuss business over dinner."
Sara trailed behind the adults, her gaze sweeping the ornate hall. And then she saw him.
Daniel stood near the grand staircase, dressed in a crisp black suit. His usual school uniform had hidden it, but here he looked every bit the heir of a powerful family.
Their eyes met, and for a moment the noise around her faded.
But before she could gather herself, Adrian Zhao appeared at Daniel's side, grinning. "Well, well. So this is the mysterious Chen daughter." He gave a playful bow. "Adrian Zhao. At your service."
Sara blinked, startled. "Um… hello."
Ryan Xu clapped Adrian on the back with a laugh. "Ignore him. He flirts with anything that moves." His grin was wide, but there was something guarded in the way he looked at her.
Leo Feng adjusted his glasses and offered a polite nod. "Sara Chen. I've heard of you."
Sara stiffened. Heard of me? From who?
Daniel cleared his throat, his voice calm and steady. "That's enough. Let's go inside."
The dining hall was an elegant battlefield — a long mahogany table, glittering crystal, and food prepared with exquisite precision. Yet beneath the refinement, tension simmered.
Mr. Li led the conversation with sharp efficiency. "The Chen family's cooperation could be mutually beneficial. But alliances require trust… and understanding between families." His eyes flickered deliberately toward Sara.
Her stepmother's smile sharpened. "Sara is a kind, obedient girl. She values tradition and family loyalty."
Sara nearly choked on her wine. Kind? Obedient? The words felt like shackles.
Daniel's fork clinked softly against his plate, his expression unreadable.
Trying to ease her discomfort, Adrian leaned forward. "So, Sara, what do you enjoy? Fashion? Music? Or perhaps—"
"She studies literature," Daniel interrupted, his tone even.
Sara blinked at him. He remembers?
Her stepmother laughed lightly. "She's just a dreamer. Nothing serious."
Sara's cheeks flushed with shame and anger. Her stepmother had reduced her passion to nothing in front of everyone.
But before the heat could overwhelm her, Daniel's voice cut through again, firmer this time. "Dreamers build the future. Without them, the world would be dull."
The table fell quiet. Even Mr. Li raised an eyebrow at his son's boldness.
Sara stared at Daniel, her chest tightening. For the first time in years, someone had defended her. Not as a liability. Not as a pawn. But as herself.
Dinner continued, but Sara barely tasted the food. Every word from her stepmother, every calculating glance from Mr. Li, pressed down on her like invisible chains.
And yet, every time she dared glance at Daniel, she found a quiet strength in his presence.
When they finally rose to leave, her stepmother whispered sharply in her ear. "Don't get any ideas, Sara. Tonight was not about you. Remember that."
But as Sara stepped into the cool night air, the echo of Daniel's words lingered in her heart.
Dreamers build the future.
And for the first time, she wondered if maybe, just maybe, her dreams weren't as foolish as her stepmother wanted her to believe.