Preparations for the MS Group anniversary were nothing short of grand. The entire city buzzed with rumors after Ryan publicly confirmed the marriage alliance between MS Group and JJ Group.
Social media was on fire.
Headlines speculated. Investors whispered. Competitors watched.
But while the world celebrated romance—
Jenny was preparing a war move.
The long-awaited night finally arrived.
The venue glittered with crystal chandeliers and golden lights. Elite businessmen, celebrities, and media personnel filled the grand hall.
They were eager to see the woman who had captured the heart of the cold and untouchable CEO, Ryan Mathew.
And then—
She entered.
Jenny stepped inside in an elegant navy-blue gown that hugged her perfectly. Her soft curls cascaded over her shoulders. A diamond bracelet shimmered on her wrist — a gift from him years ago.
Every eye turned.
Whispers followed.
She walked beside her father like royalty, but her gaze searched for only one person.
And she found him.
Ryan stood near the stage in a navy three-piece suit, looking devastatingly handsome. A Rolex rested on his wrist. Confidence radiated from him.
But the moment he saw her—
Everything else faded.
Their eyes locked.
For a brief second, the world didn't exist.
He walked toward her slowly.
Took her hand.
Pressed a gentle kiss on her knuckles without breaking eye contact.
Possession. Admiration. Desire.
All in one look.
He intertwined their fingers and led her to the stage.
Ryan took the microphone.
"Good evening, everyone."
His deep voice commanded silence instantly.
"Tonight, we celebrate the success of MS Group. None of this would have been possible without my team and every individual standing here."
Applause filled the hall.
Then he glanced at Jenny.
"And I know you're all curious about the beautiful lady beside me."
A soft murmur spread.
"She is Ms. Jennifer Steve, daughter of Mr. Steve, chairperson of JJ Group. She is also my fiancée… and the future Mrs. Ryan Mathew."
The hall erupted in cheers.
"Our wedding will be held here in two weeks. We hope to receive your blessings."
He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her slightly closer.
Camera flashes exploded.
But Jenny's expression remained calm.
Too calm.
Music started.
They moved to the dance floor.
His hand rested firmly on her waist. Her fingers curled over his shoulder.
They were dangerously close.
He looked at her intensely.
"Stop staring at me like that," she whispered softly. "Your eyes might fall out."
He pulled her closer.
"As long as they fall looking at you, I don't mind."
She leaned closer to his ear.
"I prepared a surprise for you."
His grip tightened slightly.
"What kind of surprise?"
Her lips brushed near his ear.
"The kind you'll never forget… baby."
A chill ran down his spine.
Her voice.
Why did it feel familiar?
Where had he heard that tone before?
Before he could think further—
She softly counted near his ear.
"Five…"
He frowned.
"Four…"
His heartbeat slowed.
"Three…"
A strange unease crept in.
"Two…"
He swallowed.
"One."
She smiled.
"Boom."
Suddenly—
Phones across the hall began vibrating at once.
A synchronized wave of notifications echoed through the venue.
Conversations stopped.
Guests looked down at their screens.
Shock.
Confusion.
Disbelief.
Ryan's phone vibrated in his pocket.
He slowly pulled it out.
His eyes scanned the breaking news headline.
And froze.
"RYUGA & Co. CEO Revealed: Jennifer Steve Attends MS Anniversary."
Below it—
A corporate profile.
Her photo.
Her title.
Her acquisition history.
Her strategic investments.
Including…
MS Group.
His fingers tightened around the phone.
The blood drained from his face.
The woman in his arms…
Was the anonymous corporate predator who had been quietly swallowing companies whole.
Including parts of his.
He slowly lifted his gaze.
Jenny was already looking at him.
Not smiling.
Not mocking.
Just watching.
Waiting.
Reporters suddenly rushed in from the entrance.
Cameras flashing wildly.
"Ms. Jennifer! Is it true you are the hidden CEO of RYUGA & Co?!"
"Was this collaboration a strategic marriage move?!"
"Did Mr. Ryan know about your identity?!"
The hall descended into chaos.
Ryan stood still.
Breathing heavily.
But he did not remove his arm from her waist.
Not yet.
Jenny gently stepped forward and took the microphone from the stand.
Her voice was calm.
Controlled.
Powerful.
"Yes. I am the CEO of RYUGA & Co."
Gasps filled the hall.
"And no," she continued, her eyes still fixed on Ryan, "Mr. Ryan had no knowledge of my identity during our professional dealings."
More murmurs.
"Are you marrying him for business benefits?" a reporter shouted.
She smiled slightly.
"There are benefits in every alliance. But not everything in life is about money."
Her gaze never left him.
"And I suggest you publish facts only. One twisted word can destroy someone's life."
Silence.
Authority radiated from her.
Not the playful princess.
Not the teasing lover.
A queen.
Ryan finally moved.
He stepped forward slowly.
Took the mic from her hand.
But he didn't speak to the crowd.
He leaned closer to her instead.
His voice was low.
Dangerously calm.
"Since when?"
Her eyes softened slightly.
"Since the day you stopped believing in me."
His jaw tightened.
The music had stopped.
The crowd watched them like a live drama unfolding.
He whispered, barely audible:
"Was I just another target on your acquisition list?"
She stepped closer.
So close only he could hear.
"No, Ryan."
Pause.
"You were the only one I couldn't calculate."
His breath hitched.
For a moment—
The CEO and the Queen stood inches apart.
Love. Betrayal. Power.
Colliding.
Then he looked at the crowd.
Back at her.
And finally said softly:
"We're not done talking."
His hand tightened around hers.
Not to hurt.
But to hold.
And he led her off the stage—
While the world exploded behind them.
To be continued…