Selina's lips curled into a confident grin. "I'm not dwelling on them. And if I did… you know what I'm capable of."
Hudson chuckled. "I know, dear. But it's wise not to stir trouble right now."
"I won't fail you. I'm working hard to improve myself," she said with quiet conviction.
"That's my girl. I believe in you. I'll always be on your side," Hudson replied, forcing a smile as he held onto hope for her future.
"Thanks, Father," Selina said gratefully. In this family, she only had him—and Clarissa.
As a quiet moment passed, Hudson's expression shifted. He studied her with furrowed brows, seriousness creeping in.
"So… have you found a good boyfriend?" he asked in a hushed tone, like it was their little secret.
Selina groaned playfully. He was at it again—just like every time they met this year.
"I haven't," she admitted, earning a look of disappointment.
"Why? You're twenty-four. Is it your appearance? I've even suggested finding you a wealthy boyfriend abroad where you can start fresh. No stress, no worries."
"But I don't want to leave your side," she said, her voice faltering. Her cheeks flushed as she added, "And... it's not that I'm completely single. It's complicated. I have a crush on someone."
Her thoughts instantly wandered to Mr. Zane.
Hudson adjusted his medicated glasses, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Really? Who is he?"
Selina bit her lip and looked around, as if checking for eavesdroppers. She couldn't tell her father—not yet. He might laugh at her for falling for someone so cold and mysterious. Or worse, offer to help.
And she didn't even know if Zane shared the same feelings. She needed to know his intentions first.
Seeing her hesitate, Hudson asked more gently, "Does he know how you feel?"
"He doesn't," she admitted quietly. "I haven't told him. I'm scared he'll reject me."
"It's a process. Don't rush it," Hudson advised. "If he's a good man, introduce him to me once he accepts you. I can't wait to be a grandfather," he teased, and Selina nodded shyly, a flicker of hope lighting her heart.
She linked her arm with his. "Okay, sir."
They strolled down the hallway toward the elevator, their soft laughter and light conversation echoing in the quiet space. Though a few guests glanced their way, they paid them no mind—choosing to savor this rare moment together.
They dined quietly in the restaurant, basking in that brief peace.
Later, after a blissful evening with her father, Selina stepped out of the restaurant. She bid him farewell and prepared to leave the hotel. The party had ended—and there had been no sign of Zane.
Perhaps she'd get another chance to confess her feelings if they met at the pub. Hopefully, this time, he wouldn't vanish again.
As soon as her father's car disappeared from view, Selina turned to leave. But then, a familiar voice called out behind her.
"Miss Selina!"
She recognized it instantly. It was Damien, the young man who had delivered the invitation card. Zane's secretary.
She thought he had left with his boss.
Selina turned around, her curiosity piqued by the sharpness in his voice.
Damien approached. "Are you heading home?"
"Yes. It's already late."
"Mr. Zane wishes to see you. It's something important. Would you like to meet him?" he asked politely.
Selina looked around. The hotel's surroundings were empty, the night eerily quiet.
"What's it about? And where does he want to see me?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease—not because she doubted Damien's intentions, but because meeting someone like Zane, this late, felt like stepping into a mystery.
Still… anticipation flared again inside her.
Damien shifted slightly. "I don't know what he wants with you. You should find out for yourself—at his chosen place," he replied, sounding as if he clueless.
Was this a sign? A last chance?
Could she trust these feelings?
"Okay," Selina agreed, not even realizing how quickly the word had slipped out.
"Come with me," Damien muttered, gesturing toward the sleek black car parked in a safe spot.
Selina trailed behind him until they reached it.
Damien opened the back door, and she slid inside. He closed it gently before moving to the driver's seat.
Without another word, he started the engine and drove off, leaving the hotel grounds behind and blending into the rhythm of the city.
After a long, silent ride, the car pulled into a spacious compound cloaked in shadows. Selina stepped out, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings.
It was dark, and she could barely make out the architecture, but distant voices echoed from neighboring mansions, sharp and intrusive in the stillness. The noise prickled her skin, cloaking her in a strange tension.
She wondered what was Zane's intention in her.
"Come with me, miss," Damien said, snapping her out of worried thought.
"Where is this place?" she asked, but he offered no reply, only continued walking ahead, leaving her questions unanswered.
Still, the thought of finally seeing Zane again and alone pushed her legs into motion before her mind could catch up.
She quickened her pace beside him, drawn toward the grand entrance. Inside, the house was warmly lit, the silence amplified by the sharp click of her heels on the stairs.
They climbed together until they reached a door, slightly ajar.
"Mr. Zane is waiting," Damien said, gesturing toward the room.
Selina glanced back, only to realize Damien was already walking away. She hadn't expected to meet Zane in such a private setting.
A rush of wild, teasing thoughts flirted through her mind, and she gave her head a light shake.
"No. Don't get ahead of yourself, Selina," she reminded herself, drawing a calming breath.
And then she knocked softly.
"Come in," came Zane's deep, steely voice from within.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside as the sharp scent of alcohol clung to the air. The neat tiles beneath her heels echoed her presence as she cautiously advanced into the spacious, furnished room.
Zane didn't move at first, as if he had missed her presence. He stood before the transparent window, his hands sliding into his pockets.
She wondered what view outside captivated him yet his tall frame appeared striking, with his perfect, well-built physique visible to her gaze.