The low growl of a high-performance engine echoed outside the five-star hotel.
Gwen stood near the entrance in a gold evening gown, surrounded by several classmates. She tried to look composed — but her eyes kept drifting toward the street.
Then she heard it.
The engine note.
Her expression changed instantly.
A sleek black Lamborghini rolled toward the entrance, headlights reflecting across the polished marble.
Inside, she could clearly see him.
Karl stepped out smoothly after the car came to a stop.
Black tailored suit.
Measured posture.
Blue eyes under the evening lights.
He didn't exaggerate his movements. He didn't show off.
But attention shifted toward him automatically.
Gwen's friends exchanged glances.
"So that's who she's waiting for…"
Karl closed the door and approached.
He didn't say anything dramatic.
He simply extended his arm slightly.
Gwen smiled — and placed her hand through it.
That alone was enough to silence half the whispers behind them.
They walked inside together.
Behind them, the Lamborghini rolled forward toward valet service.
Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was formal rather than chaotic.
Students in rented tuxedos.
Elegant dresses.
Soft jazz playing in the background.
This wasn't a wild party — it was closer to a formal graduation celebration with a birthday focus.
Karl and Gwen didn't head straight into the crowd. Instead, they found a quieter table near the side.
Karl studied her for a moment.
The gold gown fit her perfectly — not overly mature, but elegant. Her hair was styled loosely over one shoulder, her posture confident despite the nerves in her fingers.
"You look beautiful tonight," he said calmly.
Not exaggerated.
Not flirtatious.
Just honest.
A faint blush appeared anyway.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
Karl then produced a small velvet box.
"For you."
Gwen blinked.
"You didn't have to—"
He opened it.
Inside was a refined gold bracelet — minimalist design, three interlocking bands with small embedded stones. Expensive, yes — but tasteful, not ostentatious.
Her expression shifted from surprise to hesitation.
"Karl… this looks expensive."
"It is," he admitted. "But that's not the point."
She looked conflicted.
He gently took her hand.
"I'm not buying you. It's just a birthday gift."
After a moment, she nodded.
He fastened it around her wrist.
It matched the gown perfectly.
Her smile widened — genuine this time.
"I love it."
Then he tilted his head slightly.
"More than you like me?"
She answered instinctively.
"You know I—"
She froze.
Realizing.
He was smiling faintly.
"You're unfair," she muttered, looking away — but she didn't pull her hand back.
Across the room, two girls were whispering.
"Wait. That's him."
"Who?"
"Karl Zhang. Stark Industries shareholder."
She showed her friend an article on her phone.
The friend's eyes widened.
"No way."
Meanwhile, a tall athletic boy nearby had been watching Gwen closely.
"Who's that guy?" he muttered.
He took a step forward.
One of the girls stopped him immediately.
"You do not want to do that."
She handed him the phone.
The boy's expression changed as he scrolled.
Shareholder.
International incident.
Business magnate connections.
He swallowed.
The jealousy didn't disappear — but the impulse did.
He stepped back quietly.
Reality had weight.
Back at their table, Gwen was still admiring the bracelet.
"You didn't have to come," she said quietly.
"I said I would."
"That's not what I meant."
Karl looked at her.
She hesitated, then added:
"You're… busy. Important."
He shook his head slightly.
"Tonight is your night."
That answer made her look at him differently.
Less dazzled.
More thoughtful.
Across the room, the hotel manager discreetly delivered several high-end wine bottles to the main banquet table. He recognized Karl — but chose not to interrupt him mid-conversation.
Professional courtesy.
Gwen glanced around at her friends dancing.
Then back at Karl.
"I'm glad you came."
He didn't respond with a clever line this time.
He simply held her gaze.
And didn't look away.
…
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