The grand ballroom shimmered with golden light.
Champagne flutes clinked as laughter filled the air.
A-City's elite had gathered to celebrate Mr. Winston Sr.'s eightieth birthday.
Silk gowns brushed against tailored suits in the opulent space.
"To your health and longevity, Mr. Winston!"
"What a fortunate man you are. Miss Sullivan is truly devoted."
"The Longevity Porcelain is Mr. York's masterpiece. Such thoughtful consideration."
Guests clustered around the patriarch, though their gazes kept drifting toward Sophia Sullivan.
She stood poised and graceful amidst the crowd.
Mr. Winston Sr. beamed, patting her arm affectionately.
"My granddaughter outshines any grandson."
"She's not just a brilliant perfumer, but a savvy businesswoman."
"Any worthy suitor should seize this opportunity."
Sophia offered a polite smile.
"Grandfather, I'm not looking for marriage."
The old man always worried excessively.
Between expanding her connections and fretting over her marital prospects.
A guest seized the opening.
"My grandson happens to be around Miss Sullivan's age—"
A frigid voice cut through the chatter.
"Since when do we consider promiscuous women for marriage?"
Liam Winston stood framed in the doorway, his expression glacial.
His piercing stare locked onto Sophia.
Tonight she glowed with radiance, yet ignored him completely.
Three years of marriage erased without a trace.
The marriage proposal ignited his fury.
The guest froze mid-sentence.
"Mr. Winston, what do you mean?"
The elder Winston slammed his glass down.
"You insolent boy! Is that how you address your grandfather?"
A secretary hastily poured more wine to diffuse tensions.
"The young master speaks rashly. Please don't upset yourself."
Mrs. Winston dug her nails into her palms.
Masking her jealousy, she glided forward gracefully.
"Darling, don't anger yourself. Let the children settle their own affairs."
Her elegant demeanor contrasted sharply with the secretary's overt flirtation.
Mr. Winston Sr. scoffed.
"I didn't invite you!"
Liam clenched his fists.
"Grandfather, you're being deceived."
"She's a gold-digging opportunist."
He flung a document onto the table with force.