Chapter 13 Danger at the Anniversary Gala

Over the next few days, Emma rarely left home, spending her time conducting research in her small private laboratory.

Saturday evening, the Harrison family's private marina blazed with lights, bright as day.

A massive five-story luxury yacht sat anchored, its pristine white hull gleaming like pearls under the spotlights.

This wasn't just a vessel—it was a symbol of the Harrison Group's power and wealth.

Today marked the Harrison Group's 50th anniversary gala, held aboard this magnificent yacht named Starlight.

Luxury cars formed an endless procession along the dock. From each vehicle emerged prominent business moguls and social elites from Emerald City and beyond.

Guests presented their gold-embossed invitations and boarded the yacht in orderly fashion.

"Did you hear? Mr. Harrison arranged for a five-million-dollar fireworks display!"

"Five million? My God! I heard Zoe loves fireworks. Mr. Harrison's really sparing no expense to impress his lady!"

"The real news is, tonight Mr. Harrison might make an official announcement. I heard Robert Harrison is on board, too. Wonder which heiress caught his eye!"

"My money's on... Zoe."

"Who else could it be? Just last month, Mr. Harrison flew overseas for her birthday party. Could the signal be any clearer?"

Guests whispered excitedly as uniformed attendants guided them through exclusive passages onto Starlight.

The yacht's ballroom had been transformed into a fairy-tale palace, every detail showcasing the host's wealth and refined taste.

Enormous crystal chandeliers hung from soaring ceilings, their brilliant light reflecting off polished marble floors.

The air carried a blend of luxury fragrances and fresh florals.

Classical music flowed through the spacious ballroom while impeccably trained servers glided between guests, carrying trays of champagne and exquisite canapés.

Suddenly, a commotion at the entrance caused the murmuring crowd to fall silent, all eyes turning toward the doorway.

Nicholas had arrived.

He wore a custom white tuxedo that fit his frame to perfection—every line precise and flowing, not a detail out of place.

Devastatingly handsome.

Not the gentle, harmless kind of attractive, but a commanding, intimidating handsomeness with sharp cheekbones and an aura that warned others to keep their distance.

On his arm, formally escorted, was the A-list actress Zoe.

Zoe wore a designer red strapless gown that made her skin appear porcelain-white, a priceless diamond necklace glittering at her throat.

Her makeup was flawless, her lips curved in a practiced smile, though her eyes couldn't hide her satisfaction and pride.

In this moment, she was the queen of the ballroom.

"Good evening, Mr. Harrison."

"Mr. Harrison and Ms. Perez—what a perfect match!"

"Mr. Harrison is such a lucky man. Ms. Perez grows more radiant by the day!"

Compliments and praise flowed like a tide.

Society's elite approached to pay their respects, their attitudes deferential, their eyes showing clear recognition of the future Mrs. Harrison.

Zoe responded graciously, her heart swelling with pride that surpassed any award she'd ever won.

Tonight's glory was worth more than any accolade.

Just as Zoe basked in the adoration, the ballroom music stopped abruptly, plunging the room into silence once more.

Another arrival.

This entrance created an even greater sensation than Nicholas and Zoe's.

Matthew appeared, escorting a stunning woman in a backless gold gown.

The flowing golden dress seemed like liquid metal, catching the light with an otherworldly shimmer. Under the chandeliers, the fabric appeared to ripple like molten gold.

If Zoe were a vibrant red rose, this woman was a regal golden tulip.

She possessed exquisite features—deep, mesmerizing eyes and cascading chestnut hair that framed her shoulders, highlighting her flawless skin. The dress revealed elegant expanses of smooth flesh, her shoulder blades carved like butterfly wings, creating breathtaking curves with every subtle movement.

The gown perfectly sculpted her hourglass figure, every line calculated to perfection.

Most striking was the brilliant sapphire necklace at her throat, blazing under the lights with hypnotic fire.

This wasn't ordinary jewelry—this was the Novarian royal collection's "Imperial Heart," a symbol of ultimate prestige and favor!

"My God, who is that woman? She's absolutely stunning!"

"That figure... absolutely perfect!"

"Holy hell, is she wearing the Novarian 'Imperial Heart'? That piece is priceless!"

"Who on earth is she?"

"That must be the legendary Mr. Moore from Bluebird Tech—so handsome! Could she be Mr. Moore's fiancée?"

The room erupted in whispers. Every gaze fixed on Emma—amazement, envy, jealousy swirling together.

Even Nicholas found himself stunned by Emma's beauty.

He'd known Emma for years, but had never seen her look so devastatingly gorgeous, so powerfully captivating.

Was tonight's transformation for Matthew, or for him?

Nicholas quickly composed himself, plastering on a smile as he approached. "Mr. Moore, welcome." He extended his hand warmly, though his eyes remained locked on Emma.

He detected no emotion whatsoever in her expression.

Zoe also approached, her smile strained but polite. She extended her hand, "Mr. Moore, hello!"

Matthew glanced at her but made no move to shake hands, completely ignoring the gesture.

"Are you hungry? Let me get you something to eat." Matthew asked Emma tenderly, his tone indulgent.

Emma nodded.

"Excuse us." Matthew gave Nicholas a curt nod and gracefully led Emma away.

Zoe's face instantly turned ashen.

She was an A-list celebrity, the future Mrs. Harrison!

To be so blatantly ignored was the ultimate humiliation!

"Nicholas, what's Mr. Moore's problem? Why is Emma with him? Doesn't she know her place?" Zoe hissed, her voice sharp with jealousy.

Nicholas frowned, about to respond when two business partners approached with enthusiastic greetings.

"Mr. Harrison, good evening."

"Congratulations, Mr. Harrison."

"Zoe, why don't you get something to eat? I'll join you shortly," he said gently.

Though seething inside, Zoe forced herself to nod and headed toward the canapé station.

Her eyes tracked Emma with venomous intensity.

Matthew's phone rang. He whispered something in Emma's ear, and she nodded as he stepped away to take the call.

Emma ignored the surrounding chaos, walking directly to the dessert table and picking up an elegant macaron, taking a delicate bite.

"Mm, not bad," she murmured to herself.

A thirty-tier champagne tower dominated one corner—crystal glasses stacked in perfect symmetry, reflecting the ballroom's brilliant chandeliers in a dazzling display.

Emma stood nearby, holding a glass of juice, idly watching the liquid swirl.

Suddenly, without warning.

The tower, that symbol of luxury and celebration, emitted a sickening groaning sound.

Before anyone could react, it came crashing down!

Directly toward Emma!

Screams shattered the elegant atmosphere.

Countless glass flutes fell like deadly hail, shards catching the light as they flew toward Emma in a lethal storm!

Too close.

She stood far too close to that tower of death!

Emma's mind went blank, her body frozen in terror as mortal fear seized her.

Zoe's eyes widened with excitement, eagerly anticipating Emma's beautiful face being shredded to ribbons.

A tall, imposing figure flashed through the chaos.