Everett diligently glanced at the ring selections in front of him, his brows taunt with concentration. There were all sorts of beautiful gemstones that'd suit Lina's lovely fingers. He didn't know what size she was, but everything can always be altered.

  Everett could practically feel the crowd's gaze on him. A few people had gathered outside of the heavily guarded store, excitedly whispering amongst themselves. Flashes went off behind him, and he knew there were paparazzi taking photos. ??

  "Would you like guidance, Mr. Leclare? If you provide me the personality of your girlfriend, I can select more suitable styles," the sales associate kindly said, with a patient smile. She tucked her hands infront of her to hide how much she was shaking from excitement.

  Just think about the commission!

  Everett Leclare was one of the most handsome heirs of the country, with a network that sent people's eyes widening, even for someone so young. Seeing his easy-going personality and friendly smile, it was no wonder women were drawn to him.

  "Well…" Everett trailed off.

  Everett realized the sales associate had referred to Lina as his girlfriend. With the pictures plastered all over the news, he couldn't deny that rumor either, or else it'd look bad for Lina.

  "She is a bit aloof at times, but also assertive," Everett said.

  His lips curled upwards at the memory of her nonchalant expression and cold shoulders.

  Everett was used to everyone fawning over him. The first person to not do so and he was falling helpless for her.

  "She sounds like quite the girlfriend," the associate softly chuckled. "In that case, I have just the style to suit her. Please excuse me for a moment."

  The sales associate slipped out of the counter and gestured for her colleague to bring out the hidden rings in the safe. It was the most expensive and exclusive one.

  Now that Everett was all alone, the paparazzi finally began to shout questions.

  "Mr. Leclare, look this way!"

  Everett turned around, so the paparazzi could capture him from his good angle.

  "Is this ring for Lina Yang, Mr. Leclare?"

  Everett chuckled at the question and winked towards the camera, sending the crowd squealing with delight and the cameras clicking harder.

  "How long have you been dating the Young Lady of the Yang household, Mr. Leclare?"

  "Mr. Leclare, Mr. Leclare, is this an engagement ring?"

  Questions after the other filled the small store, which hyped the crowd up further. The ladies conversed amongst themselves, their eyes going wide at the gossip.

  "Gosh, just look at how handsome Everett is…"

  "Yes, I can't believe such a good piece of fish will be snagged by a random socialite."

  "What a waste, but as long as Everett is happy."

  Conversations one after the other quickly surfaced and soon, there was a buzz in the air. People excitedly chattered amongst themselves.

  Everett pretended to not hear any of them and check his phone. His amicable mood worsened when he realized he still didn't have Lina Yang's phone number. He had his people search for her contact, but it was practically impossible to find. Everything about Lina Yang was a mystery. Well-hidden and concealed.

  Everett didn't understand why she was such a private person. She held no power in the Yang Clan and held no interest in Yang Enterprise.

  Thus, Lina should've been the least useful person in the Yang Clan, but the security around her was unbreachable.

  What did all of this mean?

  "Oh my god, is that Kaden?"

  Everett's head snapped at the mention of the wretched bastard. He raised his gaze and sure enough, in the distance, saw him.

  "Kaden DeHaven? Really?!" Someone shouted.

  A long red carpet was rolled down the luxurious mall. Employees quickly ran to the scene, formed a collective line along the carpet, and quickly bowed at the presence of the DeHaven heir.

  "Welcome, Mr. Dehaven!"

  Almost every important employee was present here, lowering their bodies into a deep bow, despite being out of breath.

  "It is Kaden DeHaven!"

  Instantly, the crowd of women fled the scene, like flocks of pigeons towards new food. The hired paparazzi also disappeared.

  No matter how much they were paid for this gig, taking photos of the DeHaven heir was worth much more. One photo of Kaden DeHaven could sell from a range of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands.

  "Oh my god, both of the country's most eligible bachelors are here…"

  "They say he's practically the Nation's Bachelor, every socialite is fighting for him."

  "I mean, can you blame them? The DeHaven Conglomerate is practically a monopoly at this point, just think about the prestige and power they're raking in."

  Chatter erupted amongst the people and paparazzi, who were eager to get a proper glimpse of an actual heir. Everett was giving the crowd what they wanted, and Kaden DeHaven wasn't. Yet, this part about Kaden DeHaven made him all the more attractive.

  "And now to mention they come from money as old as time!"

  "The DeHaven's royal bloodline could be traced across the entire history."

  "A clan of cold-blooded businessmen and businesswomen, since the start of time…"

  Kaden's expression remained distant and detached. He stalked down the carpet, taking in each and every store with a keen eye.

  Unannounced inspections like this occurred at least once a month. He took a note of everything, from the plants that had dried leaves to how bright and even the lighting was.

  "The preparations for the Spring Show?" Kaden demanded from Sebastian, taking the tablet offered to him.

  "All of the silk flowers have been ordered, soon, they'll be able to adorn the ceilings in time for the beginning of the season, Boss," Sebastian quickly explained, glancing over the variety of faux flowers they've ordered.

  The reason this mall was so luxurious and popular was because of their frequent events. The decorations were always changing, the atmosphere adjusting, and soon, this was the trendsetter for malls across the nation.

  Their monthly events were the reason that this place became such a tourist destination, with many people eager to take photos in front of the beautiful and mesmerizing decorations.

  "The construction will also happen at night, as you've instructed, to prevent disrupting customer experiences, Boss," Sebastian stated.

  Kaden nodded, but said nothing. He handed the tablet back to Sebastian, who took it with two hands.

  "Replace those plants," Kaden commanded, briefly glancing at the ones with a single dead leaf.

  "Yes, Boss," Sebastian responded, quickly typing the order into the tablet.

  Kaden continued observing the lobby and entrance, the place that people first saw when they walked into the mall heavily owned by DeHaven Corporation.

  His attention landed on a familiar face. Once again, she looked emotional. Once again, she stared at him like he had kicked her puppy. When their eyes met, she hurriedly looked away. Not a second later, she gazed at him again.

  The corner of his mouth twitched in amusement. Upon being caught, her eyes went wide and she turned to her friend, pretending to be engaged in their conversation. He let out a small breath of mirth.

  "…… and the plants will reflect our monthly event as well, Boss," Sebastian explained, but paused. He realized his Boss's attention was elsewhere.

  "Well done," Kaden curtly said, sending half of the employee's head shooting up.

  W-what did the Boss just say?

  Compliments were as rare as the blue moon. Just the brief mention of it was enough to bring them to slight tears. They decided to thank their lucky stars for such a celebratory moment!

  "Mr. DeHaven, you've arrived," a woman's voice firmly said, her lips pulled into a slight smile.

  Kaden briefly paused.

  "Evidently," Kaden deadpanned, growing irritated by the obvious statements. He cast her a single glance and then returned his attention to Lina. But now, Lina was no longer looking at him. She was staring directly at the woman.