Sophie Mo heard Serena Yun's voice and immediately walked in. As soon as she entered, she saw Cecilia Gu sitting together with Serena Yun.
Sophie Mo looked helpless and said to Cecilia Gu, "I'm sorry, I... I didn't know my aunt would..."
Cecilia Gu gently shook her head, "It's fine."
Serena Yun said to Sophie Mo, "You didn't want me to come to your room because Miss Gu was here, right? Sophie, I'm sorry, your aunt was just anxious. I used to come straight to your room and wait for you, but this time I didn't expect..."
Cecilia Gu couldn't shake the feeling that the atmosphere was strange, as if she were the source of all the problems.
So she had no choice but to step up and resolve the situation.
"Alright, I really don't mind at all. You two shouldn't let me ruin your relationship." Cecilia Gu smiled and said, "I've had a great time chatting with Auntie here. Sophie, I should thank this little misunderstanding—otherwise, I'd be bored reading alone. My little assistant isn't much of a talker."
Cecilia Gu's assistant silently took the blame.
Sure enough, after Cecilia Gu's explanation, the atmosphere instantly became much more relaxed.
Sophie Mo secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She had originally wanted to stop the Yun Family from meeting Cecilia Gu, but fate had other plans—despite her efforts, the Yun Family still met Cecilia.
Fortunately, Cecilia Gu wasn't the type to fuss over trivial matters. Even when people made mistakes about her identity, she could still smile calmly.
No wonder Charles Yin chose her over countless wealthy heiresses. Even though she came from a humble background, there was something about her that made people want to get close.
That was a quality those privileged heiresses could never possess.
At this moment, Sophie Mo finally made a formal introduction between the two.
It was only then that Cecilia Gu learned Serena Yun was in charge of the Yun Family's jewelry business.
Two years ago, the Yun Family had downsized and retreated to a small city, but it wasn't so easy to shrink all their companies overnight.
So, Serena Yun was basically the Yun Family's spokesperson to the outside world.
After losing their beloved daughter Nora Yun, her parents had become reclusive. Most of the Yun Family's affairs were handled by Serena Yun.
Thanks to Serena Yun's management, the Yun Family hadn't completely fallen apart.
Cecilia Gu nodded inwardly: So she's a strong woman, just like Rona Muir.
Serena Yun's impression of Cecilia Gu was: How could it be? How could someone from a humble background marry the heir of the Yin Family? It doesn't make sense! The old Mrs. Yin isn't senile—she's actually shrewd and calculating! How could she allow her grandson to marry some unknown commoner? Unless... Cecilia Gu has a deeper identity?
Even though Serena Yun was secretly shocked, her face remained perfectly calm—years of battling in the business world had taught her well.
Meanwhile, Sophie Mo was thinking: Oh no, Auntie's interest in Cecilia Gu has completely sparked! My brother warned me a thousand times not to let the Yun Family know about Cecilia right now, but I've messed it up! When the party's over, my brother will definitely come after me! I just hope Auntie's curiosity doesn't go too far... but that's probably impossible! I know better than anyone what Nora meant to the Yun Family... Auntie never married, she basically treated Nora as her own child... Now, seeing Cecilia who looks just like Nora—oh god, I can't even imagine what will happen next.
Serena Yun had just lost her composure, which nearly threw the whole situation out of control.
But now that she'd regained her cool and rationality, she kept the conversation firmly in hand, making sure Cecilia Gu didn't feel interrogated and willingly shared her story.
Cecilia Gu was happy to cooperate, because she really didn't want any misunderstandings!
No matter how great the Yun Family was, it had nothing to do with her!
Her last name was Gu, and her mother's name was Jane Gu.
She didn't want to climb up to the Yun Family, nor did she want to disrupt her own peaceful, ordinary life.
Once she gave birth to this child, she would completely leave this circle behind.
By then, she'd return to her ordinary life and live as a regular person again.
The less entangled she was with this world, the easier it would be to leave when the time came.
So, Cecilia Gu tried her best to explain her background in detail, making it clear she truly had no connection to the Yun Family.
Even after all Cecilia Gu's explanations, Serena Yun still kept her own opinions.
When the banquet ended, Charles Yin came to pick up Cecilia Gu. Seeing how tired she looked, he forcefully pulled her to his side and let her lean on him.
Cecilia Gu was a bit resistant at first, but after talking for so long, her mouth was really dry.
Charles Yin handed her a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Cecilia Gu couldn't help but wonder if he carried a juicer everywhere he went.
Cecilia Gu didn't stand on ceremony with Charles Yin. She took the juice and gulped it all down in one go.
"Why are you so thirsty? How much did Sophie Mo talk to you just now?" Charles Yin frowned slightly, a little displeased.
Cecilia Gu didn't answer his question. Instead, she asked Charles Yin, "Do you believe in fate?"
Charles Yin's narrow eyes lifted, surprise clearly written in his expression as he looked at Cecilia Gu. "Why do you ask all of a sudden?"
"I met the Yun Family today," Cecilia Gu said softly.
Cecilia Gu knew that even if she didn't say anything, Charles Yin would find out sooner or later.
For some reason, Cecilia Gu didn't want to hide this from Charles Yin.
Deep down, it was like she wanted Charles Yin to give her some advice.
"Even though I kept explaining that I have nothing to do with the Yun Family, she doesn't seem to believe me." Cecilia Gu's voice was tinged with fatigue. "You know, when I was in Sophie's room today, I found a book Nora Yun gave her. The first line on the first page gave me this strange feeling. I can't explain it, but it felt like fate was a hand, pushing things forward and shaping how everything unfolds."
Charles Yin didn't say a word, just gently stroked Cecilia Gu's hair.
Charles Yin was secretly pleased.
He was happy that Cecilia Gu would willingly share this with him.
It was true—if Charles Yin wanted to know something, there was nothing he couldn't find out.
But investigating was one thing; Cecilia Gu telling him herself was something else entirely.
"Why do you resist the Yun Family so much?" Charles Yin asked softly. "If it were someone else, what do you think they'd do?"
"They'd probably jump at the chance to get close to the Yun Family, right?" Cecilia Gu gave a bitter smile. "Especially people from humble backgrounds—when faced with a family with centuries of literary heritage like the Yun Family, they wouldn't miss the chance to cozy up, even if the Yun Family has downsized and retreated to a small city. A dying camel is still bigger than a horse; no one complains about having too few connections."
Charles Yin's lips curled slightly as he enjoyed the feeling of her hair in his palm.
Hmm, his little mole's long hair felt wonderful.
It was soft and smooth, and carried her unique scent.
No perfumer in the world could ever create a fragrance like that.
"Then why do you keep avoiding them?" Charles Yin asked in a low voice.
Cecilia Gu froze. She didn't dare tell Charles Yin that she'd been avoiding everyone in high society just to make it easier to leave when the time came.
If Charles Yin found out, he'd probably get angry again, wouldn't he?
"I suddenly believe in fate," Cecilia Gu said, dodging Charles Yin's question.
Charles Yin's sharp gaze swept over Cecilia Gu's face, staring at her intently.
For some reason, a wave of unease suddenly rose in Charles Yin's heart.
His instincts told him Cecilia Gu was like a kite, held by a fragile string in his hand, ready to break free and fly away at any moment...
Just thinking about Cecilia Gu leaving his side made Charles Yin's chest ache as if someone had grabbed his heart.
No. He wouldn't allow it!
Suddenly, Charles Yin reached out, lifted Cecilia Gu's chin, and leaned in close.
Cecilia Gu was startled by his sudden move. The next moment, Charles Yin's handsome face filled her vision.
Hey, what was he about to do...
Mmm...
Cecilia Gu's eyes flew open!
She stared at Charles Yin in disbelief—he'd kissed her without any warning...
They didn't need to pretend anymore, so why was he still...
"Focus," Charles Yin commanded, covering Cecilia Gu's eyes with one hand and supporting her head with the other, forcing her to face him.
The kiss was fierce and possessive, leaving Cecilia Gu no room to escape. He dominated her lips, tangled with her timid tongue, giving her not a moment to hesitate or think.
This kiss was nothing like the last one.
Beyond its fierceness, there was an undercurrent of tenderness and caution.
Cecilia Gu was instantly left dizzy and confused by the kiss.
"Cecilia Gu, without my permission, don't even think about running away. Try it if you dare—see if you can escape from the palm of my hand." His domineering declaration exploded in Cecilia Gu's ear.
Cecilia Gu's body suddenly stiffened!
She had never shown any sign of this—how did Charles Yin see through her?
God, he’s just too scary!
Feeling Cecilia tense up for a split second, Charles Yin’s heart sank even further.
Could she really have... been planning to leave him all along?
Damn it!
Cecilia!
Who gave you the right?
Charles Yin shoved Cecilia away, his whole vibe suddenly turning cold.
Cecilia hadn’t expected Charles to get mad so quickly.
But she had to admit, Charles Yin’s instincts were freakishly accurate!
Cecilia lowered her eyes, saying nothing.
How could she even explain something like this?
She’d always planned to leave the Yin family after having the baby...
Just then, Charles Yin’s phone buzzed.
He saw an unfamiliar email pop up and opened it without thinking.
The moment Charles’s eyes landed on the screen, his anger exploded—he grabbed Cecilia’s wrist, gritting his teeth: "Cecilia Gu, are you planning to have this baby and then run off with your old lover?"