Lauren Shaw couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth at the undercurrent brewing between those two. And they claim they have no feelings for each other? Their gazes are practically dripping with sugar! No wonder they say those involved can't see clearly while bystanders see it all. Mouths say one thing, hearts another!

She looked up and noticed two people furtively tugging at each other in an inconspicuous corner of the banquet hall.

Upon closer inspection, she realized the woman was Mandy Snow. No—she was sure it was Mandy Snow. As for the man, she didn't recognize him, but her instincts told her something was definitely off between the two.

When she saw them slip toward the fire escape, she stood up without a second thought. 'Sis, wait here for me a moment. I’m just going to the restroom,' she said, lifting her skirt and quickly following.

The fire escape was a small door leading to a long, pitch-black corridor. She softened her steps, one hand steadying herself against the wall as she edged forward. When she heard their voices up ahead, she pressed herself against the wall and held her breath. Eavesdropping wasn't exactly polite, but these two were being so suspicious—she had to get to the bottom of it.

'Didn't I tell you never to come looking for me again?'

'I'm not here for you. I came to see my daughter.' The man's voice was calm, as if the woman before him had nothing to do with him at all.

'Daughter? Who's your daughter? I'm warning you—don't show up in front of me again. Otherwise, I don't know what I might do.' Mandy Snow's voice was twisted, almost venomous.

The man let out a cold laugh. 'I've already found out everything. You lied to me back then—why are you still trying to lie now?' His voice shook with emotion.

A crisp slap echoed sharply in the darkness.

Mandy Snow's voice was icy and resolute: 'I told you, that is not your daughter. You have nothing to do with her. Once you exit this door, don’t claim you know me. Otherwise, I'll take my daughter and disappear for good!'

Lauren Shaw clapped a hand over her mouth in shock to smother any sound. She didn’t dare listen any further.

When she returned with a dazed look, Nina Shaw asked, 'What’s wrong with you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.'

Lauren Shaw didn’t answer, her eyes drifting unconsciously toward the little door.

Moments later, the man exited. She got a good look at his face—she didn't recognize him, nor did she know which company he belonged to.

About a minute later, Mandy Snow came out, her gaze cautious as she made sure no one noticed before composing herself and striding out.

On stage, the emcee was speaking into the microphone, but Lauren Shaw didn’t hear a word; her mind was still reeling from that shocking conversation.

'Next, let’s welcome Director Xue, who planned this annual event, to the stage for a speech.'

Applause broke out below. Lauren Shaw found herself regarding Mandy Snow with a new scrutiny. What kind of person was she, really?

If Shen SiyI wasn’t actually Big Brother’s child, why would Mandy Snow lie to the Shen family? No wonder Mrs. Chen was always distant toward her—people with secrets never treat others wholeheartedly.

She was pondering how to break the news to Yancy Shaw when someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder. Shen SiyI sidled up, mischievous smile on her lips and a wine glass in hand. 'Little Aunt, let me toast you.'

Lauren Shaw eyed the wine glass warily and refused. 'I can't drink tonight. I’m trying to get pregnant.' She made up an excuse to brush her off.

But Shen SiyI wouldn’t give up so easily. Tonight, she was set on having a drink together. 'Then you can have juice! Grandma said I must apologize for upsetting you last time. If you don’t drink with me, she’ll get mad at me.'

With that, she thrust a glass of juice into Lauren Shaw’s hand.

There were too many people at the gala, and Shen SiyI clearly knew Lauren Shaw wouldn’t dare cause a scene. Tilting her head back, she downed her wine in one go. 'All done!' she grinned, playful as ever.

Lauren Shaw said nothing, glanced at the juice, then tipped it back as well.

Satisfied, Shen SiyI sauntered away.

Nina Shaw stared after her. 'That’s Yancy Shaw’s niece, right?'

'Mm,' Lauren Shaw answered irritably. She had no idea what schemes that girl might be up to.

'She doesn’t look like her father,' Nina Shaw remarked honestly.

Lauren Shaw snorted softly in agreement, though she kept the thought to herself.

'Seems like she isn’t very fond of you either,' Nina Shaw commented, voicing her observation again.

She pointed subtly, 'The woman next to her keeps glaring at you—her expression was particularly unfriendly.'

Nina Shaw really did have a keen eye. At her first meeting with the Shen family, she’d already picked up on Shen SiyI’s slyness. Of course, it helped that she’d studied psychology in college—after observing for a bit, she could usually guess people’s thoughts, though sometimes she still got it wrong, like with Xavier Quinn.

Lauren Shaw was her sister, after all—she had every reason to watch out for how the Shen family treated her.

Following her gaze, Lauren Shaw saw Shen SiyI sitting beside Eva Snow, whispering, both of them shooting glances her way and looking insufferably pleased with themselves.

'Miss Li, what a pleasure,' a sudden voice interrupted Lauren Shaw’s thoughts.

She turned to see Mo Qinglin standing beside her—she hadn’t noticed when he’d arrived. She wondered: why was he even here tonight?

She nodded back, her expression cool and distant. 'Mr. Mo.'

His fiancée was right over there—shouldn’t he be looking for her instead of coming over here? She was always careful to keep her distance—she didn’t want any misunderstandings.

Mo Qinglin smiled. 'No need to be so guarded, Miss Li. I mean no harm, just hoping to be friends.'

'I’m just not used to getting too close with people I don’t know. I hope you’ll understand, Mr. Mo.'

Lauren Shaw could sense his shrewd gaze—there was ambition there she didn’t want to explore. She tried looking for Yancy Shaw in the crowd, and even with so many people, he still stood out easily—she could spot his figure anywhere.

Just as she was about to go over, a familiar voice rang out beside her, freezing her in place.

'Qinglin, what are you doing here? I’ve been looking everywhere.'

That voice… why did it sound so familiar…

Lauren Shaw turned to see the very man who had been entangled with Mandy Snow earlier.

Her mind went momentarily blank—she only heard Mo Qinglin call the man 'Uncle.' Everything after just washed over her.

'Miss Li, Miss Li…'

Mo Qinglin called her several times before she snapped back to attention.

'Let me introduce you—this is my uncle, Mo Fan.'

Steadying her nerves, Lauren Shaw managed a polite smile and nodded. 'Mr. Mo.'

Mo Fan studied her for a long moment. 'You’re the third young mistress of the Shen family?'

'Yes,' Lauren Shaw replied.

His eyes brimmed with curiosity and doubt…