Yana Quinn was stunned. In front of all these people, she was being told to wipe someone else's shoes? How could anyone accept something like that?

But Xavier Quinn's tone left no room for refusal. Yana Quinn was afraid of her.

After a brief hesitation, Yana Quinn finally bent down and wiped Nina Shaw’s shoes. Humiliation burned in her chest, but she dared not show it.

Xavier Quinn looked down and asked Nina Shaw, "Feeling better now?"

Nina Shaw hadn’t expected that Xavier Quinn would actually make Yana Quinn wipe her shoes—or that Yana Quinn would obediently do so.

After wiping the shoes, Yana Quinn stood up straight, still frozen in place. Since Xavier Quinn hadn’t told her to leave, she didn’t dare move.

Only when Nina Shaw said she’d cooled off did Xavier Quinn finally let Yana Quinn go.

Watching Yana Quinn practically flee, Nina Shaw turned to Xavier Quinn in confusion. "Since when do you have a younger sister? How come I never knew?"

“It’s not strange that you never met her. Her family was already kicked out by Grandpa ages ago.”

"Kicked out of the family?" No wonder. Nina Shaw realized none of her own family had ever mentioned them.

Qiao Mingfu was the old master of the Qiao family’s illegitimate son. Because the Qiao family tradition was that only the eldest son inherited, Qiao Mingfu tried to change the rule. This angered the patriarch, who then kicked him out of the house.

Before that, Qiao Mingfu had run a Qiao family–owned company abroad. Once he lost the Qiao family's protection, the business folded in no time.

So that was the story behind it all.

"Your Qiao family is seriously complicated," Nina Shaw couldn’t help remarking. In truth, though, the labyrinthine family wasn’t the only reason she felt that way.

"That’s the Qiao family’s mess, not ours."

As he spoke, Xavier Quinn bent down and picked her up in his arms.

Nina Shaw suddenly felt herself lifted off the ground. Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "What are you doing?!"

"You were frightened just now, so I’m taking you to the hospital for a check-up." He held her firmly, unconcerned by the surprised stares of people nearby.

Nina Shaw flushed with embarrassment, burying her face in his chest, silently chanting to herself: Just pretend no one can see me, no one can see me…

—

Back in the event hall, after Le Sheng finished checking over the items backstage, she remembered Yancy Shaw was waiting for her. As she stepped out, she spotted Mo Qinglin standing by the door.

She paused, eyeing the man with caution.

Mo Qinglin greeted her with a polite smile. "Miss Li, I’ve been waiting for you a long time."

Le Sheng didn’t think much of him, so her answer was chilly. "Did you need something, Mr. Mo?"

Mo Qinglin didn’t seem to mind her coldness. His gaze held a subtle meaning. "The fashion show today was perfect. I really admire your talent. You helped me last time, and I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly."

"It was no big deal, Mr. Mo. No need to mention it." Le Sheng stayed courteous but distant, already thinking of ways to ditch him.

Claire Xu, already changed, was just about to leave when she saw Le Sheng at the door with a somewhat familiar man. Curious, she realized—wasn’t that Eva Snow’s ex-fiancé? Why was he bothering Le Sheng now?

Mo Qinglin smiled. "No need to be on guard, Miss Li. I’m not a bad person."

Would a bad guy ever admit it on his face?!

Even if he wasn’t a villain, Le Sheng still found it hard to see him as a good one.

"Shengsheng, didn’t you say you were going to find Dr. Shen? So why are you still here?" Claire Xu strolled over, giving Mo Qinglin a casual once-over.

Le Sheng nodded. "Yeah, I was just about to head over. Let’s go together."

"Let’s go." Claire Xu took her hand, and Le Sheng told Mo Qinglin, "My husband’s waiting for me—excuse us."

As the two walked away, the light faded from Mo Qinglin’s eyes.

Moments later, Mo Fan slipped out from a corner and joined him, a mocking note in his voice: "That Miss Li is a rose full of thorns—careful not to get pricked too badly."

Mo Qinglin looked up, his eyes suddenly icy, though Mo Fan at his side didn’t notice.

Outwardly, the two appeared to get along, but in truth Mo Qinglin kept his distance. Because of his limited mobility, he had to rely on Mo Fan for many things, so despite his dislike, he chose not to show it.

"I just happen to like thorny roses. What’s a few more pricks?"

Mo Fan let out a light laugh. "Didn’t expect you’d actually develop feelings for her."

Mo Qinglin said nothing—which was as good as admitting it.

—

Walking alongside Claire Xu, Le Sheng turned to her curiously after rounding a corner. "Shengsheng, do you know him well?" Claire Xu asked.

"Not really. We’ve only met a few times."

Claire Xu hesitated, then lowered her voice in warning: "I’ve got a bad feeling about the way he looks at you. Be careful if you run into him again."

Mo Qinglin’s intent was obvious in his stare; anyone could tell what he was thinking.

Le Sheng nodded. "I will."

They made their way to the audience section of the hall. Most people had already left. Yancy Shaw sat near the back, where the lighting was dim, his clear eyes shining like a sky full of stars—deep and gentle.

When he spotted Le Sheng, a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Shengsheng, are you done for the day?"

Le Sheng sat down next to him, her tailored black suit giving off a capable air, eyes soft with affection. Yancy Shaw had to restrain himself from just grabbing her and giving her a hard kiss—except there were still people around, and she wouldn’t like that.

"Wasn’t the hospital busy today?" Just last night he’d mentioned he might not make it today—she was surprised to see him.

Yancy Shaw squeezed her hand. "No matter how busy I am, I have to come."

He wasn’t alone—Henry Mills was here too.

Earlier, when Le Sheng walked in, she only had eyes for Yancy Shaw. She’d completely missed Henry Mills, who was sitting right next to him.

"Dr. He, you’re here too," Le Sheng said, a bit embarrassed.

Henry Mills shot her a wounded look. "You two really act like I’m invisible."

He shouldn’t have sat next to them—now he was forced to watch another round of shameless PDA.

He craned his neck, searching the crowd. Le Sheng asked, "Looking for Claire Xu?"

Earlier, Claire Xu had gone straight past this area and hadn’t dropped by. She probably didn’t know Henry Mills was here today.

"She just left. If you hurry, you could probably catch her."

Le Sheng knew those two were in the middle of an argument. Arguments were always bound to happen, but as long as they talked it out, they’d be fine.

Henry Mills grinned and jogged off in the direction Claire Xu had gone.

Le Sheng turned back to Yancy Shaw. "There’s another banquet tonight, so I’ll be home late."

"Alright. I’ll pick you up later," he replied, implying he wouldn't attend the party himself.

Le Sheng nodded happily. "What did you think of the show today? Not bad, right?"

"It was wonderful." Yancy Shaw dipped his head, his lips hovering just above hers, as if waiting for her permission to kiss her.