The financial crisis was barely resolved, and the entire studio finally breathed a sigh of relief.

To show our respect, Lynne organized a welcoming party for Cecily on her first day at work.

The venue upgraded from a cheap diner to a fancy hotel.

All eight of us from the company were there, waiting for her.

Lynne popped a piece of dessert into her mouth with a bored expression. “Talk about being the favorite little princess. She even had to go back and change outfits. Tch.”

“That’s our 'God of Wealth',” I said matter-of-factly.

“Came here to ‘work,’ but looks like we’ll be serving her instead.”

I couldn’t shake off an uneasy feeling.

Just as I was lost in thought, there was movement outside the hall. Following everyone’s gaze, I saw Cecily stepping into view, dressed like a princess in a soft pink chiffon gown, her arm linked with Lucius’s. They were dazzling.

Lynne quipped, “The 'real' 'God of Wealth' has arrived.”

I hadn’t expected Lucius to show up.

I’d always assumed he didn’t enjoy social events.

Back in college, no matter how formal or grand the occasion—be it departmental or university-wide, even with the presence of school leaders—Lucius would avoid it all.

His aloofness often bordered on being antisocial.

During those times, it was always me running interference, smoothing things over with the organizers. Looking back now, it feels utterly unnecessary.

Draining the wine in my glass, I quickly made my way forward.

“Sorry for the delay, everyone! Lu insisted on bringing me here when he heard I had a welcome party to attend,” Cecily said sweetly, her shy and delicate tone making it impossible for anyone to be upset.

I kept my tone polite. “Mr. Albrecht’s presence is truly an honor for us.”

After all, anyone who stood by Lucius’s side these days was bound to be wealthy or influential.

Lynne chimed in, “Sisi was just saying how much she wanted to invite Mr. Albrecht, but she was worried he’d be too busy. And look, fate worked its magic!”

This woman—her knack for spinning well-meaning lies was truly effortless.

I forced a small smile, only to find myself locking eyes with Lucius, his gaze laced with curiosity.

Caught off guard, I felt even guiltier.

Thinking quickly, I signaled to the host.

The welcoming party officially kicked off.

Lynne’s natural talent for warming up a crowd shone through, and in just a few lines, she had everyone fully engaged.

She suggested we play a classic round of 'Pictionary'.

It was a staple at every company event.

Usually, with just seven of us, we’d form three groups while Lynne played referee. But now, with two extra people, we added a fourth team.

Of course, Cecily roped Lucius into playing.

Her youthful excitement was written all over her face.

We drew lots for the teams.

To my utter surprise, I ended up on the same team as Lucius.

Standing beside me, Cecily noticed as well, her disappointment almost palpable.

Trying to avoid any awkwardness, I discreetly switched papers with Cecily when no one was looking.

Cecily gave me a surprised glance before breaking into a radiant smile. “Sis, you’re the best.”

No problem, I thought to myself.

Keeping the 'God of Wealth' entertained is just part of the job.

The chaos dragged on well into the night.

As everyone was getting tipsy, I called over a waiter to bring strong tea and began serving it, one cup at a time.

When I reached Lucius, I stood a meter away, quietly watching Cecily gently wipe the sweat from his forehead.

The man’s eyes were half-closed, his back resting against the sofa. The collar of his shirt had come undone, revealing his delicate collarbones. His handsome features, bathed in the interplay of light and shadow, were tinged with exhaustion.

It seemed like he was drunk.

I didn’t want to disturb them, so I turned to leave, but then I heard his hoarse murmur, “Sisi.”

I froze, feeling as if my feet were weighed down by lead, unable to move. Lucius repeated, “Honey, don’t go, please.”

The word "Honey" struck me like a bolt of lightning, my heart pounding loudly.

When I turned to look at Lucius, I saw Cecily’s face, full of shock.

Miraculously, our gazes met in the air.

I reminded her, “Mr. Albrecht is calling for you.”

That tone, filled with so much affection, couldn’t possibly be meant for me.

Cecily blinked, pouting, and lightly tapped Lucius’s nose. “Lu, the party isn’t over yet.”

Lucius lifted his eyelids at the sound, a faint smile playing at his lips.

That confirmed my guess.

It was half an hour later when we finally saw off the 'God of Wealth'.

Watching the Maybach drive away, Lynne nudged me with her elbow, her voice soothing. “You’ve worked hard tonight.”

I half-jokingly replied, “Something more tangible, Ms. Wales.”

Lynne shot me a look. “Ambitious.”

True to her word, she kindly dropped me off at the building entrance and even promised I didn’t have to clock in the next morning.

At least I got some form of compensation.

But that night, I slept fitfully.

Lucius kept appearing in my dreams, holding me tight in his arms during countless late nights.

When the passion reached its peak, he would grip my waist tightly, coaxing in a seductive tone, “Honey, louder.”

That was Lucius’s hidden side.

He was driven by intense desire—possessive and overwhelming.

But that side of him was never meant to see the light of day.

I couldn’t sleep.

During the morning rush, I squeezed out of the crowded subway like a sardine, only to realize one of my wireless earphones had been knocked out.

Frustrated, I glanced up and saw a black Maybach parked nearby.

Lucius, dressed in a sharp suit, was gentlemanly opening the passenger door for Cecily. His attentiveness was hard to miss.

A moment later, Cecily stepped out of the car, dressed in a peach-colored, waist-cinching dress. She looked radiant, like a butterfly fluttering in the morning sun.

He had personally driven her to work.

PrimeSphere Group and our studio were located on opposite sides of town.

This meant Lucius, who could be grumpy in the mornings, would have to spend an extra hour commuting.

I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of bitterness when I remembered how I used to wake up early to make him breakfast and coax him out of bed.

The differences between people were so stark.

I tried to avoid the two of them, but just as I was about to step away, Cecily’s soft voice reached my ears. “Sylvie, good morning!”

I couldn’t ignore her, so I calmly walked over, my gaze quickly flicking over Lucius’s face, before greeting them politely. “Good morning, Mr. Albrecht. Good morning, Miss Linwood.”

Cecily, as usual, was friendly. “Sylvie, just call me Cece.”

I nodded briefly, unsure of whether to stay or leave.

Lucius seemed in no rush to leave either.

I had no choice but to ask, “Mr. Albrecht, are you here for an inspection?”

Cecily covered her mouth with a laugh. “No, Lu was worried I’d get lost and wouldn’t find the new company’s address, so he drove me here himself.”

As I’d suspected.

I maintained a calm expression and replied politely, “We welcome Mr. Albrecht’s guidance anytime.”

Lucius glanced at his watch, then his deep eyes landed on my face. His tone was casual, “I’d appreciate it if Manager Morrow could lead the way.”

Wait, did Lucius intend to follow us upstairs?

Cecily caught on, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Lu, you’re coming with us?”

Lucius smiled faintly, his voice low and measured. “Yeah, I want to see your work environment.”

It turned out that simply placing Cecily in our studio wasn’t enough for Lucius. He was now concerned about her day-to-day at work.