As soon as Rui's eyes met Zero's, his body reflexively ducked. His chest felt like it had been hit hard, and his breath hitched.

Oh my… isn't he… the club model I paid last night? she thought in panic, cold sweat seeping down his temples.So he's Arlo's uncle? How is that possible? Why am I only just finding out now?

The innocent Arlo was completely oblivious to Rui's unease. Instead, the boy enthusiastically embraced Amber's waist and turned to Zero with a beaming smile.

“Uncle, this is my future wife, Amber!” he exclaimed proudly.

Those words lit a fire in Rui's chest.What a bastard…His molars clenched, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, holding back the anger mixed with shame that was about to explode.

“Oh yes, Uncle, this is my older sister, Rui.” Amber pulled Rui’s hand, bringing him closer so she could introduce him politely. Rui couldn’t help but stare at the man who made her heart race.

Zero held out his hand calmly, his face holding something unreadable. Rui, with what remained of his composure, accepted the position with a polite nod. "Rui…" she said briefly, introducing himself.

But Zero's touch sent shivers down her spine. Instead of letting go, the man held Rui's hand for a long time, even stroking it gently, as if deliberately conveying a message only the two of them could understand.

Rui reflexively withdrew his hand, his face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and disgust. “Excuse me… I’ll go back for a moment,” she said hurriedly, then walked away without looking back.

Zero's eyes followed the woman's back with a deep, cold gaze, yet filled with hidden passion. From a distance, Rui could be seen reaching for a glass of wine, downing it in one gulp to calm himself, before finally strolling toward the back of the room.

On the other hand, Zero only cracked a faint smirk. The world felt so small, and that made him even happier—as if fate itself had brought them back together in the most surprising way.

Amber, who had been mesmerized by Zero's charm, found it hard to take her eyes off Zero's perfect face.

"Damn it, why did I have to be late to meet his uncle? Look at his perfect face and sexy body. I don't think he's lacking anything, including his wealth. I have to have him," Amber muttered to herself.

"Arlo, uncle, go find your papa first," Zero said while patting Arlo's shoulder briefly before walking away.

As soon as Zero left, Amber immediately asked a question to satisfy her curiosity. "Why is your uncle never seen? Where does he live?" Amber asked curiously.

“Since he was a teenager, my uncle lived in Las Vegas, now he is a tycoon there,” Amber's eyes spontaneously lit up when she heard that.

Piles of money and gold, luxury and splendor were clearly visible in her mind. Amber was certain Zero had it all.

In the dimly lit bathroom, Rui stared at her own reflection in the mirror. Her hands were busy splashing water over and over again, as if trying to wash away the stains that existed only in her mind. Her breath came in slow gasps as she tried to calm herself from the shock.

Zero… Arlo's uncle?she thought bitterly.

But it wasn't anger that grew, but something colder. Rui took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing with determination.Okay. If this is their betrayal, then I'll plan the most spectacular revenge. They'll regret messing with me.

She grabbed a tissue, wiped the remaining water from his fingers, then walked out with his chin up, trying to control himself.

As soon as the door opened, he stopped in his tracks. Zero was standing not far away, leaning casually against the wall with his hands tucked into his pockets. His smile was faint, his gaze sharp, as if he had been expecting Rui.

“So you’re going to be Arlo’s brother-in-law?” she asked calmly, her tone laced with irony. “We’re going to be a big family, aren’t we?”

Rui straightened her shoulders, even as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. She knew the man was testing her. She had to stay calm. For a moment, a brilliant thought crossed her mind—one that could turn the tide.

“Are you married?” Rui asked suddenly, his voice flat but sharp.

Zero raised his eyebrows slightly, turning his head more fully to her. “Why?” He paused, then his lips curled up mischievously. “Will you be my wife?” he said, for the second time, emphasizing each word with a teasing tone.

Rui stepped forward, getting closer, now standing right in front of Zero. Both of their eyes clashed, tense and burning at the same time. Then, with a mysterious faint smile, Rui replied, "It seems your offer is… interesting."

Zero's eyes glinted, his smile widening with satisfaction, as if the game he had started had just found a worthy opponent.

Zero's eyes scanned Rui from top to bottom—slowly, sharply, like a sculptor assessing his masterpiece. Every detail was taken into account: the line of her jaw, the way her hair fell, the way her shoulders tensed. "Are you sure you want to be my wife?" he asked again, his voice calm but with an undeniable pressure.

Rui smiled faintly, a knowing smirk. His silence wasn't a sign of hesitation—but rather a small, hidden victory. In his heart, he had already calculated all the steps: revenge for Arlo, for his family who had played a trick on him. Whatever the consequences, Rui was ready to accept them. He nodded slowly, firmly but with restraint.

Receiving the nod, Zero pulled Rui by the waist, pressing their bodies together until they were pressed together. Rui's heart pounded, their breaths mingled; there was a contagious warmth emanating from the man's body, a scent of perfume that suddenly overwhelmed his senses. A faint smile formed on Zero's lips—a mixture of satisfaction and curiosity—as if to say, "Good. The game is just beginning."

Rui held herself together—between disgust, the bite of revenge, and a strange sensation that sent her mind reeling. Despite this closeness, her resolve remained unwavering: use her new role to change fate. Zero held her tighter, and the small space felt both nauseating and alluring, marking the beginning of a dangerous alliance.

“I will marry you, before that, give yourself to me tonight!” said Zero.