Chapter 1: The Last Walk Home

Marina and her family stepped inside the hotel.

The grand entrance hall looked magnificent, glowing under crystal chandeliers that reflected thousands of tiny lights. The polished marble floor shimmered beneath the guests' feet, while soft classical music echoed throughout the hall. Fresh flowers decorated every corner, and expensive paintings hung proudly on the walls. The entire place resembled a royal ballroom more than a hotel.

The Sorenson family was incredibly wealthy, and they certainly knew how to spend money.

Many influential business families, politicians, celebrities, and foreign investors had gathered for the celebration. Laughter and conversations filled the hall as everyone congratulated the new owners. Waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, serving sparkling drinks and elegant desserts.

Marina quietly observed everything around her.

This place had once belonged to her family.

Now, they were merely guests.

Suddenly, her eyes fell on a man standing among the crowd.

He was devilishly handsome.

Tall, confident, and broad-shouldered, he carried himself with effortless elegance. His custom-made teal suit fit him perfectly, making his athletic physique even more striking. His posture was straight, his movements calm yet commanding, and his presence alone attracted everyone's attention.

His honey-brown hair was neatly styled, complementing his sharp facial features. His hazel-brown eyes were calm and unreadable, framed by long eyelashes that looked almost unreal. Thick eyebrows, a sharp jawline, and a well-defined Adam's apple completed his handsome appearance. Everything about him looked flawless.

Any woman could easily be captivated by his looks.

But Marina wasn't here to admire his beauty.

Just then, her father smiled politely and walked toward him.

"Mr. Richard Sorenson."

The man turned around.

"Hello, Mr. McCarthy," Richard greeted with a courteous smile.

"It's good to see you."

Her father nodded.

"This is my wife, Lucia McCarthy."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam."

"And this," her father continued proudly, placing a gentle hand on Marina's shoulder, "is my lovely daughter, Marina McCarthy. She recently completed her Ph.D."

Richard looked at her with curiosity.

"Oh? Really? What is your field of research?"

Marina smiled politely.

"I'm a microbiologist."

"Impressive," Richard replied.

Without another word, he extended his hand toward her.

Marina looked at his outstretched hand for a brief second before accepting the handshake.

His grip was firm.

Strangely, he held her hand a moment longer than a normal greeting. It wasn't painful, but it made Marina unexpectedly nervous. She could feel his warm hand around hers, and for a second, neither of them spoke.

She gently pulled her hand back.

"Excuse me," she said softly before taking a small step away.

For some reason, she couldn't understand why that simple handshake had made her heart skip a beat. she was observing the banquet.......

Soft jazz music floated gracefully through the grand ballroom, blending with the gentle sound of crystal glasses clinking together. A live orchestra performed in one corner, filling the hall with elegant melodies that made the evening feel like a royal celebration.

Rows of long buffet tables were covered with snow-white silk cloths and decorated with fresh lilies and roses. They displayed an astonishing variety of delicacies—mini fruit tarts, chocolate éclairs, macarons, cheesecakes, red velvet pastries, vanilla mille-feuille, and handcrafted desserts that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Beside them stood chefs preparing gourmet appetizers and international cuisine before the guests' eyes.

Champagne and vintage wines from around the world were served in sparkling crystal glasses, while professional bartenders prepared elegant non-alcoholic mocktails, fresh fruit juices, and signature beverages for those who preferred not to drink.

The guest list was just as extraordinary as the celebration itself. Influential industrialists, renowned entrepreneurs, famous celebrities, respected scientists, senior government officials, ambassadors, foreign investors, and members of old aristocratic families mingled effortlessly throughout the ballroom. Even a member of a royal family and the state's Governor had accepted the Sorenson family's invitation, making the evening one of the most prestigious social gatherings of the year.

Everywhere Marina looked, expensive gowns shimmered beneath the chandeliers, tailored tuxedos reflected quiet elegance, and conversations about business, politics, science, and international affairs filled the air. It was a world of wealth, influence, and power—a world where every smile carried meaning and every handshake could change someone's future.

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