One day, Aria Mitchell called Lily Parker in a frantic rush, "Lily, I need your help urgently! I had promised Professor Whitmore that I'd be helping at the inauguration ceremony of the new children's welfare center in West City tomorrow. I was to lead the kids in a song for the guests. But there's an emergency at home, and I can't make it. Can you go in my stead?""Me?" Lily paused, stunned for a moment, then responded, "Aria, I studied piano, not vocals. Are you sure I'd be suitable?""Oh, come on," Aria pleaded. "Professor Whitmore knows you. She even once mentioned that you have a lovely voice, remember? It's better than having no one show up. Besides, it's for a good cause! Please, do it for me. I promise to treat you to a lavish meal afterward!"After a moment of consideration, given that she had no other plans the next day, Lily cheerfully agreed, "Alright then."The next day, Lily rose early and hurriedly made her way to the children's welfare center located on the city's outsk

The gentle, lingering rain had persisted for an entire week, but it finally ceased. The asphalt road in front of the Skyview Towers gleamed with a fresh wet sheen."Mr. Sterling!" Lily Parker exclaimed as she spotted Julian Sterling emerging from his private elevator. She hurriedly clutched her shopping bag and approached him.Julian paused, his gaze fixating on her. For a moment, he appeared to not recognize her, his eyes slightly narrowed, and a look of distant unfamiliarity settled on his face. After what felt like an eternity, a hint of a smile crept onto his lips, and he echoed her tone, saying, "Ah, Miss Parker. What brings you here?"Although his words were accompanied by a faint smile, Lily couldn't shake off the coldness she felt from his voice. A sense of unease filled her, as if deep down she knew Julian was a man of danger, someone she shouldn’t mess with. Pushing away the intimidating aura he exuded, she handed him the bag, speaking slowly, "Thank you for lending me your

Inside the dimly lit car, Julian Sterling's gaze was drawn to Lily Parker's elegant neck, reminiscent of a daytime swan. The thought of what it might feel like to caress that neck with a kiss made him catch his breath. A smirk formed on his face, followed by a chuckle. This girl, she gets flustered so easily, still so naive.Upon arriving at the school gates, Lily hurriedly mumbled a "Thank you," eager to disembark from the car. To her surprise, the central lock hadn't been released. The corner of Julian's mouth curved into a subtle grin. "What's the rush?" he asked. Unexpectedly, he leaned in closer, the warmth of his breath brushing against her face. With a soft click, he undid her seatbelt. His cool fingers deliberately brushed against her exposed skin. With a teasing tone, he whispered into her ear, "What's Ms. Parker so afraid of? It's not like I'd eat you up..." His seductive voice was truly tantalizing.For a moment, a palpable tension filled the car. Lily's heartbeat thundered

One of the men, with a somewhat rogueish demeanor, stood up, swaying slightly with his tall, lean body as he held his drink. He greeted them, "Of course we have you. But being late for your own party means you have to down three drinks, no exceptions." He casually draped an arm around Isabella's shoulder, but his lustful eyes fixated on Lily Parker. "Who's this lovely lady? Haven't seen her before..." The moment Lily had walked in, her long, fair legs had caught his attention."My junior, Lily Parker," Isabella swatted his hand away, giving him a stern look. She pulled Lily close, "Lily, this is Preston Harrow. He's a friend. A good guy, but a little over the top at times. Hope you don't mind."Lily, unaware of the underlying dynamics, offered an awkward smile, "Hello.""All good, all good!" Preston's gaze never left Lily. A gulp rolled down his throat, perhaps due to the alcohol, he felt a sudden warmth.Isabella shot him a meaningful look and said, "Let's sit down and talk." She sea

Not far off, Julian Sterling leaned casually against a wall. He held a light-colored coat over one arm, the pose exuding elegance and ease. A faint smile played on his lips, but his gaze never landed on Lily Parker. Instead, he fixed Preston Harrow with a stare so piercing it sent shivers down one's spine.Preston, interrupted in the midst of his wicked intentions, felt humiliated. Red with rage, he bellowed, "Julian Sterling! This is none of your business. What gives you the right to interfere?""Oh?" Julian's lips curled into a cold smile as he sauntered closer, an aura of unmistakable dominance emanating from him. "On what grounds? Simply because I feel like it!" A sidelong glance towards Lily revealed her face flushed in an unnatural shade, her eyes dilated and distant, reminiscent of someone drugged. His brow furrowed in concern."You're joking! I saw her first. Surely, the renowned Julian Sterling wouldn't stoop so low to snatch what caught my eye first?" Preston argued defiantl