Shin responded with a simple "Hmm," still ruffling Carpet's fur as if he were truly fond of him.
Tristan smirked inwardly. 'Yeah, we've got plenty of guards and hunting dogs in Hexion—the kind that growl and spit at you even if you give them steak.'
Meanwhile, Venice, who had been thoroughly ignored, couldn't have been more humiliated.
The murmurs that had once been on her side shifted faster than a changing traffic light.
"Young Master Keir is right—golden retrievers are always . That's why they're such a great choice for children."
"Carpet really does look well-behaved. He hasn't caused any trouble and even played with the kids."
"Exactly. It must've been just an accident. Didn't he also jump on Yeri?"
People are often like that. It's not always about what's right or wrong—no one ever wants to be on the losing side.
It's like that student in class who knows the correct answer deep down but still agrees with the majority, just to quiet the unease in his heart when everyone else says something different.
From a quiet corner of the grand ballroom, an old man couldn't shake the strange feeling rising in his chest.
Master Ando watched with a furrowed brow.
The moment Shin Keir stepped inside, his eyes hadn't wandered. They remained fixed on a single person.
At first glance, one might think nothing of it. Shin Keir, heir of the powerful Keir Group, dancing with the debutante of the night? A polite gesture, maybe even a favor.
But Master Ando wasn't convinced.
He didn't know Shin Keir well—but he wasn't unfamiliar with him either. Decades in politics, followed by his current seat on the KGG board, had taught him to trust the little instincts others might overlook.
Especially after that odd moment when Shin Keir once asked him about his son, Levi, during a meeting. The question had puzzled him then—but now, the pieces were slowly falling into place.
His son and Yeri were close friends. And Shin had asked whether Levi was dating or engaged.
Was he making sure there was nothing between them?
And out of the many young socialites celebrating their debut this season, Master Ando had never heard of Shin Keir accepting any invitations. Not even from families within their business circles.
Sure, other board members or partners might invite Shin to business events or the occasional gala. But a debut party? That was unheard of.
"What's wrong?" Mrs. Ando asked, noticing her husband staring off in a daze.
Master Ando blinked and shook his head, already deciding he'd speak to his son later—not to cross any lines, just in case.
Even if it was all speculation, it was better to stay cautious than offend Shin Keir.
"You should go change," Yeri said quietly, glancing at her cousin still standing nearby.
Venice bit her lower lip, her gaze sharp, but she turned and left with stiff shoulders and narrowed eyes.
The party carried on, filled with laughter and chatter, but Yeri found it difficult to stay close to Shin Keir. Her instinct told her to slip away, just for a breath of air, but somehow—he kept hovering nearby. Either he didn't notice her discomfort, or he was pretending not to.
Then out of nowhere, he asked, "Can I take a picture with your dog?"
"Huh?" Yeri blinked, staring at him like he was speaking dog. She still didn't understand why he was giving Carpet so much attention.
"I got it," Tristan said smoothly, pulling out his phone. "Actually, let's get one with the star of the night too."
"Yeah, dear elder brother, don't just favor the dog," Saeki chimed in, effortlessly playing along.
Even Nina, clearly convinced that Yeri and Shin were dating, gleefully pushed them closer together. "Come on, it'll look cute!"
Yeri opened her mouth to protest—but no words came. How had this turned into a mini photo shoot?
Tristan snapped a few great shots of them: one of Shin crouched next to Carpet, another with all three of them, and then several more with the rest of their group so nothing would seem too suspicious.
Guests eagerly joined in the fun. After all, who wouldn't want a photo with such high-profile figures? It was the perfect memento.
Then came an unexpected twist.
Someone stumbled into Tristan. A delicate girl with wide eyes and long lashes quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry! I'm still getting used to my new contact lenses..."
Yeri raised a brow with interest.
That was no accident.
She watched, stunned, as the girl tried to act cute while brushing invisible dust from her dress while sneaking glances at Tristan. Her ears turned red, and her face matched the color of her dress.
Tristan, ever the gentleman, gave her one of his signature charming smiles. "It's fine."
The girl looked like she might melt into the floor.
It was clear that with these prominent men around, people were suddenly getting 'creative'—looking for ways to catch their attention.
She thought her party would be boring. Predictable. Exhausting. But with all this unexpected drama? It was turning into a show.
Except for Shin Keir, of course. He stood off to the side, silent as ever, with Carpet at his feet like a tiny golden hostage.
"Young Master Keir really likes dogs," a bold girl suddenly approached, smiling brightly. "I have a golden retriever too!" She pulled out her phone and eagerly showed him a picture. "This is Mochi—she just turned two!"
Shin glanced at the photo. "Cute," he said flatly.
Yeri watched the girl's face brighten. Clearly, she hadn't come to talk about dogs—she just wanted a topic he wouldn't immediately shut down.
Just as she began another sentence, Shin suddenly turned to Yeri. "I'm hungry."
There was a long buffet, a dessert table that could feed an army, and waiters constantly offering hors d'oeuvres.
What did he want her to do? Summon a five-course meal out of thin air?
He just kept staring.
That expressionless face, slightly tilted head, and sharp eyes locked onto her like she was supposed to understand some secret code.
Yeri squinted at him, lips twitching in disbelief.
Was this guy seriously using hunger as an excuse to escape the girl?
Unbelievable. This jerk!
Before she could say anything, Madam Zhi appeared beside her with perfect timing. "Princess, it's time to cut your cake."
Yeri let out a silent sigh of relief. "Coming," she said quickly, eager for the distraction.
As she walked off, Shin smoothly turned to follow, Carpet trotting beside him like he had no choice.
The hopeful girl was left mid-sentence, blinking in confusion.
The ballroom lights dimmed slightly as a towering cake was wheeled into the center of the room, adorned with soft pink frosting, delicate sugar flowers, and flickering golden candles. A soft melody began to play as guests circled around, murmuring in admiration.
Madam Zhi beamed beside Yeri, whispering a quick reminder to smile and keep her posture straight. Yeri nodded, feeling the weight of so many eyes.
The MC cleared his throat. "And now, our lovely debutante will cut her birthday cake. Let's all count together!"
The room chimed in, "Three... two... one!"
Yeri raised the silver cake knife, her fingers trembled just a little. Maybe it was the pressure. Or the fact that he was standing in front, so near.
She sliced through the first layer of the cake to thunderous applause and camera flashes.
People clapped, cheered, and music swelled. Madam Zhi kissed her on the cheek and whispered something about good fortune and marriage prospects.
Yeri tried to laugh but her head spun slightly. Was it from the lights, the nerves... or the third glass of champagne she'd accidentally finished?
Since he couldn't wait to annoy her, then he wouldn't mind if she'd do the same, right?
Yeri handed some pieces of cake and took this opportunity, shoving a piece of cake into Shin's hand. "Here. You like sweets, right? I saw you eyeing the dessert table earlier."
A twitch at the corner of his mouth—something dangerously close to a smile—flickered and vanished. "Thank you."
"So you like sweets?"
But he accepted the cake anyway.
The party finally wound down without further drama, scandals, or fainting guests. By the time the last of the well-wishers left and the hotel staff began clearing trays, Yeri had already slipped off her heels and was leaning heavily on Nina as they made their way back to the suite.
Her parents stayed behind in the ballroom, busy thanking the departing guests, shaking hands, and posing for photos with friends and investors.
Yeri stumbled slightly as they reached the room.
"My head hurts..." she groaned, collapsing onto the plush sofa like a forgotten marionette.
"That's what champagne does," Nina muttered, kicking off her own heels and heading to the mini fridge. "Drink some water and go to sleep. It's already past midnight."
Yeri reached out dramatically for the glass Nina handed her. "You're my only true friend."
"You say that every time you drink."
Yeri took a big gulp of water, then looked around, blinking. "Where's Carpet?"
"Don't worry, he's with your parents. Who would've thought Young Master Keir would be so into your dog?" Nina's voice took on an excited lilt.
Yeri groaned, covering her face with a throw pillow. "Please. We broke up a week ago."
"Wait, what?" Nina froze mid-stretch, eyes gleaming. "You never told me! What happened?! Spill it, don't try to lie!"
Yeri peeked out from behind the pillow, her voice slurred slightly from the wine. "Turns out he has a fiancée. Some old-fashioned family alliance thing. You know how it is with families like his—marriage, mergers, connections... It's all one big business transaction."
Nina's lips parted in shock. "No way. He doesn't seem like the type who'd just go along with that."