Daddy CEO's Beloved Wife-Chapter 587: Gathering

The banquet hall sparkled like a palace.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the domed ceiling, twinkling with warm golden light across the polished floors. Long tables stretched across the hall, with luxuriously dressed guests sitting on some chairs while others stood with wine and champagne glasses in hand.

The entrance to the banquet did not stop pouring in more guests. They wore tailored suits and beautiful gowns, walking with graceful steps as they plastered fake and genuine smiles on their lips.

Although there were some differences in their races and countries where they came from, one thing was in common. Every single person here carried power. Some ruled cities. Some controlled markets and industries. Others decided whether a nation could thrive or collapse with a single phone call.

They greeted one another like old friends.

At the head of the hall, several figures stood out immediately. Catching the attention of the other guests, daring them to go and greet them amiably and respectfully.

A broad-shouldered man with dark hair spoke animatedly to a group near the wine table. He was known for his philanthropic activities, his name renowned in papers and magazines for helping out hospitals and schools. But only a few people knew that his wealth was built on arms trafficking using the facilities he had donated to.

Nearby, a woman in a black silk gown twirled a lock of her hair between her fingers. Her red lips curved in a knowing smile as her voluptuous figure had stalled some men and gave her a long stare. But she didn't come here as an escort. On the contrary, she ran an international shipping empire. But untraceable routes and unregistered cargo were her real specialty.

And then there were others. Their watchful eyes and quiet demeanor made them unnoticeable. However, they didn't lack the power that others have.

But despite this, everyone had come here for the same reason.

The Feast.

"Everything is prepared," one man murmured, lifting his glass in the air. "Tonight's gathering should be… unforgettable."

Several people clapped in excitement while some chuckled in agreement.

At the far end of the hall, concealed by a half-open balcony door, a man stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was composed, his posture impeccable, but the storm that swirled in his eyes made him cold and unapproachable.

Time was running out.

And he knew this.

…

Ran Xueyi was brought to a room upstairs.

She didn't resist after getting her feet unbound. But soon after she was released from the cage, she was blindfolded and dragged by both arms, unable to see where they had taken her.

She countered her steps, the corners they took, and even the scent that lingered. But nothing seemed notable to her. Thus, she gave up and let them drag her.

As soon as they stopped, Lu Chengyu, who was tasked with escorting her, didn't follow inside. He didn't say a word, but he made sure that two women who escorted her down a quiet corridor far from the banquet hall would replace him.

Ran Xueyi heard the door open, and she was pushed inside by one of the women.

They instructed her to stand and not do anything else.

Still blindfold, Ran Xueyi let them fuss around her. But she didn't let her senses become clouded. Instead, she focused on her surroundings. Aside from the two women who were with her, there were no other movements. Ran Xueyi concluded that there were no other people inside the room.

"Clean her," one of the women said coldly. "She has to be spotless when I return."

The door closed.

The room was washed in silence. But Ran Xueyi didn't dare think there was no one with her.

Before she could react, hands were on her wrists, guiding her toward what she suspected was a bathroom. The other woman was swift in her actions, but meticulous.

Warm water poured over her skin moments later.

Ran Xueyi stiffened as the water soaked through her clothes, clinging to her body. Her fingers curled as she had an urge to pounce on whoever had their hands on her.

But she clenched her teeth, forcing herself to breathe evenly to calm herself.

"It's good that you're not resisting."

She heard the woman.

Ran Xueyi didn't say anything.

But the woman continued, "Other women have resisted and tried to attack me. Some I have tackled down myself and punished. But those who escaped didn't get too far. Do you know why?"

"There are guards outside the room," Ran Xueyi replied after a moment.

The woman rubbed her skin raw, showing no gentleness in her act.

"Smart," the woman commented. "You're not entirely wrong. Aside from the door, the hallway is filled with armed guards. Even if you can escape from me and the door, you'll still be returned here."

Ran Xueyi didn't reply anymore.

The blindfold was removed, startling her with the sudden light that entered her eyes.

Water filled her eyes as she blinked them away. But before she could recover, the woman started to scrub away the grime and dirt on her face and body.

When the woman was done, she wrapped Ran Xueyi in a towel and guided her back into the room.

On the bed lay the dress.

Could it even be called a 'dress?'

It was a pale white short dress made of a fabric so thin it barely qualified as clothing. It shimmered faintly in the light. The dress left little to the imagination.

Ran Xueyi stared at it.

"This?" she asked quietly.

The woman's expression did not change. "Put it on."

"No," Ran Xueyi shook her head.

"Don't make this harder than it already is for you, Miss," the woman said as she stepped closer.

***

Poisonlily has something to say: Finally back. However, this time, we'll soon be saying goodbye to this novel.

It has been a long journey, and I really appreciate the wait. I hope everyone can join me and watch as this novel's end slowly unravels.