The Hathaway mansion buzzed with the energy of a grand evening celebration of Bruno's birthday.
The sprawling lawn was adorned with fairy lights draped across the hedges and fountains, while elegant jazz music floated through the air, played by a live band stationed in the corner of the grand hall.
Guests—including businessmen, celebrities, some members of the F&F team, and models who were dressed in designer gowns and suits—mingled, their laughter blending with the clinking of champagne glasses.
Bruno Hathaway, however, stood near the entrance of the hall in his best outfit and a new haircut, styled by his exclusive stylist for the birthday spectacle.
A glass of wine swirled in his hand impatiently. His ocean-blue eyes were fixed on the gate entrance as he checked his watch for the fifth time in ten minutes.
"Where is she?" he murmured under his breath, his jaw tightening as he took a sip of wine, trying to calm down and be more patient.
The party was about to start, and the driver he had assigned to Beauty had returned hours ago.
According to the driver, Beauty insisted on arriving at the party in her father's Rolls-Royce.
"Bruno, darling!"
His attention was drawn away by the arrival of a famous actress and a friend of Abigail, adorned in a shimmering silver bodycon gown.
She approached him with a dazzling smile, her eyes seductive with smoky makeup.
"I simply couldn't miss your birthday party. Happy birthday!"
She wanted a hug.
Bruno took her hand politely and offered a tight smile.
"Thank you for coming, Vanessa. I hope you're enjoying the evening."
Vanessa leaned in closer, her fingers lightly brushing his arm.
"Oh, I will. I brought a gift for you..."
Bruno chuckled softly, though his thoughts were elsewhere.
He glanced at his watch again, his smile fading slightly.
"Excuse me, Vanessa. I need to greet some other guests."
He stepped away, his expression growing tense as he moved through the crowd.
F&F business partners from across the globe were present, and he stopped to exchange pleasantries.
"Bruno Hathaway," a gray-haired Asian man in a blue suit called. Bruno recognized him as the CEO of an Asian beauty company.
"Happy birthday, boy! I spoke with your father, and he just told me you are the new CEO. I should discuss business with you from now on."
Bruno was surprised. He hadn't seen that coming—his father handing the company over.
He had to snap out of it.
"Thank you, Mr. Lancaster," Bruno replied, forcing a polite smile. "We'll discuss business on Monday."
"Of course, I will be pleased to work with F&F under new management."
Bruno smiled and impatiently moved away. He caught sight of a group of models near the bar, their eyes trailing after him.
One of them, a tall brunette with piercing green eyes, whispered to the others and started walking toward him.
Bruno rolled his eyes, already aware of what they must be thinking.
The party had already started. Where is Beauty?
A server approached with a tray of hors d'oeuvres.
Bruno waved it away, too restless to eat.
His thoughts were chaotic.
What if she doesn't come? What if something happened?
He took another sip of wine, trying to calm his nerves.
"Bruno."
A voice called behind him.
He turned, looking annoyed, but seeing his sister Abigail gave him relief.
"What's with the face?" she asked.
Bruno sighed, his frustration evident.
"She said she'd be here. She knows how important this night is to me."
Abigail rolled her eyes.
"Well, she is here."
"She is?" His face lit up with a bright smile.
"There's a problem," Abigail added quickly.
"What?" Bruno replied anxiously.
"She... looks different and was nervous you wouldn't like her anymore."
"What do you mean by different? Where is she? She's Beauty; I don't care!"
Abigail tried not to break her composure.
"Outside in the car."
Bruno rushed to the event parking lot, scanning the expensive cars parked there.
"That one," Abigail pointed.
"Thanks."
He replied and went to the car. At the same time, Shelly got out of the car, trying not to scream in excitement when she saw Bruno face-to-face.
They were so close that her heart pounded harder and harder.
The confused look on Bruno's face made Beauty sad. She was still in the car, unknown to Bruno.
She and Jessie were watching the scene, anticipating the prank, but seeing him this helpless made Beauty regretful.
"Beauty?" Bruno murmured.
Shelly nodded slowly.
"Yeah... I understand if you don't want me. You're into chubby women."
"That's not true," Bruno snapped.
"So, you're into slim women?" she asked, staring into his eyes.
Bruno blinked and shook his head.
"That's not what I mean... How... how is this possible? I saw you... this morning, we had... What is going on here? You're not Beauty."
He glanced back at his sister, who shrugged, refusing to help him out.
"Is this some kind of prank?" he laughed nervously.
"It's me," Shelly replied.
"No... you're not. The eyes are not the same."
Shelly made a sad face.
"It's the makeup... that's why. Look, I understand. You find it hard to believe, but—"
Bruno cut in.
"I know makeup. I promise you, there's more to it. I've been staring at her eyes for so long, I can tell these ones are... are... different from hers. The way they stay at me..."
"But I am her. I am Beauty, and I love you, Bruno. Why are you sounding this way?"
"You're not. I'm sorry... I can feel it."
Bruno laughed again, now sweating as he wiped his jaw in discomfort.
"Why not kiss me then? Maybe you can tell that I am really Beauty," Shelly replied.
"Wait, that wasn't part of the prank," Beauty whispered to Jessie.