Julian stood strategically to her front right.
Whenever someone overly eager tried to push close, he blocked them with a warm, impenetrable smile. "My apologies. Serena just returned and is still recovering. If you have business to discuss, you can speak with me."
His tone was perfectly cordial.
Yet anyone intercepted felt a sudden chill run down their spine.
The wider Julian smiled, the more dangerous he felt.
Jerrick took her left flank. Dressed in a stark black suit, he radiated a lethal, militaristic intensity.
If anyone's gaze lingered on Serena for a fraction of a second too long, his predatory eyes snapped toward them.
He didn't say a word.
But the crushing intimidation was enough.
A few young heirs who had considered approaching immediately spun on their heels and fled.
Jasper was the least formal.
Swirling a glass of champagne, he trailed lazily behind her.
He looked relaxed, but his sharp eyes were specifically hunting for anyone who couldn't keep their mouth shut.
Not far away, a bitter voice muttered, "Look at this circus. You'd think she won a global championship the way they're parading her around."
Jasper stopped dead. He slowly turned his gaze toward the speaker, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "If you want the VIP treatment, why don't you try qualifying for the national team first?"
The man, caught red-handed gossiping, flushed deeply.
Jasper's grin widened. "Oh, my mistake. Not just anyone is smart enough to qualify."
A few nearby guests failed to muffle their laughter.
The man's face burned crimson. "Jasper, I was just making an offhand comment."
"And I was just casually destroying you," Jasper drawled lazily. "Why are you so defensive?"
The man was utterly speechless.
Jasper's eyes lit up, and he shot Brianna a thumbs-up. "Nice one, Brianna! You're way more likable than your brother."
Brianna lifted her chin proudly. "Obviously. I'm one of Serena's people."
She practically bounced over to Serena, her excitement vibrating through the air. "Serena, you look so gorgeous tonight! So beautiful that my brother almost stopped breathing earlier."
Serena let out a soft laugh.
Encouraged, Brianna's eyes sparkled. "Oh, and did you see? I just totally roasted someone for you!"
Serena looked at her eager expression and smiled warmly. "You did great."
Brianna beamed, her little canine teeth flashing.
She pumped her fist. "If anyone else dares to say a single bad word about you, I'll destroy them too!"
Serena pinched Brianna's cheek affectionately, as if humoring a child. "Good girl."
Brianna hadn't seen Serena in a while, and now that she was finally reunited with her favorite person, she clung to her arm, refusing to let go.

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