Myles felt a chill run through his body as he gazed at Seraphina in confusion. Her eyes, the color of deep crimson, were fixed on him in a way that unsettled him. There was something about her stare that sent an uncomfortable shiver down his spine. As he studied her, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. There was something familiar about her presence, a dark aura that reminded him of his own kind. Crush him! Crush him without mercy! Seraphina's hand twitched, but before she could take any action, a firm hand grabbed hers. Warmth spread from the palm of the hand up her arm, sinking deep into her chest. Hatred, rage, and a thirst for revenge swirled within her, but as the warmth seeped through her skin, a flash of clarity washed over her. The darkness faded, replaced by calm, as though a veil had been lifted from her mind. She tilted her head, her gaze lifting to meet the deep concern in the eyes of the man who had intervened. "Are you feeling unwell?" Jason asked. Seraphina shook her head. "I suppose you must be Miss Seraphina of the Whitewood Family. I've heard much about you," Myles remarked, his voice warm, as he extended his hand in a cordial greeting. Seraphina's eyes flickered to his hand, and she smirked. Jason's sharp eyes cut across the scene, and he smirked as well. Myles, understanding the silent warning from Jason, awkwardly withdrew his hand. He couldn't help but marvel at the possessiveness Jason displayed, even over such small gestures as a handshake. This moment made Myles realize just how carefully he needed to tread when dealing with this young woman. She was not someone to be underestimated despite her unassuming appearance. "Recently, I was in Mefreba and acquired some top-tier emeralds from an old mine. If you have time, Mr. Drakon, perhaps you and Miss Seraphina would like to visit my factory? She could pick out a piece that suits her." The offer was clear—an attempt to bribe Jason, a favor disguised as a gift. "I'm not interested in that," Seraphina replied coolly. Her mind, however, was already devising a different plan—one that involved far more than simple pleasantries. Myles persisted, undeterred. "Miss Seraphina, I must say, your skin tone would look absolutely stunning with amethyst. I have a beautiful piece cut from that batch, and I'll have it delivered to your mansion tomorrow." Seraphina tilted her head back slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought. Then, in a soft, almost mischievous voice, she spoke. "Jason, I want to eat that." Jason's heart skipped a beat. The simplicity of the way she addressed him, calling him by name, struck him with unexpected intensity. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. "Okay," he replied simply, his voice low but gentle. Without missing a beat, Jason stood up, swiftly grabbing a plate of food and moving toward her. He picked up a fork and gently fed her a piece of cake. "Open your mouth." Seraphina opened her mouth and took the bite, chewing slowly, savoring the taste. Meanwhile, Myles stood off to the side, awkwardly observing the intimate scene. His presence seemed almost invisible to the pair, who were entirely wrapped up in their private exchange. Around them, the others watched with keen interest, the sight of Jason personally feeding Seraphina sparking whispers and sidelong glances. Many of the women present, particularly the daughters of the wealthy families in the room, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at the sight. Three steps away, Evelyn suddenly found the cake in her mouth far less appetizing. It felt dry, almost suffocating, as though the sweetness had turned to ash in her mouth. Jason asked, "What else would you like to eat?" "I want some fruit juice," Seraphina replied. Jason, without a word, signaled a waiter, who quickly brought over a fresh glass of fruit juice. He handed it to her. Myles, feeling more and more like an outsider in this moment, could do nothing but stand there, unable to break into the private bubble that the two had created. He quietly excused himself, making his departure with as much dignity as he could muster. As soon as Myles was gone, the smile on Seraphina's lips faded. She turned to Jason as he approached with some fruits. "I can't eat anymore. Mr. Drakon, you eat it. Thank you," she said, her voice quiet, though the meaning was clear. If he hadn't stepped in when he did, she knew she might have lost control. The hatred that surged within her had been close to consuming her. She might not have been able to stop herself from doing something irrational. "Mr. Drakon?" Jason raised an eyebrow, the light in his eyes shifting as a playful smile tugged at his lips. "Why don't you call me Jason anymore?" Seraphina felt her cheeks flush at the question. The intensity of his gaze made her shift uncomfortably. There was something in the way he looked at her that seemed to carry a reprimand, a feeling of being used and discarded.