After a full day of shopping at the mall, Robin wheeled Celine to the 1996 single women's celebration. Celine unexpectedly ran into Adam and his group, and overheard their mocking remarks.

She recognized them from previous encounters; they were part of Adam's social circle. Tenmi, in particular, was one of Adam's closest friends. Back when Adam and Carly were romantically involved, everyone in the group adored Carly; Benjamin even treated her like Adam's wife.

In the past three years, Celine had been unable to integrate into their group. They openly displayed their disdain for her, labeling her "desperate replacement bride," "ugly duckling," and "country bumpkin." She felt that because Adam hadn't loved her, his friends didn't respect her.

Robin's temper flared. "I'm going to tear them apart!" she exclaimed, rolling up her sleeves. Celine grabbed her firmly. "Let go, Robin. I'm divorced now. They're not worth it."

Celine's calm demeanor helped Robin regain control. As more people began to notice Celine, calling her an angel, Robin's mood brightened. "Let's go. Time for a singles party!"

Helen led them to a liquor booth. She waved dramatically. "Bring me all your male escorts!"

At Adam's booth, Benjamin and the others were still mocking Celine when they felt a sharp, icy gaze upon them. They looked up to see Adam, lazily lifting his champagne glass to regard them. His expression was cold, displeased, and warning.

Their laughter froze. No one dared to speak another word about Celine. Benjamin glanced at Adam. Even though Adam had seemingly ignored Celine, she had cared for him tirelessly for three years. Clearly, Adam still harbored some sentiment for her.

Just then, excitement rippled through the crowd. "Such a beautiful angel!"

"Angel? Where?"

Benjamin's jaw dropped. "Holy crap! That really is an angel!"

The others were equally amazed. "When did an angel arrive in Mercity? And how come we've never seen her before?"

Benjamin tugged at Adam's sleeve. "Adam, look at that angel!"

Adam, a seasoned city dweller accustomed to various types of women, wasn't initially interested. However, Celine's booth was directly opposite his. The moment he looked up, his eyes landed on her.

Celine had removed her thick-rimmed glasses, shedding her usual dullness. Her face was radiant, her striking features exuding a fresh, ethereal elegance. With her silky hair cascading over her shoulders, she looked like a breathtaking angel.

Adam's gaze lingered for two full seconds.

Benjamin was clearly thrilled. "What do you think of that angel, Adam?"

One of the scions remarked, "Mr. Alvarez won't be impressed. His type is more of a sweet beauty like Carly, not this cool, angelic type."

"Yeah, but check out her legs! Those could definitely compete with Carly's," another added.

Celine, departing from her usual conservative style, wore a chic, short tweed dress that showcased her legs. They were perfectly shaped, proportionate, and captivating—the kind of legs that ignited men's imaginations, rivaling Carly's.

Adam glanced at the "angel" for two seconds and felt a strange sense of familiarity. He felt he had seen her somewhere before.

Just then, a group of tall, attractive male escorts entered, lining up in front of Celine.

Robin grinned. "Celine, pick right."

Celebrating her newfound freedom, Celine decided to go all out. "You, you, you stay!"

Benjamin counted under his breath. "One, two, three right. Did she just pick eight escorts at once?"

One of the scions chimed in, "Why spend the money? All she has to do is bask, and we'd happily volunteer for free!"

Laughter filled the booth.

At that moment, Adam's phone buzzed. It was a new transaction message. He checked it: "Dear VVIP, your card ending in 0975 has been charged $50,000 at Club 1996 for eight escorts."

Adam frowned, rereading "eight escorts" before snapping his gaze back to the angel across the room. The angel who had just splurged on eight escorts was Celine!

Adam was speechless.

Eight escorts surrounded Celine, pouring her drinks. "Ladies, let's play a drinking game!" Robin exclaimed, "Hell yeah! Let's do it!"

Celine lost the first round. An escort leaned in, holding a glass to her lips. "Here, let me help you drink."

The other escorts protested. "Why him? You drank his drink but not ours? Let us feed you too!" Celine felt overwhelmed by the eager attention.

Across the room, Adam's eyes narrowed dangerously. His jaw tightened as he stood and headed straight for Celine's booth.

Celine was sipping her drink when a strong hand grabbed her wrist. He lifted her off the couch effortlessly.

Shocked, she looked up and saw Adam's face. She struggled to free herself. "Let go of me, Adam!"

Adam's expression was cold. He forcefully pulled her away.

Robin jumped up. "Hey Adam! What are you doing? Let go of Celine!"

Adam's companions were stunned, wondering if they were hallucinating. "Is this the same Celine we've always known? The ugly duckling? She's actually gorgeous?"

Benjamin watched as Adam dragged the stunning figure away. Celine had transformed into a breathtaking angel the moment she left Adam.

Adam's grip was unyielding. His strong hand was like a shackle. Despite her struggles, she couldn't break free. His long strides forced her to stumble along behind him.

"Let me go, Adam!" she shouted.

Then, Adam spun her around, pinning her delicate back against a cold wall. His imposing figure trapped her. Leaning in, he growled, "Do you think I'm dead, Celine Tate? You're actually out here flirting with other men?"