CHAPTER 43: BEYOND HUMAN 5

’How can someone have this much mana?’ Ivan’s brow twitched. ’Is he one of them? An outsider?’

The idea made his stomach twist.

It wasn’t a term used lightly.

Outsiders were people who pushed past human limits—through drugs, experiments, or altered genes.

They were in a league of their own. To most people, Outsiders were nothing more than rumors—excuses for freaks of nature.

But he knew better.

By some standards, Ivan fit the label too. He could see energy he called ’Mana’, and his thinking was faster than most.

That’s why he noticed the difference immediately.

Everyone else in the ballroom glowed like candlelight while Terrence burned like a bonfire.

The gap outrageous.

No one in this room, even the trained bodyguards—should’ve had that much mana, not unless they’d reached a level of superhumans.

’What is this feeling?’ Terrence wondered to himself.

Someone was using an optical technique to size him up—it was subtle, barely detectable. But he picked up on it right away.

He turned his head, and their eyes met

Ivan’s hand trembled.

The man dancing with his daughter could massacre everyone in this place without breaking a sweat.

’Should I call for security?’ Ivan hesitated. ’No... if we agitate him, he might actually do something.’

Better to stay calm. Better not to provoke a sleeping beast.

Terrence broke the awkward stare with a small smile.

Ivan nodded. They both knew that there was no need to cause a scene.

They would talk later, somewhere more private.

Anna moved in closer. Her hand slid up and rested gently on his neck, fingers brushing the edge of his collar.

The touch felt too personal—more than just a friendly dance.

She leaned in. Their lips were just inches apart.

For a second, it looked like she might kiss him, and everyone else thought so too.

People around them started slowing down. Some stopped dancing entirely.

Her bold move drew attention. A few younger men watched with jealousy.

They admired Anna too, but she had never spared them a glance, even though they came from wealthy, well-connected families.

In the corner, Emily struggled to keep her composure

Her smile was still there, but it was forced. She held her glass so tight her fingers started to shake.

Anna wasn’t just dancing. She was making a statement.

With her hand on Terrence’s neck and her face so close, she was basically telling the whole room, ’He’s mine now.’

It was bold. Too bold.

Her expression didn’t go unnoticed by the other guests.

Many looked curious. Others looked smug, waiting to see how she would respond.

She hated it.

She hated being made a fool of in public—especially like this.

Still, she didn’t storm over. Not yet.

Emily took a slow sip of her drink and forced a calm breath.

But deep down, her thoughts were anything but calm.

’What is she trying to prove?’

’Did she have to go this far just to embarrass me?’

’Is he really going to let this happen?’

If things don’t change, he would soon find out why no one crossed the daughter of a construction empire.

In the center, Terrence started to feel uneasy with all the eyes on them.

"You’re causing a scene," he said under his breath.

Anna leaned in, close enough that her lips nearly touched his ear . "I know... Isn’t this fun?"

Terrence kept his expression firm. "Are you still angry that I ignored you? Is this your way of getting back at me?"

"Mm." Her fingers moved slowly along the back of his neck. "I’m not sure... but something about you talking to Emily really gets under my skin. Is this what jealousy feels like?"

"Jealous?" He shook his head.

If only all women were as understanding as Effie.

Her eyes stayed locked on his, her body barely an inch away. "Usually, I’m the one being chased. Not the one chasing.

Terrence gave a short laugh. "And now you’re dancing with someone else’s date in front of a hundred people."

"Your point?" she teased, raising a brow.

"I’m starting to think you enjoy stirring the pot."

"I do," she said without hesitation. "But only when it comes to people I like very much..."

Anna leaned in just enough for her breath to brush his cheek. "So... does this bother you?"

Terrence didn’t answer right away. His eyes drifted to the corner of the room.

Emily stood stiff, holding her drink like a weapon that could shatter at any moment.

He looked back at Anna. "I’ll play with you later. How about you cut me some slack for now?"

She smirked, but her grip didn’t loosen. "Fine... but don’t make me wait too long."

Her hand slipped away slowly, like she wanted him to feel it.

Then, without another word, they stepped apart and walked back .

"Thanks for letting me borrow your date... I enjoyed it," she added more fuel to the fire before walking away.

As for Terrence, he stayed quiet. In moments like this, staying silent was safer than saying the wrong thing.

"Everyone, please turn your attention to the stage. The charity auction will begin shortly," the hostess announced, signaling the start of the event.

Everyone slowly made their way to their assigned tables as the lights dimmed and soft music played in the background.

Waiters moved around, topping off wine glasses and adjusting place settings.

Terrence kept his distance as they left the floor. Emily didn’t say a word, and he didn’t try to break the silence.

They reached her family’s table near the front. Being late worked in his favor. None of them saw what the dance.

All of them shared the same deep chestnut hair, making it obvious they were related.

Looking down, he saw a large table draped in white and gold linen, with name cards neatly placed around crystal plates.

Emily’s mother, Mary, gave him a warm smile. "You must be Terrence. My daughter told us about you."

She spoke kindly, but she was already evaluating him like any protective mother would.

He gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you, ma’am."

But not everyone at the table shared her energy.

Her father, Edwin, sat at the end of the table, back straight, arms crossed. He didn’t say anything.

Emily’s older brother, Erick, leaned back in his chair with that same look—the kind that said, You don’t belong here.

They didn’t say anything rude, but the silence said plenty.

He took his seat beside Emily, and just as luck would have it , Anna’s table was right beside them, she smiled and wave her hand .

This caught Emily’s father’s attention.

"Do you know Dr. Anna and Dr. Ivan?"

Terrence nodded slightly. "We live in the same building."

He felt a sharp nudge against his leg. It was Emily.

She didn’t say anything, but the message was clear. She didn’t like that answer one bit.

"Oh.... so you’re close friends?" Edwin asked, watching him firmly.

Terrence shook his head. "Not really. We just run into each other now and then."

Just as he finished speaking, Anna stood up and walked over with a gentle expression.

"Good evening, Mr. Dame, Mrs. Dame," she greeted politely.

They acknowledged her with a smile.

All was going smoothly until she leaned in and rested her hand on Terrence’s shoulder intimately.

"Would it be alright if I borrowed him for a moment? I’d like to introduce him to my father."