---
Lin Yue looked at the three suited men sitting across from her with calm eyes.
They'd been trailing her for nearly two hours, and even now, they showed no sign of irritation or impatience.
"Speak," she finally said, voice firm but soft.
The men nodded.
The lead man then reached inside his coat and pulled out a small envelope, placing it gently on the table between them.
"Miss Lin, our Young Master has instructed us to express his deepest gratitude. He believes that since you saved his life, you should be properly repaid."
She nodded slowly.
Her fingers then hovered for a second before slowly picking up the envelope.
She opened it carefully, her brows knitting slightly as she pulled out a sleek black bank card.
It shimmered faintly under the restaurant's warm lighting.
"There is no password," the lead man added quickly, as though reading the question in her eyes. "It's ready for use."
Lin Yue took a deep breath, eyes still on the card.
"I see," she said softly.
Her fingers wrapped around the card.
The men exchanged subtle, surprised glances.
When they had approached her before, she had refused with fire in her voice, her entire presence screaming resistance.
They hadn't expected her to agree this time—especially not so easily.
"Please give your Young Master my thanks," she said quietly.
The three men bowed their heads slightly, almost in unison, and left without another word.
She watched them go, her mind reeling with conflicting emotions.
She didn't even realize how tightly she was holding the card until her fingers went numb.
Once they were gone, she looked at the card again.
What did it mean? What was this supposed to say?
Since Liang Yexuan had regained his memories—his identity as the heir to the Liang Conglomerate—something had changed.
She still remembered that day.
The day he sold his only watch, the last thing he had connected to his past. He'd sold it just to secure her future as he'd said.
That man... that man was different.
But now...
Now, he was Liang Yexuan.
The heir to the Liang Conglomerate.
Powerful. Untouchable. Rich.
And far, far away from the world they once shared.
She placed the card into her wallet slowly.
Ah Yan had vanished, leaving behind this... powerful, unreachable man.
She exhaled deeply, shaking the thoughts from her head.
She needed clarity.
She needed answers.
And if she wanted them, she'd have to face everything.
But she was afraid.
Of putting her baby in danger.
---
After a quiet lunch, she left the restaurant and headed home.
Once there, she walked to her living room, where a few new paintings rested against the wall.
She'd painted them last night because all the paintings she'd painted had been bought by the Masters.
She carried them with care to the gallery, thinking of what to do.
She was conflicted.
When she arrived at the gallery, she found it already buzzing with people.
The place was full, and their excited voices reached her ears before she even pushed the door open.
At the gallery, she was greeted by Uncle Song, the kind man who now worked for her.
Mo Yuwei had introduced him since she hadn't had time to put up a post for job vacancies.
"Ah, Xiao Yue! More treasures?" he beamed, his eyes twinkling.
Lin Yue smiled faintly, handing him the rolled-up paintings. "A few new ones."
He took them with both hands, as if holding treasure. "Let me arrange them. There's been a good crowd today. People love your work."
Lin Yue nodded, walking slowly around the gallery as Uncle Song began setting up.
The place was bustling.
Even though it was the second day, it looked like it'd been opened for a few months.
She knew it was the influence of the big shots Masters who came yesterday.
Men and women of all ages walked between displays, admiring her paintings.
Some whispered to one another, others snapped photos, and a few were even negotiating prices with Uncle Song.
The moment Uncle Song unwrapped the first canvas, a hush rippled through the crowd.
A couple moved closer, murmuring appreciation.
Lin Yue watched as her art was received with admiration and awe.
She felt happy.
---
At Liang Conglomerate's towering headquarters, Jin Shu entered the CEO's office with quiet purpose.
The office was sleek and minimalist, sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Liang Yexuan stood by his desk, reviewing a file with a serious cold face.
"Sir," Jin Shu said, setting down another file. "The young lady has accepted the token."
Liang Yexuan didn't flinch. "Good."
He walked over to his laptop, a conference already blinking on screen.
His expression was calm, unreadable.
Jin Shu then gave a curt nod and left.
---
At the gallery, Lin Yue was typing on her phone.
She was replying a message from Mo Yuwei.
"The gallery is trending. Congrats, girl! You did it!"
Uncle Song's voice echoed beside her. "Xiao Yue, the new paintings are already drawing attention."
She turned to look.
He was right.
A small group had gathered around the newly displayed artwork, murmuring in appreciation.
Some were already placing bids.
Her chest swelled with quiet pride.
Then she felt it.
A strange sensation prickled down her spine. A presence.
She turned her head slightly, her eyes scanning the gallery.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone.
A figure stood near the far end of the gallery, wearing a dark coat, a hat pulled low, and a black mask covering the lower half of their face.
Their posture was too still.
Too deliberate.
They weren't admiring the art.
They weren't mingling.
They were watching.
Her.
Lin Yue's heart skipped.
---