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Su Meilin walked out of Liang Conglomerate with her heels clicking sharply against the floor, her expression blank.
The moment the glass doors shut behind her, she felt the tears she'd been suppressing threaten to spill.
She yanked open the back door of her sleek, black car and slid in, slamming it shut behind her.
She bite her lips to prevent tears from falling.
Jin Shu's words rang in her ears: "The Young Master said he's busy. You can wait if you want."
'Wait if you want?' Her heart twisted painfully. 'Doesn't he see me at all? What have I done wrong? How did he see her?'
The chauffeur glanced at her through the rearview mirror, concern etched on his face. "Miss—"
"What are you staring at?!" she snapped, her voice sharp and trembling.
The driver quickly looked away. "Apologies, Miss."
"Drive to Crystal Palace Club," she commanded coldly.
The driver nodded silently, already familiar with her temper.
As the car pulled away, she gripped her handbag tightly.
Why doesn't he like me? I've done everything. I've waited, I've given him my best. Even today, I stood in line like a commoner for those damn desserts... and he told me to wait if I wanted.
When the car reached the luxurious Crystal Palace Club, she stepped out like a queen despite the storm brewing in her chest.
The bouncers nodded respectfully and let her in immediately as she was a frequent customer.
Inside, lights shimmered like liquid gold. Su Meilin strutted to the counter and tossed her bag onto it. "Give me the 2003 Château Pétrus. Two bottles."
The bartender blinked, startled. "Right away, Miss Su."
Before the second sip touched her lips, three familiar men sauntered over.
They were the notorious young heirs of some powerful families in the city—handsome, arrogant, and rich with nowhere to direct their privilege.
"Sister Lin, what wind blew you here?" one of them, Cheng Shao.
Another slid an arm around her waist. "Long time no see. Still as stunning as ever."
The third whispered close to her ear. "Need company tonight?"
Su Meilin gave them a languid smile. If he doesn't want me, someone will.
She hugged Cheng Shao, then wagged a finger. "Behave yourselves. If I get photographed, I'll ruin all three of you."
"Let's go somewhere more private," said Zhen, eyes glinting with lust.
They laughed and followed her to her private VIP room upstairs—her usual private lounge—lavishly furnished, dimly lit, soundproof.
As the door shut behind them, their laughter turned into low murmurs.
Hands found her skin; lips found her collarbone.
One man unzipped her dress, another tugged it from her shoulders. The third cupped her face gently, concern flickering in his eyes. "What's wrong, Linlin? Who made you this sad?"
She knocked back a shot and glared. "Don't ask questions you shouldn't. Just... make me forget."
And they did.
The moment that followed was steamy, blurred in alcohol and emotion.
They laid her on the long mahogany table, caressing every inch of her.
She let them.
On the desk, on the plush couch. Her world blurred in alcohol and skin and heat.
The pain inside her needed an outlet, and their touch numbed it.
---
That evening, Lin Yue walked out of the Liang building, her small backpack slung over her shoulder.
The sun was just beginning to set, casting soft gold across the city streets.
The events of the day had drained her, but she'd endured. For the baby. For the truth.
As she approached the bus stop, she heard someone call her name.
"Lin Yue!"
She turned and saw Ma Zhen jogging toward her with a warm smile.
He stopped beside her, smiling slightly. "Heading home?"
She nodded. "Yes. Just catching the next bus."
"Same here," he said, adjusting his satchel. "Mind if I walk with you?"
She smiled faintly. "Not at all."
They walked in silence for a few minutes, the sound of city life around them.
"So... first day," Ma Zhen asked looking at her. "How did it go?"
Lin Yue thought of the countless moments she almost broke—when she saw Liang Yexuan pass by with executives as he pointed at some documents, when his gaze moved right past her like she was invisible, like she meant nothing.
She smiled faintly, forcing her voice to remain light. "It wasn't bad."
Ma Zhen nodded. "You'll get used to it. The workload will increase soon. The project deadline is tight—five months."
"I understand," she replied softly, hugging her bag tighter.
They didn't talk much after that. It was a silence that wasn't awkward—just heavy with unspoken things.
---
Inside the sleek, dark vehicle, Liang Yexuan sat silently in the back seat.
The low hum of the engine and the soft music did little to ease the pressure in his head.
The documents on his lap remained unread as the vehicle glided smoothly through the evening traffic.
He stared blankly outside the tinted window.
People walked past, some laughing, others rushing to their destinations.
His phone buzzed with messages, but he ignored them.
Then suddenly...
His brows furrowed.
That silhouette...
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