---
The next morning, the gentle rays of sunlight filtered through the sheer white curtains of Lin Yue's new home.
The air was crisp, and the faint scent of morning dew drifted in from the garden.
She was curled up on the couch, a light beige throw over her legs, absentmindedly peeling an orange as the soft hum of the TV filled the room.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Mo Yuwei: "Found some places. Perfect spots for a painting gallery. Want to check it out?"
Lin Yue smiled, her heart warming at the gesture. She really never stops helping me...
She quickly typed back: "Yes, thank you so much. I'll come tomorrow."
---
She was just about to toss another orange slice into her mouth when her phone buzzed again—this time with a call.
The number was unfamiliar.
She stared at it, her perfectly shaped eyebrows knitting.
For a moment, she hesitated.
Then curiosity got the better of her, and she accepted the call.
Before she could even bring the phone fully to her ear, a shrill voice screamed through the speaker:
"LIN YUE!!"
She instinctively pulled the phone away.
That voice was unmistakable.
Lin Xingyan.
Her 'sister'.
She exhaled through her nose, calm settling into her expression like a mask.
What did she want?
She didn't respond.
"What are you doing?!" Xingyan's voice spat through the line.
Lin Yue narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"What do you mean by sending people to our home? They barged in demanding Mom and Dad to remove your name from the household registry. Are you insane?!"
Lin Yue sighed, brushing a slice of orange against her lips before popping it in her mouth.
She chewed slowly, the sweetness bursting in her mouth making her squint her eyes adorably.
Calmly, she replied, "Didn't we already cut ties? Your father signed the severance agreement himself. Why would I still be in your registry if I have no relationship with you people?"
The silence on the other end was thick and furious.
"So this is how you want it to be? You're burning bridges, Lin Yue. You'll regret it."
Lin Yue's lips quirked slightly. "I'm not burning anything. I'm just cleaning up the ashes."
And with that, she ended the call then blocking the number.
She didn't want to be tied to unnecessary and unimportant people.
She placed her phone on the coffee table, picked up another orange slice, and leaned back into the couch.
The peace of her new life wasn't going to be disturbed by ghosts of a family that never treated her like one of their own.
Let them be angry, she thought.
---
Capital – Liang Mansion
The grand living room of the Liang mansion exuded silent luxury.
Tall ceilings, gilded chandeliers, and deep mahogany furniture created a regal atmosphere.
Sunlight streamed in through tall windows, casting gold against the polished marble floor.
Liang Yexuan sat on a sleek leather couch, dressed in a casual black shirt and tailored slacks.
He looked calm, even relaxed, but the cold sharpness in his eyes betrayed the mask.
His mother and father sat nearby, composed and elegant, as always.
Across from them sat a couple. They were the Su couple—well-dressed and practiced in their civility. Beside them sat their daughter, Su Meilin.
Meilin was undoubtedly beautiful. Her makeup was immaculate, and her long wavy hair tumbled over her shoulder like silk.
She watched Liang Yexuan with hopeful eyes, but he did give her a glance.
And at the center of the room, commanding presence with a single glance, sat Old Master Liang, who was looking over at his grandson. "Yexuan, how are you feeling today?"
---
He'd learnt yesterday from a servant that Liang Yexuan had not been on any business trip.
He'd been attacked. He'd rushed here immediately and scolded his son and wife.
How dare they lie to him?
But he knew it was for his own good.
Because of he'd heard of the news of his disappearance, he would have no doubt fallen seriously ill.
He was relieved when he saw his grandson well.
---
Liang Yexuan responded with a cool nod. "Better."
"That's good. Rest is important."
Meilin took the moment to rise gracefully and walk to his side.
She takes a glass of water from the nearby table and hands him with a soft smile. "Yexuan, you should stay hydrated. The doctor said—"
He didn't even glance at her.
She hesitated for a beat, her smile faltering, then placed the glass down on the table.
An awkward silence spread for a breath.
Meilin slowly walked back and sat next to her mother.
Mr. Su and his wife exchanged glances, silent tension thickening the air.
Mrs. Su whispered patting her hand to comfort her, "He must be tired. Don't worry."
"Yes, yes. He's been through a lot," Mr. Su echoed, his voice almost strained.
Though they tried to maintain dignity, the truth was clear: Liang Yexuan had never cared for their daughter.
Still, to be aligned with the Liang family meant influence beyond imagination.
They wouldn't give up so easily.
The old man's gaze sharpened. "Yexuan, why are you ignoring your fiancée? Meilin came here personally to see you."
Liang Yexuan leaned back, resting his arm on the couch's edge.
"I'm just tired," he replied.
Meilin jumped in quickly, her voice syrupy sweet. "Grandfather, don't worry. Yexuan must still be exhausted. I understand."
She looked at Liang Yexuan, curling her fingers into fists.
In her mind, she couldn't understand why he never gave her the time of day.
She had everything other women envied: beauty, wealth, charm.
But none of it worked on Liang Yexuan.
Not a bit.
It was infuriating.
But she swore to make him love her.
No matter what.
He was only hers.
He could only be hers.
---
Without another word, Liang Yexuan stood.
The room fell into silence.
His father opened his mouth, but the younger man was already walking out.
Outside, in the long corridor flanked with glass walls and bonsai plants, Jin Shu stood waiting, dressed smartly in a grey suit.
Liang Yexuan approached him.
"Inform the executives. Meeting tomorrow."
Jin Shu hesitated. "Sir, you're still recovering—"
Liang Yexuan turned slowly, eyes glinting like sharpened steel.
Jin Shu swallowed. "Understood. I'll notify them."
Liang Yexuan turned away again, hands in his pockets as he walked to the end of the corridor.
The sunlight hit his frame just right, casting long shadows behind him.
---