Chapter 2

Yan Cheng stared at the agreement as though he could burn through the paper.

His chest heaved. Pride warred visibly with his fear of losing everything.

“Do you have to make this so ugly, Shen Wan?”

I gave a bitter little smile.

“You made it ugly. You trampled my dignity and my family’s beneath that woman’s feet. Now you ask why I’m embarrassing you?”

“I told you, it was a reward!”

“A reward?”

I cut him off.

“When you bought milk tea for everyone, why did she get an extra fifty-two thousand yuan? When everyone got ice cream, why did she get thirty days’ paid leave? Do you really think you can lead me around blindfolded?”

His face paled further with every question.

The details he’d hidden beneath company benefits were suddenly exposed.

“I…”

He couldn’t finish.

I felt no triumph. Only exhaustion.

“Sign.”

I set a pen before him, calm and unyielding.

“Once you do, we can pretend today never happened. Still the public’s model couple.”

“And if I don’t?”

Something vicious flashed in his eyes.

“Then I’ll see you in court tomorrow. We’ll find out how the assets and shares are divided. How many Tears of the Deep do you think the company’s falling stock price will cost you when this breaks?”

That landed.

Yan Group was his life.

He could lose me.

Not the company.

He snatched the pen and signed so violently the nib scored a long line across the paper.

His eyes burned with hatred.

But he signed.

Then he slammed the pen and file onto the table.

“Satisfied? Is it fun, using tricks like this to chain me to you?”

“You don’t get to decide how I feel.”

I picked up the agreement, blew the ink dry, and put it safely in my briefcase.

Then I approached and straightened his crooked tie.

My voice was soft and cold.

“If I find you involved with Bai Weiwei again, I’ll have you thrown out of Yan Group.”

My fingers brushed his neck. His muscles were rigid.

Anger. Helplessness. Fear he hadn’t yet recognized.

“It’s late. Take a shower. We have a board meeting tomorrow. Don’t let them see you looking defeated.”

I turned my back on him.

I knew this had only begun.

He wouldn’t yield easily.

This time, I was ready.

He’d taught me ruthlessness.

The next morning, I rose early, applied my makeup, and put on a perfectly tailored Chanel suit.

The woman in the mirror looked strong and cold. Nothing remained of the pliant wife I’d been.

He was already at breakfast when I came downstairs. Dark circles suggested he hadn’t slept.

His expression flickered at the sight of me. He covered it with a smile.

“Good morning, Wanwan.”

I sat without answering and ate in silence.

The air felt almost solid.

“You’re attending the board meeting this afternoon?”

“Of course. Why would the largest shareholder be absent?”

He exhaled slightly, then ventured, “And… Bai Weiwei’s appointment…”

So that was it.

He intended to promote her to deputy marketing director.

“That needs reconsideration.”

His face darkened.

“Why? Everyone recognizes her ability. She’s brought substantial profit.”

“Has she?”

I set down my cutlery.

“Profit for the company, or emotional satisfaction for you? This company belongs to the Shens as well as the Yans. If I oppose it, it won’t pass.”

“Don’t go too far, Shen Wan.”

His lowered voice carried a threat.

I stood and looked down at him.

“You forced my hand. Either she leaves Yan Group, or we meet in court. Choose.”

I picked up my bag and walked away in my heels without looking back.

The board meeting was stifling.

Beside Yan Cheng, I listened quietly to the reports.

When marketing’s turn came, Bai Weiwei stepped forward in a fitted office dress, red lipstick, and a confident smile.

She had no idea what the day held.

After her presentation, Yan Cheng cleared his throat.

“Assistant Bai Weiwei made an outstanding contribution to securing the Huachuang contract. I propose appointing her deputy director of marketing.”

Murmurs passed around the room.

Everyone knew she was the chief executive’s favorite. No one was surprised.

I tapped the table.

“I object.”

The words landed like a hammer.

Silence.

Yan Cheng’s face darkened. Bai Weiwei looked at me, confusion mixed with fear.

A director spoke.

“Director Shen, we’ve all seen Miss Bai’s ability. This objection seems… inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate?”

I smiled and took a file from my bag.

“Then look at these.”

As the printouts passed from hand to hand, expressions changed.

The evidence I’d gathered was there, supported by invoices and bank statements.

“Ladies and gentlemen.”

My voice was steel.

“Mr. Yan used company money to provide special benefits for an employee. Which financial regulation authorizes that? Or have some of you received similar special treatment?”

Nobody spoke.

“The Huachuang project was initially handled by Marketing Team A. Why did Miss Bai receive all the credit?”

I turned to her.

“Tell us, Miss Bai. How did you persuade President Hua? Over drinks… or in bed?”

The room erupted.

She shook, her face red, unable to speak. Tearfully, she looked to Yan Cheng for help.

This time, he couldn’t even save himself.

Every gaze on them was suspicious.

“Enough!”

He slammed the table and stood.

“This was my fault. She had nothing to do with it. I made every decision!”

He wanted to take the blame for her.

I wasn’t letting him.

“Your personal mistake? Using company funds to keep a mistress is misappropriation. What do you think happens if the securities regulator hears about it?”

He went so pale he nearly stumbled.

I spoke clearly.

“I propose Bai Weiwei’s immediate dismissal, recovery of all improperly obtained assets, and an internal audit of the finances under Yan Cheng’s management. Any objections?”

None.

The room was silent as a tomb.