The morning broke with chaos.
Social media was on fire again — this time, with new photos.
> "Spotted: Lian Yue and Rian Zhao on a secret dinner date."
"Zhao heir spoils fiancée with private restaurant night."
"Business alliance or real love?"
Every major outlet replayed the images: Yue stepping out of Rian's car, the flicker of candlelight behind the restaurant windows, and the faint smile on her lips as she walked beside him.
In the Lian mansion, Chairman Lian Cheng tossed the newspaper onto the table.
"So it's true," he muttered. "The media's already treating this as an engagement."
Across from him, Lian Yue sat calmly, sipping her tea.
"Shouldn't that be a good thing, Father?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it is — but the Zhao family might see it as improper before the formal meeting."
She smiled faintly. "Then let's give them something proper to talk about."
---
At Zhao Mansion
Rian Zhao's father, Zhao Ren, placed the same newspaper on his desk.
"You two are already all over the media. At least your fiancée has class."
Rian said nothing, his expression unreadable.
His mother chuckled. "She's beautiful and intelligent. If you're not careful, she might outsmart you."
"She already has," Rian replied quietly, glancing at the photo where Yue was smiling. "And she enjoys it."
His father's tone softened. "The Lians called. They wish to hold the formal gift and bride price exchange tonight."
Rian nodded. "I'll be there."
---
The Meeting
That evening, the Zhao family arrived at the Lian mansion.
The atmosphere shimmered with quiet grandeur — silk-draped tables, gold-trimmed tea sets, and servants gliding gracefully through the hall.
Lian Yue entered with perfect poise, her soft blue gown flowing like water.
Rian's gaze followed her instantly — calm but magnetic.
Their fathers exchanged polite smiles. "Chairman Lian, your daughter is truly exceptional," Zhao Ren said warmly.
"And your son," Lian Cheng replied, "has proven to be both capable and protective. I couldn't have chosen better."
The mothers exchanged approving glances as gifts were presented:
A jade hairpin carved by Zhao artisans.
A red silk box containing gold coins and a family heirloom ring.
An antique scroll with the Zhao family blessing.
Lian Yue bowed gracefully as she received them. "I will cherish these."
Then, one of the Zhao attendants stepped forward and placed a velvet box before her — smaller than the rest.
When she opened it, inside was a bracelet of silver and moonstone, simple yet elegant.
"From me," Rian said quietly.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Yue looked up at him. "It's beautiful."
"It suits you," he replied.
---
Meanwhile
Wei Jun sat in his car outside the mansion, staring at the glowing windows with hatred burning in his chest.
Inside, Lin Xinya was beside him, clutching her phone.
"They're really going through with it," she whispered. "After everything…"
Wei Jun slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "She thinks she's won. But she hasn't seen the last of me."
Lin Xinya's lips curled slightly. Neither have you, she thought silently.
---
Back Inside
As the meeting ended, the parents toasted the upcoming ceremony with fine wine.
Rian leaned slightly toward Yue.
"You handled the scandal well," he said.
"I've had practice," she replied lightly. "People have been trying to destroy me since I was sixteen."
His gaze softened for a moment. "Then let them try. They'll find I don't break easily either."
Their eyes met — power recognizing power, fire meeting calm.
Outside, the moon rose high over the mansion, its silver light falling on two people who, whether they admitted it or not, were slowly being drawn together by fate and revenge alike.
> And in the shadows, two enemies plotted their next move.