"Mr. Lin," she said, brushing stray hair from her face, "I know you care about Hong Yi. You've been loyal to him since we were married."
He blinked, slightly thrown off by the sudden shift.
"But don't suspect me too much," she added, her tone cooling. "You don't need to concern yourself with me. I don't want to be involved with Hong Yi again."
Mr. Lin studied her carefully.
Her eyes were cold.
Her voice steady.
Her walls higher than ever.
"Very well," he said finally.
She gave a small nod — a gesture that meant conversation over — and walked away.
Leaving Mr. Lin standing alone, brows furrowed as a deep, uneasy thought settled in his mind:
If she truly didn't want to be involved…
why did she stay here ?
---
Inside the Guest Room
Haoyu sat on the bed swinging his legs, holding his little backpack in his lap.
The moment Xiamen entered, his eyes lit up.
"Mom!" he called, running to her. "I want to go to the fair! You said we'd go… but you forgot Xiamen knelt in front of him, guilt tightening her throat.
"I'm sorry, baby," she whispered, brushing his cheek. "Today was… complicated."
Haoyu's lips turned into a tiny pout, but only for a moment.
"Then we go next time?" he asked.
"Yes," she promised, kissing his forehead. "Sometime soon."
He brightened instantly, his disappointment forgotten.
Then he tugged her hand.
"Mom, can I go to Mr. Hong Yi's company?"
Xiamen froze.
"What…?"
"You said he has a big building! And unicorn ice cream in the café!"
Xiamen blinked.
She definitely never said that.
She exhaled slowly.
"Alright," she said at last. "But only with a maid"
Haoyu nodded eagerly. "Yay!"
---
Outside the Room
Xiamen was waiting.
Calm. Silent. Hands behind her back.
Hong Yi met his eyes for a split second.
Just enough to feel a sharp ache in her chest.
"Haoyu wants to see your company," she said quietly.
Hong yi gave a small nod. "I'll make arrangements."
"No," she said quickly. "No need ,. Just the maid."
A muscle in his jaw tightened, but he didn't argue.
He understood.
He turned to the maid.
"Take him through the safe route. Show him the gardens, the café, the lobby. And…"
His eyes darkened.
"Stay away from the front gates."
"Yes, Young Master."
Haoyu rushed out excitedly with the maid, leaving the two adults alone in the hallway.
Xiamen crossed her arms.
"You think it's safe?" she asked.
Hong yi looked at her — really looked — the way he always did when he was trying to hide the fact that he still cared more than he should.
"As long as I'm here," he said quietly, "nothing will harm him." i know you care your son more than yourself
Xiamen heart pounded painfully.
She turned away before the warmth in her chest turned into something dangerous.
"Good," she said coldly. "Then keep your promises."
And she left.
---
Outside the Company Building
The maid led Haoyu through the path surrounded by flowers, fountains, and glass walkways.
Haoyu gasped, eyes sparkling.
But what neither the maid nor Haoyu noticed…
…was the black car parked across the street.
The tinted window rolled down just enough for a pair of cold, calculating eyes to watch the child enter Hong Yi's fortress-like company.
The person inside smiled.
A slow, dangerous smile.
"So that's him," the voice murmured.
"Xiamen's son.