---
The black Rolls Royce glided into the grand courtyard of the Liang Mansion, its wheels silent over the polished stones.
The sun was sinking low, casting a golden glow across the estate's intricately pruned gardens and the towering pillars that flanked the front of the mansion.
Old Master Liang stood at the top of the steps, his posture regal yet burdened by age.
Dressed in an elegant grey Chinese-style suit, he held a wooden cane in one hand as a loyal bodyguard stood nearby, having just opened the door to his Bentley.
Beside him, Su Meilin walked with her usual poise her navy-blue suit hugging her figure, her painted lips slightly curved into what she hoped appeared as an innocent smile.
—
At the sound of the approaching vehicle, she turned slightly, her heart skipping as the Rolls Royce came to a smooth stop in front of them.
The driver stepped out first, then Jin Shu swiftly moved to open the rear passenger door. Liang Yexuan emerged, towering and imposing in his all-black tailored suit, exuding a cold, untouchable aura.
The sunlight hit his sharp jawline, highlighting the contrast between his obsidian eyes and the slight frown pulling at his lips.
The light caught his mole under his lips making him look more ethereal.
Su Meilin's breath hitched.
So handsome... Why did he have to be so handsome...
She clasped her hands before her unconsciously, gaze shamelessly trailing over his face and tall figure, eyes wide and hungry.
How could a man wear silence and arrogance like that? Every step he took radiated power.
She bit her lip slightly.
She then straightened her posture subtly, hoping he'd at least acknowledge her.
"Yexuan," Old Master Liang said sternly.
Liang Yexuan stopped two steps away, one hand tucked in his pocket.
"Grandpa," Liang Yexuan said, his voice deep and emotionless. "What is it?"
Old Master Liang didn't answer immediately. His gaze was sharp, heavy with restrained frustration.
He took a breath, then growled, "Your grandpa-in-law is in the hospital. You're coming with us."
There was a flicker of something in Liang Yexuan's eyes—hatred? Anger?
It was gone before anyone could grasp it.
He gave a nod, turned without a glance at Su Meilin, and muttered, "Let's go then."
Su Meilin blinked, stunned, as he walked past her as though she were a stranger.
Old Master Liang sighed but said nothing, allowing a bodyguard to help him into the car.
The wind blew again, rustling the trees and carrying the scent of rain.
—
Su Meilin stood still, her gaze locked on Liang Yexuan's broad back.
Her lips pressed together.
Why... why was he always like this?
They were engaged, weren't they?
Why was he always like this?
She bit her lower lip.
However, since his return from the accident, something had changed in him.
He barely spoke unless necessary.
His gaze had grown colder, more distant, and—though she'd never say it aloud—far more dangerous.
Did he suspect something?
She clenched her fists.
No... He couldn't know. Could he?
Did he know about Shen Zhao, Zhen Shao, Chen Shao... Eric, William—all the men she'd...
No... if he knew, wouldn't he have said something? Confronted her?
That meant... he didn't know, right?
But then what explained this indifference? This bone-deep disdain?
If he did, why didn't he confront her? She was his fiancée. Shouldn't he be furious?
Or was this his fury?
Which was worse—him knowing and ignoring her, or not knowing and still treating her like air?
Her gaze shot to Jin Shu as he moved to close Liang Yexuan's door.
Their eyes met.
His eyes… was that disgust?
Disgust?!?
She stiffened.
That dog! That servant actually dared—
But the moment their eyes met, Jin Shu bowed respectfully and turned his head away, climbing into the front passenger seat.
The Rolls Royce pulled away smoothly.
Su Meilin stood frozen, her fists tightening around her handbag.
What was going on?
Her breath trembled slightly.
Why would Jin Shu—Yexuan's loyal dog—look at her like that?
—
"Meilin," Old Master Liang's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
She blinked, startled. She hadn't noticed he'd already gotten into the car.
Forcing a shy smile, she followed and slid into the seat.
"What were you thinking about just now?" Old Master Liang asked as the door closed.
"Nothing, Grandpa," she said sweetly.
He nodded. " Your engagement to Yexuan is already set. The families are just finalizing the guest list. You two can go choose your outfits next week. The engagement hall is being decorated."
She smiled. "Thank you, Grandpa."
He chuckled. "You're about to become the Liang family's granddaughter-in-law. You deserve only the best."
A flush crept to her cheeks as she lowered her gaze modestly.
"You'll be my granddaughter-in-law soon," he said warmly. "The future madam of the Liang family."
She nodded, lips curving in a shy smile.
"Oh! I heard from Qianyu that you're launching your cosmetics brand soon."
"Yes," she brightened. "The first batch rolls out tomorrow."
"Good, good!" he laughed. "That's wonderful. You're smart and hardworking, Meilin. You'll be a perfect addition to the family."
They continued chatting, the conversation light, warm—like a loving grandfather and granddaughter.
---
In the Rolls Royce ahead, Liang Yexuan sat silently, his long fingers drumming lightly against his thigh.
He turned to Jin Shu, his face expressionless.
"How is it?"
Jin Shu glanced at his tablet before replying, "Just as you expected. She arranged for them at the hospital. They're already there."
A smirk flickered across Liang Yexuan's lips. "And the rest… did you do what I told you?"
Jin Shu nodded, his voice low. "Yes, Young Master. They're in position at the hospital entrance."
"Good."
Liang Yexuan let out a cold chuckle. "If she wants to play, let's help her play properly."
He leaned back into his seat, eyes half-lidded.
His mind wandered.
Lin Yue.
That morning in the car—her sharp tongue, her wit, her eyes...
And then at the hospital. That paper in her hand.
Was she... sick?
Why did he even care?
She was no one to him.
She was just a woman who saved his life.
That was it.
But the image of her flashed again in his mind—her steady eyes, that strange calmness, the quiet intelligence in her voice.
He rubbed his temples.
What the hell was wrong with him?
He clenched his jaw. Just because she saved his life didn't mean she should live in his head rent-free.
But damn it—
---
The convoy arrived at Su Private Hospital, the flagship facility owned by the Su family.
As the Rolls Royce rolled to a stop at the entrance, cameras clicked suddenly.
Flash.
Flash.
Suddenly, like a swarm of bees, a group of nearly a dozen reporters appeared from behind pillars and parked cars, cameras flashing, microphones raised.
The driver and Jin Shu immediately got out, shielding the back door.
Liang Yexuan stepped out calmly, expression blank.
The reporters surged forward.
"President Liang, why are you here today? Is someone sick?"
"President Liang! Is this an emergency visit?"
"What's your response to Elva Allure's launch?"
"Have you and Miss Su already held a private engagement ceremony?"
—
Behind them, Old Master Liang's car stopped. In the back seat, he frowned.
"What in the world..."
Su Meilin froze.
Her stomach twisted.
This wasn't what she planned.
She had only told Lu Anran to invite three reporters—just three.
Three?!
Enough to make a good appearance. Enough to look natural.
But this?
This was a media ambush.
"What's going on?" Old Master Liang asked, his tone sharp.
Su Meilin scrambled to recover. "I-I don't know, Grandpa. Maybe..."
Old Master Liang looked at her sharply, then nodded slowly, suspicion clear in his eyes.
The bodyguard opened her door first.
She stepped out slowly, heart pounding. Her heels clicked on the pavement like warning bells.
As the bodyguard moved to the other side and helped Old Master Liang out, reporters swarmed them too.
"Chairman Liang! You've been out of the public eye for years!"
"Chairman Liang! Has your health declined?"
"Are you here for a medical check-up?"
"What do you think of your future granddaughter-in-law?"
"What do you think about your future granddaughter-in-law's cosmetics brand?"
Old Master Liang was stone-faced.
The cameras shifted to Su Meilin.
"Miss Su Meilin, are you and Young Master Liang confirming your engagement today?"
"Miss Su, why is chairman Liang here? It's rare to see him in public—especially at the same place as you."
"Chairman Liang rarely appears in public. Is he here today to support your launch?"
She stood frozen.
No. No. No.
She turned—and caught Jin Shu's smirk.
Cold. Knowing. Amused.
Her blood ran cold.
This... This was a trap.
She shook her head slightly, as if trying to wake herself up.
No, he couldn't... He wouldn't dare do this to her.
Right?
Then why were there more reporters than planned?
Why did this feel… staged?
Deep down, she knew.
Someone had exposed her plans. Someone had multiplied the fire.
She turned to the front.
Liang Yexuan was already walking inside, reporters trailing him like moths to a flame.
And then, Old Master Liang turned slowly toward her.
That look.
Sharp. Piercing. Suspicious.
He didn't say a word.
But she knew.
He didn't trusted her.
---