Morning sunlight spilled through the gauzy curtains, painting Zhao Yuexin's room in gold. She rose from bed slowly, her mind already sharp, her heart steady with purpose.
Last night had been only the beginning. Shattering Rourou's spotlight was satisfying, yes—but it wasn't enough. True power wasn't built on gowns and appearances. If she wanted to crush her enemies completely, she needed influence. Reputation. Strength.
I won't just outshine them in the Zhao mansion. I'll outshine them everywhere.
Downstairs, the Zhao family gathered for breakfast. Lin Yumei's eyes narrowed the moment Yuexin entered the dining hall.
"Why are you wearing that?" she snapped, glaring at Yuexin's elegant ivory blouse and fitted skirt. "We don't need you drawing attention. You should stay home today, avoid embarrassing yourself."
Rourou smirked, twirling her spoon. "Yes, cousin, after last night, you must be tired. Better to rest at home. Leave the outside world to those who can handle it."
In her past life, Yuexin would have bowed her head, swallowing their contempt. But this life was different.
She pulled out her chair, sitting gracefully. "Thank you for your concern," she said lightly, buttering her toast. "But I have business outside. Important business."
Her calm confidence startled them into silence.
Lin Yumei sneered. "Business? You?"
Yuexin only smiled faintly. She didn't explain. She didn't need to.
Later that morning, a sleek car waited outside the estate. Yuexin slid into the backseat, ignoring the suspicious stares of the servants. She had already called ahead to arrange everything.
Her destination: the Chen Corporation headquarters.
In her past life, she remembered this day well. Zhao Rourou had schemed her way into a collaboration with the Chen family, earning praise from both society and their father. It was the first step in cementing her "talented socialite" reputation.
But now Yuexin had the advantage—she knew the Chen family's hidden weakness.
As the car pulled up to the towering glass building, Yuexin's lips curved. Let's see how Rourou reacts when her spotlight is stolen again.
Inside the conference room, Chen Minghao, the young CEO of the Chen Corporation, looked up in surprise when she entered.
"Miss Zhao? I wasn't expecting… you."
The implication was clear—he had expected Zhao Rourou.
Yuexin's eyes gleamed. "Then it's my pleasure to surprise you."
She took her seat, poise perfect, and smoothly laid out a proposal—one she remembered from her past life, one Rourou had claimed as her own. But this time, Yuexin presented it better, sharper, stronger.
She detailed a marketing plan, highlighted the untapped luxury sector, even offered connections that Minghao hadn't considered. Every word was confident, precise, impossible to dismiss.
By the time she finished, Chen Minghao was staring at her with genuine respect.
"…Miss Zhao," he said slowly, "you're far more capable than rumors suggest. If you're serious, the Chen Corporation would be honored to work with you."
A victory sealed.
When she left the building, the city's air felt sweeter, freer. For the first time, her reborn steps had carved a new path outside the Zhao family's control.
And she knew the ripples would soon reach home.
By tonight, the news would spread: Zhao Yuexin, the once-forgotten daughter, had struck a deal with the Chens.
And Zhao Rourou? She would be seething.
Far away, in his private office, Lu Shen read the morning reports his assistant had placed on his desk. His eyes lingered on one headline.
"Zhao Family's Eldest Daughter Signs with Chen Corporation."
He leaned back, tapping the paper thoughtfully.
"So," he murmured, "she's making her move."
His lips curved slightly, a shadow of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Good. Let's see how far you can go, Zhao Yuexin."
TO BE CONTINUED