The arrival of the Aurelius Ventures letter acted like a shockwave, temporarily stunning the Chen household into a fragile, hopeful silence. But serpents, when threatened, do not retreat; they coil tighter, preparing to strike with greater precision.
The strike came in the form of Selina.
She arrived unannounced just after lunch, a whirlwind of designer perfume and feigned concern. She swept into the drawing-room, air-kissing Meiling and casting a pitying glance at Jia.
"Darling, I've been so worried!" Selina gushed, clutching Jia's hands. "When I heard about David's… *proposal*… last night, I knew I had to come. You must be feeling so trapped."
Jia stiffened. Leo's warning echoed in her mind: *"Be careful who you trust. Especially your friend, Selina."* How had Selina known about David's visit so quickly? The pieces, once scattered, were beginning to form a sinister picture.
"It's a private family matter, Selina," Jia said, extracting her hands.
"Oh, but we're family, aren't we?" Selina's smile was sharp as a razor. She turned to Meiling. "And this news about a potential investor! Aurelius Ventures! It's a miracle!"
"It is," Meiling agreed, though her eyes were wary.
"Of course, one must be cautious with these unknown entities," Selina continued, her tone dripping with false wisdom. "I was just having tea with David's sister. She said her father's lawyers looked into Aurelius. Apparently, they have a reputation for… hostile takeovers. They swoop in on distressed companies, promise the world, and then asset-strip them until there's nothing left but a shell."
The room grew cold. The lifeline suddenly felt like a noose.
"Is… is that true?" Meiling asked, her voice trembling.
"According to the Wei family, yes," Selina said with a solemn nod. "They have far more experience in these matters. David is so concerned for you all. He said his offer still stands. A safe, family solution. No mysterious strangers."
It was a masterful play. Poison the well of hope. Reassert David's position as the only "safe" savior. And the delivery system was the trusted "friend."
Jia watched Selina, truly seeing her for the first time. The concern was a mask. The friendship, a transaction. She was David's creature.
"How fortunate that David is so well-informed," Jia said, her voice cool. "And so quick to share his concerns."
Selina's smile faltered for a second. "He cares, Jia. Unlike some people in this house who are just a drain on resources." Her eyes flickered towards the hallway leading to Leo's room. "Speaking of which, where is the charming husband? Hiding, as usual?"
As if on cue, Leo entered the room. He didn't slink in. He walked with a quiet purpose that made Selina instinctively take a small step back. He held a simple ceramic mug of tea.
"Selina," he said, acknowledging her with a nod that was neither friendly nor hostile. It was the nod a king might give a visiting courtier.
"Leo," Selina recovered, her voice laced with condescension. "We were just talking about you. Must be nice to have no responsibilities while the world burns around you."
Leo took a slow sip of his tea, his eyes holding hers. "The noise of the world burning can be loud. But it often drowns out the quieter, more important sounds. The sound of a lie, for instance. Or the whisper of a betrayal."
Selina's face went pale. "I don't know what you mean."
"Don't you?" Leo asked softly. He didn't elaborate. He didn't need to. The accusation hung in the air, more powerful for its ambiguity. He turned to Meiling. "Mrs. Chen, Aurelius Ventures has a portfolio of companies they've nurtured to global success. Their records are public. A simple internet search will tell you more than gossip at a tea party."
He then looked directly at Selina, and for the first time, a hint of steel entered his voice. "It's always wise to verify information, especially when it comes from a source with a… conflicting interest."
The faceslap was public, elegant, and devastating. He had not called her a liar outright. He had simply exposed her information as unverified gossip and questioned her motive. He had treated her with the polite dismissal one would afford a misinformed child.
Selina's composure shattered. She stammered an excuse about another appointment and practically fled the mansion.
After she left, the silence was profound. Meiling looked from the door to Leo, her expression utterly bewildered.
Jia felt a surge of something fierce and protective towards this enigmatic man. He was fighting their battles with a wisdom and courage they had never credited him with. The divorce David demanded was not just an insult; it was an impossibility. How could she let go of the one person who seemed to be their only genuine ally?
The romance was no longer a seed; it was a flame, kindled by respect and the thrill of the hunt. The suspense tightened its coil. Leo had exposed one serpent. But Jia knew, with a chilling certainty, that the nest was much larger. And the king serpent, David Wei, had just been challenged. His retaliation would be swift and merciless. The real battle was about to begin.