The Chen residence stood quiet under the late afternoon sun.
Golden light spilled over the carved gates, but inside the courtyard, tension thickened the air.
Lady Chen arrived without announcement.
Her silk skirts brushed sharply against the stone floor as she walked, her expression tight with restrained fury.
The servants bowed, startled by her sudden visit.
"Where is my father?" she demanded.
"In… in the study, Young Madam."
She didn't wait.
---
Confrontation in the Study
Chen Guowei sat behind his desk, reading official documents. His hair had more white strands than before, his eyes shadowed with sleeplessness.
The door burst open.
"Father!"
He looked up sharply.
"Lady Chen, you have forgotten palace manners."
She closed the door behind her with force.
"Why are you allying with the Duke's family?" she snapped.
"Do you know what that means?"
Chen Guowei's gaze hardened.
"Lower your voice."
"Lower my voice?" she laughed bitterly.
