Chapter 1 Battle of Rivals

A woman's voice yelled in the meeting hall, "This decision is unacceptable!" Regina, an attractive woman with dark eyes, voiced her disagreement with the unfair verdict against her.

She couldn’t believe her rival company had been chosen over hers. Resenting the selection of a company led by someone she despised for the hotel project, Regina felt cheated. "CEO Kim, didn’t you consider that Grace Company's offer was better than Jian Company's? Why did you choose CEO Jian instead? Wasn't that our initial agreement?”

“Questioning a client's decision is highly unprofessional,” replied Henry Miller Jian sharply. Exuding authority with his pristine appearance—neatly styled black hair, a handsome face with a firm jawline, fair skin, thick eyebrows, and sharp almond-shaped brown eyes—his demeanor radiated superiority, and a smirk played at the corners of his lips. “However, it’s understandable. She's new to this industry.”

Regina glared at him, her eyes filled with loathing. Clenching her slender, graceful hand into a tight fist, she muttered to herself, “Stay calm! I can't let him see me lose it. I won’t give him the satisfaction.”

Her fists trembled with suppressed rage. Biting her lip, she struggled to find the right words as anger choked her voice. Reluctantly, she conceded defeat to her rival. With a heavy heart, she turned on her heel and walked away, her steps echoing through the hall. As she passed by, she felt the weight of judgmental stares and heard mocking whispers, turning her into a target of scorn.

“From the start, it was clear Mr. Jian would win. Let’s face it, no one would give this gig to a woman. It's easier to accept defeat from Mr. Jian than from someone like the Grace—Tan family’s daughter.”

Regina briefly glanced at the man who ridiculed her. Clenching her teeth tightly, suppressing her anger like a volcano about to erupt, she thought bitterly, *It wasn’t the first time I’ve been compared to Henry. Despite the influential status of both the Grace-Tan and Jian families in the investment industry, his consistent dominance over me led to being looked down upon.* Her hatred for him intensified, fueled by his constant superiority. It simmered within her, a growing ember of resentment.

“CEO Tan, are you leaving without extending your congratulations?” Henry stepped in front of her, blocking her way. His smile irritated her to no end.

“Congratulations to you, CEO Jian, for achieving victory through deceit,” she said with a forced smile.

“Deceit? I understand you may harbor feelings of jealousy, but accusing me of deceit amounts to slander,” Henry responded sharply.

“If not deceit, then what? You weren’t initially considered for this project, yet suddenly you emerge victorious in the tender process. Considering your existing portfolio of significant projects, why pursue this one?”

“It’s insufficient until I secure the significant project she covets and witness the expression of defeat on her face.” Henry flashed a smile.

“Is it truly gratifying to take it away from me?” she struggled to contain her anger.

“Yes, immensely gratifying. Witnessing her defeat brings me joy. Aren’t you accustomed to losing to me? Whether in the past or present, being subordinate to me is the rightful place for a woman.” Henry’s voice grew louder, prompting those around to laugh mockingly at Regina.

“Henry Miller Jian, you may take pride in this victory for now, but rest assured, there will come a time when you cannot hold your head high due to shame,” she declared sharply.

Henry laughed instead. “I’ll wait for you to embarrass me,” he said.

She clenched her hands tightly. Wanting to punch that arrogant face, but having to maintain her image, she had no choice but to turn and leave, putting an end to it all.

Out of nowhere, he tossed something that struck her back. Spinning around, she spotted an invitation lying on the floor. “You want this, right? I got it for you,” he said.

“Why are you giving it to me? What are you planning?” she looked at him suspiciously.

He took it and placed it in her palm. “Just accept it. No need to ask too much. Who knows, you might want to repay me.” He quickly left the room. She stared at the invitation for quite some time.

***

Dressed in a dark blue evening gown that showcased her beautiful shoulders, she arrived at the party alone. Unconsciously, her gaze fell on him.

Immediately turning away, she thought, *Why do I always run into him? Bet he’s going to make fun of me.* Nothing good ever happened when they met. She wanted to avoid trouble. It was better to stay as far away as possible.

Just as she was about to leave, a boy inadvertently caught her attention. He looked familiar. Her eyes kept following him. The kid stood in front of him, who was by himself. “Daddy!”

From a distance, she watched his face closely. His typically steady gaze faltered, indicating surprise. Without thinking, she found herself walking toward the group surrounding him.

“Who are you calling daddy? I don’t have a child!” he said firmly, his expression turning cold again.

“Daddy, I’m Kevin Charles Jian, don’t you know me? I’m really your son. And I have your last name too!” The kid kept trying. He looked at him with hopeful eyes, full of innocence.

“Am I the only one with the Jian family name? Look for another Jian!” he responded flatly.

She felt pity for the child. Quickly saying something that made everyone look at her, she said, “CEO Jian, is it so difficult to acknowledge your illegitimate child in front of everyone? Look, the child looks so much like you, yet you still want to deny it?”

His sharp gaze stared at her. His face flushed with anger, “Regina Grace Tan! Is this your doing?” he said sharply. “Is this how you plan to get back at me because you lost?”

She couldn’t accept it. “What? I’m not that low. You’re just using me to cover up your sins. You’re the one who has a child, why vent it out on me?”

The boy suddenly said something shocking after staring at her for so long. “Mom, don’t be mad at Dad!”

The word ‘Mom’ caught everyone’s attention. They were more surprised by what the boy said next.

The boy who claimed to be Kevin ran and held her hand. “Mom, let’s go home together.” His clear round eyes looked at her gently, a gaze unfamiliar to her.