Leaning against the steering wheel, she sobs, the sound raw and desperate. Her grandfather's words have shattered her composure, releasing tears she'd tried to hold back. In her mind, she could still hear grandfather saying the words that shook her. "My girl, be strong and carry on my legacy. I won't be here in this world for long. One day, this will be your home."Then he whispers as he hugs her back, "Seek justice for your grandmother, your parents and for me." He puts his granddaughter’s back, as if just trying to catch up with the years they haven't been together. "The poison in my body has taken a toll of my health and it's a matter of months before I leave you in this cruel world."The banquet has only confirmed her worst fears: Chairman Benjie Lao and his family has been infiltrating the Xiang Empire for nearly two decades like a slow-growing poison in his grandpa's frail body. They need to be stopped.Thankfully, her granduncle Vincent and his trusted men are still in his gra
After spending the night in her granduncle Vincent’s penthouse, Sarah finally received word that her apartment had been cleared. No bombs, no intruders. It was safe.She exhales in relief, but deep down, she knew she couldn’t afford to slow down. If anything, this only reinforced her urgency. Time was slipping through her fingers. Her mission wasn’t just about finishing her education or seeking justice for her parents and grandmother—it was also about securing an heir.At just 18, she was painfully aware of how young she was for such weighty responsibilities. Yet, when she looks in the mirror, she saw a contradiction staring back at her. Without makeup, her delicate features could easily pass for 16, but her body tells another story—curves in all the right places, a frame that exuded both femininity and quiet strength.But none of it matters. She has no experience with men—not physically, nor emotionally, and certainly not romantically. And yet, she has no choice but to think and act l
The world seems to fade away as they dance, their movements a whirlwind of grace and passion. Grayson's eyes, fixed solely on her, as if she is the only one who matters that made the rest of the room vanish. In the manager's lounge, peering through the one-way mirror, William watches them with a cold, predatory gaze, sharp and murderous. He has been watching Sarah since the moment she entered the club, his interest piqued by her. Here she is, dancing with a man who, though charismatic, is dangerously unpredictable. Sarah, an innocent young woman just beginning to explore the thrill of life, is far out of her depth.“Daniel, you told me she has no boyfriend or anything, so why does this Lao scion seem to know her?” William’s voice was low and tight with irritation. His thick eyebrows furrow in frustration, and he stood to flex his leg muscles, his grip on his cognac glass steady but tense.“Master, Mr. Grayson Lao’s the type who thinks he can charm any gorgeous woman. He would take adv
Her pulse racing, her breath unsteady. Standing before him, this man—so close, so impossibly masculine—ignited something inside her that she had never felt before. A raw attraction, an unspoken pull.William took a step closer, his gaze dark, unreadable. His fingers reached for a stray lock of her hair, twirling it between his fingers before tucking it behind her ear."You're nervous," he murmurs, his voice deep and velvety.Sarah swallows hard, nodding. "I’ve never… done this before."His expression didn’t change, but something flickers in his eyes—something primal, something protective. "I know."Her breath hitches. "Does it bother you?"William let out a quiet, almost amused exhale as his fingers traced the bare skin of her shoulder. "No, Sarah. It doesn’t bother me." His gaze softens. "It makes me want to take my time."She shivers at his touch, at the way his voice seemed to settle in the deepest part of her. "I don’t know what to do."His hand slid to her waist, his warmth searin
The morning after.Her heart hammers against her ribs, a cold dread creeping in. The crimson stain on the sheet is a brand, marking a line crossed--- her innocence lost. A strange pang, something akin to longing, tugs at her, but she ruthlessly suppresses it. Hence, she reminds herself the need to be smarter and more careful. Two empires and two lineages with all the people serving on them and their children are counting on her.The silk sheets, slick and cold against her burning skin, felt like a betrayal, a mocking reminder of the calculated intimacy she had just bartered. Sarah bolted upright, the lingering scent of William's expensive cologne a phantom presence, a brand seared onto her memory.Sharp and insistent loss, claws at her conscience, tearing through the carefully constructed wall of detachment she had so desperately tried to maintain. Beneath it, a different kind of awareness stirred, a faint, unsettling flutter in her belly, a silent, terrifying countdown.Yesterday. I
William Xu, still half-asleep, stretched out on the luxurious sheets of his expansive bed. He yawns, expecting to find Sarah nestled beside him, but the space next to him was empty and cold. Confusion quickly turned to concern as he realized she had left.William calls out, "Sarah?"He sits up, his gaze darting around the room, but there was no sign of her. The disheveled bed and a faint, lingering scent of her perfume were the only reminders that she had been there. Panic began to gnaw at him as he wondered why she had left so abruptly."Where could she have gone?" He feels a sudden frustration.The memory of their passionate night together has left an undeniable mark on him, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and possessiveness. He had been Sarah's first, and the knowledge that she had chosen him brought a sense of satisfaction that transcended physical desire.He immediately reached for his phone and called his bodyguards, inquiring if they had seen Sarah. While talkin
In matter of minutes, he dons in a gray suit with a mint shirt that made him look dapper and fresh and talked to his executive assistant over the phone that he will be arriving at 10:00AM.William paces back and forth in his luxurious hotel suite, torn between the urgency of finding Sarah and his realization that she must still be sore after their passionate night together. His desire for her was undeniable, a burning hunger that threatened to consume him. However, he couldn't ignore the fact that Sarah needed rest, that pushing her too soon might cause more harm than good."She must be sore... physically and emotionally. I can't rush her.”His inner turmoil was palpable. He longed to feel her presence beside him, to hold her in his arms once more, but he also understood the importance of giving her the time and space she needed. The memory of their shared intimacy was etched in his mind, each moment a testament to the profound connection they had forged.James called him that they are
Meanwhile at Xiang Buddhist Temple…According to Buddhist tradition, as the blood family member, Sarah is draped in a simple, white sheath dress that hugs her every curve, Sarah exemplifies a blend of grace and determination. The long sleeves provide an air of modesty, while the hood framing her face adds an element of intrigue.Her attire is not merely a fashion choice; it conceals her handgun, cleverly strapped to her limbs and ready for action. Sarah was always prepared, and her dress, its hem gracefully brushing her ankles, conceals her true intentions.A pair of sleek, black stilettos grace her feet, their sharp lines a stark contrast to the flowing elegance of her dress. These shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they symbolize her inner strength and readiness to face any challenge head-on. Her chestnut brown curls, typically flowing like a cascade of sunshine, are expertly tied in a neat bun, ensuring they stay out of her way as she readied herself for the unpredictable
The air in the opulent dining room hung heavy with the scent of expensive wine and the unspoken tension between father and son. Chairman Benjie Lao, his face etched with a mixture of age and power, surveyed the table.His son, Grayson, sat opposite him, his jaw clenched, eyes flashing with anger. Yet he remains calm and collected."Grayson, my boy," Benjie began, his voice deceptively smooth, "It's time you settle down. You're not getting any younger."Grayson scoffs in a low cynic voice, "Settle down? Papa, you ruined my life. If you hadn't interfered five years ago, I would have been married to Sarah. We would have a family, a home. Instead, you..." His voice trailed off, the pain of the past still raw."Circumstances changed, my son," Benjie explains, his tone hardening. "You know how things are. Business, obligations...""Obligations?" Grayson spat, "My obligations were to Sarah! And to Leo!"The name of his best friend, the man he considered a brother, sent a tremor of rage throu
Grayson stirs awake, the scent of jasmine and something faintly musky filling the air. He blinked, and open his eyes, adjusting to the morning light filtering through the sheer curtains. Two women, their bodies entwined with his, sleeps soundly beside him.The women shift, their eyes fluttering open with a sleepy warmth. A gentle smile graces their lips as they meet his gaze, their breaths soft against his skin. One reaches out, her caressing his enormous phallus, but he gently halts her.The other one leans in, her lips approaching his, yet he instinctively turns away, a silent command in his eyes. He disentangled himself from them and walks assed them naked.“Stop!” His voice rings out, fury flickering in his eyes. He doesn't want to be touched that way in the morning, eversince he had Sarah. The young women, barely in their twenties, flinched at his tone, their bodies stiff with apprehension. The two ladies, still adjusting to the morning after, have yet to understand the unspoken
CRRRIIIIINNNNGGGG... CRRRIIIIINNNNGGGG... CRRRIIIIINNNNGGGG...The incessant calls startled Cynthia from her afternoon nap on the villa's open balcony overlooking the beauty of the vast ocean. Groaning, she reached for her phone and fumbles."Hello?" she mumbles, her voice thick with sleep."Madam," a familiar voice boomed from the other end of the line. "I have some… surprising news."Cynthia sat up, instantly alert. "Mr. Chung? What is it?""Sarah… she's throwing a gala," Mr. Chung announces, his voice laced with a mixture of awe and apprehension. "A grand affair. And… and she's hired Valentino to design the gowns and tuxedos."Cynthia feels a jolt of disbelief. "Valentino? Are you serious?""Absolutely," Mr. Chung confirms. "Apparently, no expense is being spared."A wave of unease washes over Cynthia. "This… this doesn't feel right," she says slowly. "It's too extravagant, too… flashy.""I agree," Mr. Chung admits. "It's… unprecedented. But Sarah, she always was one for grand gestu
When Sarah left the ground floor hall, she instructed Vice President Chen to announce the good news to the employees and board of directors.The room buzzed with excitement as Mr. Chen, stepped onto the stage. All eyes were on him as he adjusted the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen," he begins, his voice booming across the auditorium, "I have a very special announcement!"A ripple of anticipation passed through the crowd."To celebrate the remarkable achievements of our company, and to foster camaraderie and strengthen our bonds, we will be hosting a grand gala ball next Saturday evening!"The announcement was met with a wave of excited murmurs."And to ensure everyone shines," Mr. Chen continues with a smile, "the company will be providing a generous allowance of five thousand dollars to each employee for their attire. Feel free to indulge in the finest gowns, the most elegant suits, and the most dazzling jewelry!"The room erupted in cheers and applause."We've invited dignitaries f
The next morning, Sarah addressed the entire company in a powerful and moving speech. She stands before them, her posture like a queen, her voice clear and strong. Cynthia and Arlene weren't there. She was told they are in vacation at Grayson's private resort in California."Smart bitches," she tells herself but shrugs the thought of them."I know there are doubts," she says, her voice loud through the company auditorium, cutting through the whispers and the innuendo."I know there are those who question my reputation and integrity. I know they are trying to undermine me, to sow seeds of discord. But I will not let fear dictate my actions. I will not allow negativity to define my legacy. As they say, when someone thrives, knives are everywhere."Everyone applauded her for her humility, because this is the first time that a Xiang family member, talks to them so casually. Especially so she is their CEO.Sarah raises her left hand, silencing the hall. "I’m overwhelmed with your concerns,"
The article lay crumpled in Sarah's hands, the ink blurring with the tears that streamed down her face. "Sinner or Saint? CEO Intellectual Bores Twins from Billionaire Italian Count." The headline, a venomous concoction of lies and innuendo, mocked her from the page.This wasn't just a smear campaign; it was a calculated assault on her character, an attempt to destroy her reputation, to strip her of her dignity. A chilling realization dawned on her. This wasn't just random gossip. This was deliberate. This was orchestrated.The pieces begin to fall into place. The anonymous phone calls, the "concerned" employees, the subtle undermining at every turn. It wasn't just the media; it was her own family.Cynthia. Arlene. Fiona. Lorie. They won't really stop! But she needs evidence and names of owners of those online blogs and magazines who printed false news about her. The realization hit her like a physical blow. How could they? How could her own family, the people who were supposed to su
The news of Sarah Xiang's arrival sent shockwaves through the Xiang Empire headquarters. Whispers rippled down the corridors faster than any company memo."Did you hear? Madam Sarah Xiang is back!""Back? After all these years?""She's here in the building right now, apparently."A group of young executives huddled near the coffee machine, their faces a mixture of awe and apprehension."I heard she's even more stunning in person," one of them whispered, her eyes wide. "Like a movie star.""She's not just beautiful," another chimed in. "She's a legend. They say she runs her own investment firm in London and amassed billions in her European companies, it's incredibly successful.""Imagine working directly under her," another executive sighed dreamily. "She's so powerful, so influential."But the excitement was quickly tempered by a wave of unease."I heard she's ruthless," one of them whispered, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. "They say she doesn't tolerate incompetence.""And those
A hush fell over the usually bustling space as a sleek, black limousine glided to a stop before the entrance. Heads turned, eyes widening as the tinted windows rolled down. Stepping out was a vision of effortless elegance: Madam Chairman Sarah Feng Xiang Wilson.Gone was the young woman who had left Shanghai five years ago, a student seeking knowledge and independence. In her place stood a woman who exuded power and confidence, her every move radiating an aura of quiet authority.A small gasp escaped the lips of a young receptionist, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Oh my god," she whispers to her colleague, "Is that… is that Madam Chairman?"Her colleague, a seasoned veteran of the Xiang Empire, nodded, his eyes fixed on the arriving heiress. "The one and only and the most beautiful," he replied, his voice hushed with a mixture of awe and apprehension. "Madam Chairman Sarah Xiang, it's an honor see you."She smiled and walked like a queen. She came without notice and prefers it that w
After Five yearsShanghai Hongqiao International AirportJanuary 2025--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Mommy, look!" Henry exclaims while pointing towards a display of miniature airplanes.Sarah smiled. Her attention drawn away from the admiring glances she was receiving."That's incredible, isn't it?" she says, bending down to his level. "Let's go take a closer look."Sarah steps off the private jet and onto the plush carpet of the first-class lounge, the low hum of activity from the airport seemed to fade around her. The years had been kind to her, sculpting her into a vision of understated elegance.The years ha bveeen kind to her, sculpting her into a vision of understated elegance. She no longer carried the look of a young woman searching for her place in the world; instead, she exuded an air of quiet confidence and refined maturity.Her once girlish features had softened, giving way to a face that held a tim