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 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,"
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
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
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
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
The rain hammers against the pavement, each drop is a tiny dagger against Sarah's flimsy umbrella. Gloomily, the wind tugs at her coat like an impatient child, icy fingers slipping down her collar and making her shiver.Her arms aches under the weight of the packages, their edges digging into her skin, shifting unpredictably with every uneven step. Then holds them tighter, as if something inside of them is more significant than just paper and ribbon.Contradictory to her old clothes and faded sneakers she wears, is her beauty that glisten as water runs down delicate Chinese American features, tracing her cheekbones with the curve. It catches at her lashes and clings there. Her chestnut brown strands hold fast to wet skin as she draws in a ragged breath- almost a sigh, almost a sob. She doesn't know if it is the rain wetting her face or frustration trying to burst inside her chest. It doesn't matter. Nobody notices, huddles in an embrace with this storm, with the idea that one must cont
"Hurry!""Yes! I'm almost done, Mira.""I'll help you, dear. You have to make it fast. Let's run along, at any moment, Huifen is going to burst fire and sulfur if you fail to hand that gown to her in matter of minutes." Mira helps Sarah carry the heavy box of Adelle's elaborate gown.Perspiring, Sarah enters Adelle's grandiose room. This used to be her room when she was a little girl. She had only recently been allowed in there again because she painstakingly did the minor dry cleaning of Adelle gown's hem, as a result when she accidentally drop it during one rainy afternoon.Only Adelle's nanny and parents are allowed to go in her cousin's room. Her eyes widened as she looks at its interior. It had changed immensely since she was last here as a six-year-old girl."My dear aunt, here is Adelle's debutante gown," Sarah says as she marvels at the room. Meanwhile, Adelle's nanny was brushing her long hair.Huifen raises an eyebrow, "You better have cleaned it properly, or you'd be in big
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