Two days later, at the Imperial Kai International Hotel, the grand banquet hall was illuminated with dazzling lights. Guests in exquisite gowns and tailored suits gathered in small clusters, their conversations lively, their laughter weaving through the air like a melody of wealth and power.

Amidst the opulent crowd, Su Hetong and Ji Xiaolan moved gracefully, engaging in brief exchanges with familiar acquaintances. To an outsider, they appeared in high spirits, but a closer look would reveal the tension lurking beneath their polite smiles—the subtle tightness at the corners of their mouths, the flicker of frustration in their eyes.

Their displeasure stemmed from a simple yet humiliating truth: despite their efforts, the event lacked truly influential attendees. The absence of prominent figures was glaring, their empty seats a silent declaration of indifference.

And the reason was clear.

Two days earlier, the Su family patriarch had publicly announced an extended vacation, a move that, while unspoken, made his stance unmistakable. Those who held ties with the Su family had taken the hint, sending only minor representatives as a mere formality.

Standing in a quiet corner, Ji Xiaolan could no longer contain her anger.

“Your father is utterly heartless,” she fumed. “He’s really abandoned you, just like that!”

Su Hetong’s expression darkened, his fingers tightening around his wine glass. He had not expected his father to be so merciless.

Before he could respond, a shift in the atmosphere rippled through the hall.

A murmur swept through the crowd, drawing gazes toward the grand entrance.

Draped in a stunning red, off-shoulder mermaid gown lined with golden embroidery, Su Weichu entered, her arm elegantly linked with Lin Huaiyu, who was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo. Their presence commanded attention—she, poised and radiant, he, tall and commanding. The contrast of her refined grace against his imposing aura created a breathtaking tableau, one that left the room momentarily speechless.

A hushed discussion broke out among the onlookers.

“Didn’t they say the two of them had fallen out?”

“Married couples fight all the time—maybe they made up.”

“Well, if I found out my wife was an heir to a massive financial empire, I wouldn’t want a divorce either!”

Among those observing, Qiao Shan’s expression twisted with jealousy.

So this was why Lin Huaiyu had refused her? He had chosen to bring Su Weichu instead. But when had they reconciled?

Similar thoughts raced through Su Hetong and Ji Xiaolan’s minds. The last they had heard, the rift between Su Weichu and Lin Huaiyu was irreparable. And yet…

Watching the pair surrounded by admiration, their expressions flickered with something unreadable before they strode forward.

If they didn’t act now, they feared being overshadowed at their own event.

“Chu Chu, you finally arrived!” Ji Xiaolan exclaimed with exaggerated warmth, stepping forward as if eager to greet her. She reached out as though to take Su Weichu’s hand, her voice laced with artificial concern. “I almost thought you had gone on vacation with your grandfather!”

Her words were deliberately chosen.

Not only did they imply Su Weichu’s tardiness as a slight to her elders, but they also suggested that the old patriarch’s absence had been orchestrated by her, painting her as manipulative and unable to tolerate others.

Su Weichu studied Ji Xiaolan with an unreadable smile, making no effort to dodge her grasp. Instead, she took the initiative—her delicate fingers curling around the older woman’s hand with a grip that was surprisingly firm.

Her red lips curved, but the warmth never reached her eyes.

“I would have loved to travel with Grandpa,” she said smoothly. “But he entrusted me with such heavy responsibilities. I couldn’t bear to disappoint him. And as for being late, I do hope you and Uncle won’t take offense—I was simply caught up in finalizing an important business deal.”

Ji Xiaolan’s smile stiffened as she struggled, unsuccessfully, to free her hand from Su Weichu’s grasp. When had this girl become so strong?

Still, she refused to back down. “Oh? And what business could be more important than your uncle’s banquet?”

“Nothing too major,” Su Weichu replied lightly. “Just sealing a formal partnership with Lin Corporation. Moving forward, our companies will collaborate on the offshore project.”

As she spoke, she gestured toward Lin Huaiyu, her voice calm yet pointed. “This is President Lin—our future key business partner. Uncle, you should get acquainted.”

“Vice President Su,” Lin Huaiyu greeted with a slight nod, his tone polite yet distant.

Su Hetong and Ji Xiaolan barely managed to conceal their displeasure. But with so many eyes watching, they had no choice but to force smiles and exchange pleasantries.

Yet Ji Xiaolan wasn’t ready to concede defeat. Watching Su Weichu and Lin Huaiyu standing together like a perfect match, an idea flashed through her mind.

With a deliberately kind expression, she turned to Lin Huaiyu.

“It puts my heart at ease to see you two getting along,” she said smoothly. “Just a few days ago, we heard rumors that you were heading for a divorce, and as her elders, we were worried. You see, Chu Chu has always been a strong-willed child—her grandfather raised her like a son, so she might be a little difficult to handle.“

Her implication was clear—Su Weichu was difficult, headstrong, and perhaps even unfit to be a wife.

Su Hetong immediately caught on and added with a chuckle, “Yes, this child didn’t even inform us of her marriage. But now that we see you both so happy, I can finally rest easy as her uncle.”

Su Weichu’s patience thinned at their act.

Her expression turned cold. “Instead of worrying about my personal affairs, perhaps you should focus on your son,” she remarked, her voice cutting. “I hear he’s been causing quite the scandal abroad—something about a public altercation over an identity dispute? You wouldn’t want that to tarnish the company’s reputation, would you? After all, Grandfather wouldn’t be pleased.”

The color drained from their faces.

Just then, Su Weichu caught sight of approaching guests and seized the opportunity. “If you’ll excuse us, Uncle, Aunt, we wouldn’t want to keep you from your responsibilities.”

They were left with no choice but to nod stiffly.

As soon as they were out of sight, Su Weichu disentangled her arm from Lin Huaiyu’s.

“You should go network,” she said coolly. “There are plenty of companies here worth collaborating with.”

Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Lin Huaiyu debated stopping her but decided against it. He had only just begun to mend things with her—forcing the issue now might make things worse.

Meanwhile, Qiao Shan had been watching everything unfold.

When she saw Su Weichu separate from Lin Huaiyu and head toward the restroom, her lips curled into a sly smile.

Minutes later, as Su Weichu emerged, a hotel staff member intercepted her.

“Miss Su, your uncle is requesting to meet you by the pool.”

Frowning slightly, Su Weichu hesitated. Why would Su Hetong want to see her alone so soon after they had just spoken?

Still, she followed.

But the moment she arrived at the secluded pool area, realization struck too late.

The place was deserted.

Before she could turn back, a powerful force shoved her from behind.

With a sharp gasp, she plunged into the water, the cold shock stealing her breath.

From above, Qiao Shan’s triumphant voice rang out.

“Consider this a warning, Su Weichu. If you’ve chosen to leave, then stay gone. If you ever come near my man again, next time, it won’t just be water.“