---
Arriving at the Liang Mansion, the night air had already cooled and fallen silent, wrapping everything in a blanket of stillness.
Liang Qianyu stepped out of the sleek black car, her heels clicking against the marble steps as she entered the grand foyer.
She tiptoed through the dimly lit hallway, her heels echoing faintly on the polished floor.
The maids had all gone to bed.
Everyone had gone to bed.
Her high heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she walked slowly making her way upstairs.
The moment she opened the door to her room and entered, she unfastened the pearl buttons on her coat, letting it slide off her shoulders before heading into the ensuite bathroom.
However, an image replayed in her mind over and over.
That woman…
She had seen her getting into her brother's car.
Her heart twisted. It felt like betrayal.
A surge of possessiveness clenched her chest.
She didn't like any woman beside her brother.
Even Su Meilin.
It was only because they were engaged and she had to play the perfect sister.
Otherwise...
It drove her crazy.
Warm water cascaded down her back, but it did nothing to soothe her agitation.
Even as steam curled around her, the image of that woman lingered.
—
Wrapped in a silk robe, she stepped out and collapsed onto her bed.
Her wet hair spread across the pillow as her mind ran wild.
She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts, her thumb hovering over one name.
Su Meilin.
She tapped the call button.
---
Su Meilin was sitting on her bed, hugging her knees with her arms as she stared blankly at the wall.
The light from her bedside lamp cast shadows on her face, shadows that matched the ones clouding her heart.
Laetania.
The woman's words still echoed in her head.
'Tell me Liang Yexuan's movements. That's all I need from you. It won't hurt him... '
She had every reason to say yes.
Laetania had saved her.
That night… the night at Club Black Mist—her hands trembled at the memory.
That disgusting night in Black Mist's VIP room still haunted her.
The feeling of helplessness as Eric pressed her down while William recorded.
Laetania's men had burst into that room like stormclouds, dragging her out before the worst could happen.
But the videos—the ones from before—that was the real prison.
She rubbed her arms.
She then remembered something.
Those bastards hadn't even called her since that night. No messages. No threats. Nothing.
What were they planning?
Were they preparing to use those videos to destroy her later?
A shiver crawled down her spine.
Her five years of wild living hadn't scared her before.
She'd enjoyed the attention, the parties, the power.
But now?
Now, everything felt like a trap she had walked into willingly, not knowing the walls were closing in.
—
Her phone rang, jolting her out of her thoughts.
Qianyu.
She hesitated, then composed herself and answered with a sweet, calm voice. "Qianyu?"
"Meilin, where have you been hiding lately? You've been so quiet."
"I'm good," Su Meilin replied with a light laugh. "I've just been busy with my company. We're about to launch the new cosmetics line. Finally found a brand ambassador, so everything's moving fast."
"Oh Meilin, you're so perfect," Liang Qianyu gushed in her usual honeyed tone. "At only twenty-three and already launching your own line? My brother is so lucky to have you…"
Su Meilin smiled shyly, her cheeks flushing.
Liang Qianyu always flattered her like this, and it made her happy.
She was really a silly sweet sister-in-law.
Su Meilin blushed. "Stop teasing…"
"Have you seen my brother lately?" Qianyu asked, her tone still gentle. "You two are about to get engaged, after all…"
Su Meilin paused. "Yes. I saw him recently. I'll go visit him tomorrow again."
Liang Qianyu's voice lit up. "Great! I'll come with you."
Su Meilin smiled. "Of course. I'd love that." But inside, her mind was ticking.
If she brought Liang Qianyu along, maybe it would finally give her a chance to convince Liang Yexuan to go out with her.
They chatted for a few more minutes—harmless talk, playful teasing—and then said goodnight.
---
But the moment the call ended, Qianyu's expression turned cold.
She tossed her phone onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.
If that woman was from Liang Congromerate, she'd find out tomorrow.
And if she wasn't…
Well, then she'd find her.
One way or another.
Because no matter what, only she—Liang Qianyu—would be the Young Madam Liang.
Not Su Meilin.
Not anyone else.
Her jaw tightened, and a dangerous gleam flickered in her eyes.
Only she was worthy of being Young Madam Liang.
She touched the glass gently, her eyes filled with the madness of a girl who had waited her entire life for something she believed was hers by right.
I've loved my brother since I was a child.
I've waited.
I've sacrificed.
I've been perfect.
To be worthy being beside him.
---
Meanwhile, in the quiet Su Mansion, Su Meilin sat back down on her bed, her fingers tightening around her phone.
Eric and William were a problem that wouldn't vanish on its own.
And there was only one person who could deal with them now—Laetania.
She took a deep breath and opened her contact list.
Her fingers hovered over the unknown number.
She tapped it.
It rang once.
Twice.
Then connected.
A smooth, cold voice answered immediately, as if waiting.
"I take it you've thought about my offer," she said.
Su Meilin took a shaky breath.
"Yes," she whispered. "But I need a favor first…"
---