The Celeste headquarters was buzzing with its usual vibrant energy. Designers dashed between meetings, stylists carried racks of upcoming collections, and executives discussed the Westward Plaza project over steaming cups of coffee.
In a quieter corner, inside a glass-walled conference room, two people sat together with serious expressions: Aiden Zheng and Mira Lin.
"You're sure Damien wants us on this?" Mira asked, flipping through the thick dossier in front of her.
Aiden leaned back casually in his chair, spinning a pen between his fingers. "He trusts us. And honestly, I don't mind. Qin Xieren's fake smiles were starting to annoy me."
Mira smiled slightly. "She's good at pretending."
Aiden gave a humorless chuckle. "She's good at picking the wrong enemies."
He pushed a file toward Mira. Inside were records Zhen had discreetly compiled—financial statements, email traces, and photos of Qin meeting suspicious figures. There were names Mira recognized: Gao Shixing, the shady investor with ties to black PR firms. And now, a newly discovered link—Li Fengzhi, an insider at a rival fashion conglomerate.
"She's been leaking minor information to both of them," Aiden said, tapping the photos. "Gao Shixing is using it to create scandal. Li Fengzhi is quietly gathering industrial secrets."
Mira frowned deeply. "And the media leaks about Liyana... they weren't random."
"Nope. Planned sabotage. Professional." Aiden's voice grew colder. "They underestimated Liyana. They thought she was just a beautiful figurehead."
Mira's hands curled into small fists. "They're going to regret that."
Aiden smirked. "Damn right they will."
There was a long pause as they studied the evidence. Mira's mind raced—each puzzle piece clicking into place.
"I'll dig into Li Fengzhi's background," she said, standing up determinedly. "He's the weaker link."
"And I'll keep an eye on Qin Xieren personally," Aiden added smoothly. "Superstar privilege. She won't suspect a thing."
Mira laughed, feeling a rare spark of camaraderie. "You enjoy this too much."
Aiden gave a slow, mischievous grin. "I enjoy protecting the people I care about."
Their eyes held for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Mira cleared her throat, looking away first. "Let's focus."
"Of course, Miss Lin," Aiden said, his voice teasing.
Meanwhile: At Lu Group
Damien sat in his private office, receiving Zhen's latest report.He nodded in approval. Aiden and Mira were progressing faster than expected.
Good.Because soon, Qin Xieren's facade would crumble completely.
He turned to the window, watching the city lights blink against the night sky.And somewhere out there, his mei-mei—his Liyana—was forging her empire with fearless grace.
He would destroy anyone who dared try to tear her down.