"President Lin, here are today's meeting minutes. Also… this invitation." The secretary placed a document and a red, gold-trimmed invitation in front of Lin Waning.
Lin Waning was about to sign a contract. Upon hearing that, she looked up at the envelope.
"What kind of invitation?"
"The Shen Group is hosting a charity gala tonight. Many industry leaders are attending, and your name is on the guest list," the secretary replied carefully, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Lin Waning didn't take the invitation. Instead, she let out a cold chuckle.
"Shen Sihan arranged it?"
"Yes," the secretary nodded.
"Decline it."
The secretary hesitated. "But our company does need some external support at the moment. This gala… could be a good chance to expand our network."
Lin Waning tapped her fingers lightly on the table, brows furrowed.
She knew the company was at a critical stage of expansion. Making new connections at such an event could indeed benefit their growth.
But Shen Sihan's motives were crystal clear to her.
—This wasn't about helping her. He wanted to slowly pull her back into that gilded cage.
She lowered her gaze, her eyes chilling.
"I'll attend," she suddenly said.
The secretary looked up in surprise. "President Lin?"
"But not for Shen Sihan — for Lin Group," Lin Waning said firmly. "He no longer has the right to interfere in my life."
**
That evening, the grand charity gala was held at the Hilton Hotel downtown.
Bright lights, a crowd of elite guests. Champagne swirled in crystal flutes as conversation flowed from every corner.
Lin Waning arrived in a stunning black gown, her elegant neckline and cold crimson lips making an unforgettable impression the moment she entered.
Without a trace of hesitation, she walked into the ballroom with her head held high, her movements composed — as if this place belonged to her.
Not far away, Shen Sihan was chatting with a few business leaders, but his gaze never left her.
When their eyes finally met, time seemed to freeze for a moment.
Lin Waning gave a slight, indifferent smile, then gracefully turned away and immersed herself in polite conversation with other guests.
She knew that tonight, every move had to be calculated.
She had to show Shen Sihan that she was no longer the passive woman of the past — she was now President Lin, capable of standing on her own.
"Miss Lin, long time no see." A warm male voice suddenly called out.
She turned and instantly recognized the man —
Dressed in a dark blue suit was Shen Jingchuan, her senior from university and once a rising star in the financial world. Now, he was the head of Shengyuan Capital.
"Senior?" she blinked in surprise, then smiled. "What brings you here?"
"I'm one of the invited guests," he replied with a smile. "When I saw you, I almost didn't recognize you. You're even more radiant now than before."
She gave a small smile. "You haven't changed — still as calm and composed as ever."
He picked up two glasses of champagne and handed her one. "Care to catch up?"
She nodded, and the two moved to a quiet corner, chatting about old times and recent developments. The atmosphere between them was relaxed and pleasant.
Across the room, Shen Sihan watched them from the crowd, his expression darkening with every smile Lin Waning shared.
"President Shen, about the partnership—" his assistant reminded him softly.
"Cancel it," Shen Sihan interrupted coldly, his eyes fixed on her. "That man — who is he?"
The assistant hesitated. "I heard he's her senior from university. Some say… he's interested in Miss Lin."
"Great." Shen Sihan let out a low laugh. "Seems like she's been living quite the colorful life while I was gone."
His eyes turned darker, laced with possessive madness.
"I want every piece of information on that man. Before the night is over."
**
Before the gala ended, Shen Sihan finally stepped in front of Lin Waning and Shen Jingchuan.
"Lin Waning, I'll take you home."
His tone left no room for refusal.
But Lin Waning didn't even glance at him. Instead, she smiled at Shen Jingchuan. "Senior, I can grab a cab home. Don't worry about me."
Shen Sihan's expression darkened. "Who is he? Your new man?"
Lin Waning raised an eyebrow and let out a chilly laugh. "Shen Sihan, are you confused? We have nothing to do with each other anymore."
"You know I'll never truly let you go," he said in a low voice, his eyes turbulent with stormy emotions.
"You were the one who let me go." Her voice was ice. "If you regret it now, it's already too late."
She turned and walked away without looking back, leaving Shen Sihan standing there, teeth clenched in fury.
**
Back at her apartment, Lin Waning leaned against the balcony as the night breeze brushed across her face.
Her phone buzzed.
A message from an unknown number:
[Be careful of Shen Sihan. He won't let this go.]
She stared at the message for a long time, lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze turning cold.
So… it had begun.
But she wasn't afraid — and she wouldn't back down.
She would make Shen Sihan understand—
Her freedom was not his to take.