Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Lin Wannian was already seated in her office, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
Last night's banquet had stirred up a storm on major social media platforms. The hashtags "#ShenGroupAnnouncesMarriageAllianceWithLinFamily" and "#LinWannianPubliclyDeniesEngagement" shot to the trending list overnight.
While she had her PR team working around the clock to suppress the buzz and guide public opinion in a positive direction, Shen Group's counterattack had silently begun.
"President Lin, here's the latest public sentiment analysis." Her assistant handed her the tablet.
Lin Wannian took a glance and her face darkened.
The public sentiment that had been leaning in her favor had suddenly shifted.
"Lin Wannian plays the sympathy card as a divorcee," "President Shen's deep feelings trampled on," "Lin Group exploits Shen's resources and bites the hand that fed them"...
Organized and strategic online trolls were now redirecting public opinion.
"Who released this content?" she asked coldly.
"Shen Group's media team," the assistant replied through gritted teeth. "We've tracked three of the initial sources—all have ties to Shen Group."
"Shen Sihan..." she murmured, the chill in her eyes deepening. "You really don't hold back."
She had thought her retaliation last night was tough enough, but clearly, he had already set a trap, waiting for her to step in.
"Has our clarification statement been released?"
"Yes, but it was quickly buried by the trolls. Our momentum has been completely hijacked."
"Get in touch with Tianheng." She stood up. "I want that project contract signed by today—take back the control of public discourse."
"But…"
"No buts."
The assistant could only comply.
——
Meanwhile, inside Shen Group's executive meeting room.
"These are the latest online updates." The PR director presented a report. "Public sentiment is now shifting in our expected direction."
Shen Sihan scanned through the screenshots but showed no sign of satisfaction.
"Delete half of the negative comments," he said calmly.
"President Shen? But that will lower the traffic…"
"I said delete them."
"…Understood."
He closed the report, a complicated emotion flashing in his eyes.
"I don't need the whole world to hate her. I just want her to look back at me… even just once."
"But President Lin's stance is very firm." The assistant reminded cautiously, "She's already working with Tianheng. Lin Group's stock even rose slightly this morning."
"The tougher she gets, the less I can retreat," he said coldly. "The farther she walks away, the harder I'll chase."
"…Got it."
——
10:30 a.m., Lin Group meeting room.
Lin Wannian signed a project contract with Tianheng Capital, solidifying Lin Group's strategic layout in the new energy sector.
Once announced, the contract would greatly elevate Lin Group's public image and help quell the media storm.
As she shook hands with Lu Chen, she smiled and said, "Thank you for your support, President Lu."
Lu Chen looked at her with deep meaning in his eyes. "President Lin, if you can stand up to the pressure from Shen Group, Tianheng will surely stand with you."
Lin Wannian smiled faintly. "I've never been Shen Sihan's accessory. I walk my own path."
"And what about him? Do you still care?"
She froze, then quickly composed herself. "I care more about when he'll stop standing in my way."
As the two were speaking, the secretary rushed in.
"President Lin, bad news!"
"What is it?"
"Shen Group just released an official statement, disclosing the real reason for last year's divorce—saying it was to protect your mental and physical health at the time."
Lin Wannian's face instantly turned cold. "He revealed our private matters?"
"Yes," the secretary said softly. "They also emphasized that President Shen has not remarried and still deeply cares for you. Now netizens are starting to switch sides again, calling him the true lover."
Lin Wannian let out a furious laugh. "What is he doing? Playing the victim? Acting like a tragic romantic?"
"I'm afraid… he's trying to force you to admit your feelings publicly."
Lu Chen frowned. "Shen Sihan is pushing you straight into the eye of the storm."
Lin Wannian closed her eyes, suppressing her burning anger.
She had always known Shen Sihan had his tactics—but she never thought he'd dig up old wounds just to gain the public's sympathy.
"Prepare a press conference for me."
The secretary was startled. "Right now?"
"The sooner the better."
She couldn't afford to keep playing defense.
This time, she would sever every last tie to that marriage.
——
By evening, Lin Wannian's personal press conference went live as scheduled, with real-time streaming.
She stood tall in a white suit, her expression cold and resolute.
"I'm here today for one reason only—to tell the truth behind my divorce from Shen Sihan."
Her voice was clear and firm, every word powerful.
"Our divorce wasn't about health. It was because our values and emotional foundation had completely collapsed."
"During our marriage, Shen Group repeatedly used Lin Group's name to push shady contracts, almost leading to me being voted out of the board."
"I protected Lin Group. And I protected the last shred of dignity I, Lin Wannian, had left."
Gasps filled the room.
Netizens flooded the screen:[She's the real victim!][Shen Sihan is terrifying!][This woman is fierce and fearless!]
Lin Wannian looked into the camera, her voice cold and unwavering:
"President Shen, please stop exploiting our past. It's over. I won't look back, and I won't let Lin Group fall into that swamp again."
When the conference ended, thunderous applause erupted.
As she stepped off the stage, her eyes were steady and unshakable.
She was no longer anyone's puppet. No longer Shen Sihan's wife.
And Shen Sihan finally realized—what he had lost was no ordinary woman.
——
Late night, Shen Mansion.
Shen Sihan silently watched the entire press conference replay. His hand gripping the wine glass was trembling, knuckles pale.
"Lin Wannian… you really don't want me anymore?"
No one answered—only the howling night wind outside.
He laughed.
Bitterly. Stubbornly.
"It's fine… I still have time."
"This battle—I won't lose."