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Lin Yue blinked rapidly, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at Xu Mingze across the luxurious table.
Her palms were damp under the table, and she struggled to keep her voice steady.
"What do you mean, you want me to work for you?" she asked, voice low but laced with disbelief.
Xu Mingze didn't flinch. He lazily set down his wine glass, swirling the remaining liquid inside before lifting his eyes to meet hers—cold, calculating.
Lin Yue's mind raced. What game was this?
Her heart pounded, and instinctively, her hand hovered near her bag where her phone was still secretly recording.
"Why me?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.
Xu Mingze gave a humorless chuckle. "Don't look so surprised. The Chenhua Renovation Bid is next week, and I need someone with real skill. I want that project, and I want your hands on it."
Lin Yue swallowed thickly, anxiety crawling up her spine. "Aren't you afraid I'll tell Mr. Liang?" she countered, eyes locking onto his.
Xu Mingze smirked. "You think he'll care? You're a mere employee to him. A pebble in the grand wheel of Liang Conglomerate. What could your word possibly do?"
Lin Yue's chest tightened.
It was cruel, but… was it true? Did she mean anything to Liang Yexuan anymore? Would he even notice if she disappeared?
"And if I say no?"
—
Outside, in a black Rolls-Royce parked discreetly near the entrance of Cloud Terrace Pavilion, Jin Shu lowered his phone and looked at Liang Yexuan in the rearview mirror.
"It's confirmed. The men who took Miss Lin belong to Xu Mingze."
Liang Yexuan's expression darkened. "Xu Mingze… of Xu Group?"
Jin Shu nodded. "Yes, Young Master."
Liang Yexuan frowned deeper. "Do they know each other?"
"I doubt it," Jin Shu replied. "Miss Lin's only been in the company for a few weeks. There's no way she has any personal connection with someone like him."
Liang Yexuan looked out the window, fingers tapping against his knee.
"Why her?" he asked quietly.
Jin Shu hesitated. "The Chenhua bid. Xu Group has been trying to get the project. They've been searching for Yue, the painter from Zhongwen District."
Liang Yexuan's head snapped toward him. "But all the articles had her face mosaicked. How did they find her?"
"I don't know. But it seems they figured it out."
A beat of silence passed. Then, Liang Yexuan spoke, his voice like a blade. "We're going in. Now."
"Should we wait for the men to arrive?" Jin Shu asked cautiously.
He didn't get an answer—Liang Yexuan was already opening the car door.
—
In the private room, Xu Mingze leaned forward, his eyes gleaming like a serpent about to strike. "Then I'll make sure you regret it. I'm not one to lose what I want."
A cold chill swept down her back. He was dead serious.
Xu Mingze's tone was casual, but the pressure in the room was heavy. He reminded her of those silent, well-fed lions you see pacing behind glass walls in a zoo—still, but always watching, waiting.
She thought about the tiny bump forming beneath her clothes. About the baby. About everything she'd worked so hard for since returning into Liang Yexuan's world.
No. I can't risk anything.
Her lips curved into a soft smile, masking her disdain. "I wouldn't dare refuse."
His brows lifted. "So easily?"
"I'm not stupid, Mr. Xu," she said, tilting her head. "You found me. I assume you know more than you're saying. Refusing might get me in trouble."
"I'm glad we understand each other," he said. "Now, I want you to bring the sketch you made for Liang Conglomerate. Start fresh with us."
"Of course," she said sweetly, masking her disgust. "When do you want me to start?"
Xu Mingze smiled, and it sent a chill down her spine. "Tomorrow morning bring the sketch to my company and we'll discuss your compensation."
She tilted her head and said sweetly, "Of course, CEO Xu. I'll bring it tomorrow."
—
Outside, near the private floor hallway, Assistant Liu and three men stood guard. They didn't expect trouble.
This was Xu Group's turf. Who would dare—
They then saw three figures approaching—their steps fast and purposeful.
Assistant Liu recognise one of the men.
Liang Yexuan.
He narrowed his eyes. Why was he here?
Before he could even step forward, Jin Shu delivered a clean blow to his temple. The man crumpled to the floor.
The driver handled the others silently.
Jin Shu wiped his hands. "They're down."
Liang Yexuan gave a single nod and stepped toward the private room.
Just as his hand touched the doorknob—
He heard it.
Lin Yue's voice, soft and deceptive, "Of course, CEO Xu. I'll bring it tomorrow."
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