“No, President Yan. It's not that I'm refusing you.” Senna avoided his sharp gaze, focusing instead on her paint-stained hands. “I’m dirty and sweaty right now. How about we find a room so I can clean up first?”
Senna blinked rapidly, trying to conceal her anxiety. She struggled to calm the furious man. The cold air, heavy with his dark aura, made her extremely uncomfortable. She knew she had to tread carefully, for any misstep could escalate the situation. She tried to make herself appear smaller, less confrontational.
However, President Yan gently caressed Senna’s smooth cheek, forcing her to look at him. His touch, though soft, felt like a command she couldn't ignore.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re dirty and sweaty; to me, it’s intoxicating. I like it.” His voice was clear and soft, but his gaze remained piercing. He then warned her, “Don’t refuse me!”
President Yan wasted no time, his face descending to her slender neck. He moved with an urgency that made Senna's skin crawl. She tried to suppress the disgust rising within her, knowing that showing her true feelings could be dangerous.
Senna clenched her fists to suppress the revulsion she felt. Though her heart had gone numb and she felt no pleasure, she still tried to let him have his way. The room seemed to close in on her, the walls pressing in as President Yan’s hands roamed freely.
But it didn’t last long. Senna, unable to endure it any longer, pushed him away with some strength. She wanted to gain some advantage from her sacrifice, but her patience had limits.
President Yan’s expression nearly exploded with rage from her rejection. This time, Senna moved quickly. “President Yan, why don’t we continue at a hotel? It would be much more comfortable.”
“We haven’t gone that far, so why rent a room?” His eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across his face.
“I haven’t eaten since noon. Why don’t we order food and continue there? A hotel is much more comfortable than here.” Senna hoped her reasoning would appeal to his sense of convenience.
President Yan stared at her for a long moment before finally nodding. “Alright, I’ll do it.”
Senna secretly smiled, her plan moving forward unnoticed. She maintained her composure, knowing that any slip could ruin everything.
“Let’s go. Leave your car here. I’ll have someone send it to the Qin residence,” President Yan offered, his tone surprisingly accommodating.
“Alright, but I have a better suggestion about my car.” This time, Senna didn’t refuse. She knew she had to play along to keep him off guard.
Suddenly, President Yan seemed to realize something. “Senna, are you planning something?” He looked at her seriously, his sharp eyes scanning her face for any hint of deception.
Senna’s lips curved into a smile. “President Yan, you seem to know exactly what I’m thinking. I hope you’ll cooperate this time too.” She kept her tone light, almost playful, trying to defuse his suspicion.
“Senna, tell me clearly, what exactly do you want?” His voice was demanding, but Senna sensed a flicker of curiosity behind his stern demeanor.
***
Meanwhile, Evander Qin entered the house with a pregnant woman. His presence commanded immediate attention, and the atmosphere shifted as he walked in.
“Call Senna Zhang here!” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
“Sorry, Young Master. Madam hasn’t returned since this morning,” a servant replied, her voice trembling slightly under his intense gaze.
“What? It’s already late, and she’s not home yet?” Evander fumed. “Where could she be at this hour? Send her guards to find her and force her to come home!” His frustration was palpable, his authority absolute.
Belinda stopped her boyfriend, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Honey, let her be. Let’s lock the door and make her sleep outside. It’s better to enjoy our time together.” She leaned against Evander’s shoulder, acting coy and trying to divert his attention.
“Locking her out would only give her the freedom to undermine me. Sweetheart, go to the guest room. Staying up late isn’t good for a pregnant woman,” Evander said gently, his tone softening for her.
Belinda clung to him even tighter. “I don’t want to sleep alone. Can you stay with me?” she asked seductively. “It’s been so long since we spent a night together.” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of desire and determination.
“Honey, our child’s safety is paramount. Remember what the doctor said about avoiding risks during this period.” Evander tried to reason with her, though he understood her frustrations.
“But—” Belinda’s eyes welled up with tears. Although this tactic had failed before, she hoped it would work this time. Her lower lip quivered, adding to her plea's effect.
“Sleep well!” Evander kissed her forehead and wished her a gentle goodnight. He hoped his tenderness would soothe her disappointment.
Belinda felt unsatisfied. “Are you sure you’ll leave me to sleep alone while you stay in the main room with her?” Her voice carried a note of accusation.
“Belinda, we discussed this this morning. Don’t complicate things for me!” Evander’s patience was wearing thin, but he tried to keep his tone steady.
Belinda turned away, pouting, and left without another word. Evander then instructed a servant, “Show Belinda to the room I had prepared and ensure she’s comfortable.”
“Yes, Young Master.” The servant bowed and left to fulfill his orders.
“You, why are you still here? Go to your rooms or out to search for Senna Zhang.” Evander’s command was sharp, and the servants scattered immediately.
The servants dispersed, leaving only the head butler. “Have you done what I instructed?” Evander asked, his tone serious.
“Yes, I’ve sent the message for them to proceed,” the head butler replied, nodding.
“Tell them they have two hours. If they fail, I’ll send them back to their ruthless former boss.” Evander’s words were a clear threat, and the head butler nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“Yes, Young Master. I’ll inform them.” The head butler began typing on his phone, conveying the urgent message.
Evander commanded again, “Make me a cup coffee.”
Evander pulled out his laptop from his bag and busied himself with work, ignoring the head butler who placed the coffee and wondered why his master wasn’t working in his office.
Knowing better than to question further, the head butler left. Having served the Young Master for a long time, he knew how to handle the harsh, ruthless, and egoistic man. He moved silently, ensuring everything was in order.
Evander occasionally glanced at his watch, growing impatient. The seconds seemed to stretch into minutes, each tick amplifying his frustration. Finally, he closed the laptop. “Head Butler, give me your phone. I need to warn those failing in their duties.”
The head butler hesitated before handing over his phone. Evander quickly snatched it, his impatience evident.
“Hello,” a voice on the other end answered.
“Have you found her? I gave you two hours to bring her home.” Evander’s tone was icy, his displeasure clear.
“Boss, we haven’t located Madam yet. We’ve even searched around the Zhang family’s area, but no luck.” The voice sounded nervous, aware of the consequences of failure.
“Search every corner of the city. You’re not performing well. Remember what I said about failure?” Evander’s words were a clear warning.
“Young Master, please give us another chance. You’re our savior; don’t send us back to that hell.” The desperation in the voice was palpable.
“Then do your job well, or face the consequences. Tonight, you must bring—”
“Young Master!” someone interrupted before Evander could finish.
“What are you shouting about?” Evander snapped, his anger flaring.
“It’s about Madam.” The man’s voice was urgent, cutting through the tension.
“What has she done?” Evander looked at the man seriously, his mind racing with possibilities.
The tension in the room was palpable, each second stretching into an eternity as Evander waited for the man to speak.
Evander stared at the screen, his emotions boiling over as he read the trending article on the internet. His hands clenched tightly into fists as he shouted, "Senna Zhang!"A voice responded to his shout. "What's with all the shouting?"Evander's gaze fixated on the woman who had just entered, her face still displaying calmness. There was no hint of regret that she had committed a grave mistake."You dare return to this mansion after tarnishing my reputation?" Evander retorted sharply."Tarnishing your reputation? I've just arrived. Husband, why don't you check the mirror and see for yourself if there's any tarnishing?" Senna replied casually.Evander's emotions surged even more. "Senna Zhang, is this an appropriate time for you to joke like this?" His face darkened further, causing even the head butler and security guards to tremble under the cold pressure.Senna remained unfazed, even managing a smile. "Husband, why so serious? Rumors like these will pass. Besides, who doesn't know a
"Senna thought it was the perfect moment for another retaliatory strike!" That was her exact sentiment upon hearing footsteps and movements from someone in hiding.She couldn't afford to waste this opportune moment. Without hesitation, she launched an attack on Evander with a kiss. Evander's body tensed momentarily."Evander!" A woman's enraged voice echoed.Evander quickly pushed Senna away. "Belinda, this isn't—"Belinda stormed out of the room abruptly. Evander glared at Senna, furious. "You! Did you do this on purpose? Senna, you're—""Young Master Qin." Senna looked down at him dismissively. Then she provoked him with her sarcasm. "Aren't you going to listen? You two might be breaking up soon.""Senna, you're utterly disgusting!" Evander seethed. "I'll get back at you!"Evander left Senna standing there. He slammed the door shut loudly.Senna didn't flinch at the threat. "This is just the beginning. I'll slowly erode your relationship bit by bit." A sly smile crept onto Senna's li
Senna covertly glanced at the servants who looked at her with pity. She smiled to herself. "Good, the worse you treat me, the worse his lover's image becomes," Senna thought silently.Senna sighed. She had to swallow her pride to achieve her revenge. This was not as difficult as what she had to endure in her previous life.She stepped forward and began to pour soup into the bowl. Belinda's hand deliberately pushed Senna's hand."Ah!" the woman suddenly screamed.Evander immediately stood up, his face red as he stared at Senna. "What are you doing? Don't you know Belinda is pregnant? Are you deliberately trying to harm her?""She did it herself. If you ask the servants or check the CCTV, you'll know," Senna defended herself. Her face showed strong conviction.Belinda quickly embraced Evander's arm as she saw his resolve wavering. "Honey, don't believe her. She deliberately spilled it on me. She wants to hurt your child. You won't let this go, right?"Senna clenched her fists. This woman
Senna took the luxuriously designed envelope. Anyone could see the sender's status from it. "This is unexpected, but not bad either. I don't want to make it easy for that woman," she thought.Senna wanted to show her blindly ignorant husband just how useless his girlfriend was. "Now it will be even harder for Belinda to enter high society, especially with that person's help.""I wonder what that foolish husband will do about his girlfriend's behavior. He won't remain blind forever, will he?"Her sly smile widened. If Belinda continued to demonstrate her uselessness, it would be key for Senna to break their relationship."Now I just need to take one final step."***Belinda's eyes widened as she realized what she had missed. "Was there no other way than using that woman? Evander, can't you use your status to secure that invitation?""Belinda, you know only certain people can be invited and mingle with the Li family. This is a good leverage because Zhang has that connection," Evander re
"Belinda, no matter how much you plead with me, I can't do anything." The woman's response only fueled Belinda's frustration. "Not everyone can connect with the Li family.""Then why can she, but I can't?""You have to understand your status. Are you on par with someone like Senna Zhang? Do you not realize how influential she is? Despite her scandalous image, she's still an upper-class woman, whereas you...""Are you belittling me? I'm the lover of Young Master Qin, isn't that enough?" Belinda grew increasingly agitated."Belinda, until you get an official status, people won't regard you, especially while Senna Zhang still holds sway—""Shut up! I don't need you to compare me to her. Don't forget, you're just a lowly person like me.""You're really rude. I initially wanted to tell you a shortcut, but I've changed my mind.""Hey, don't hang up. Tell me how.""There's only one way..."***Senna Zhang eyed her smiling adversary suspiciously. "What's going on? Why is she like this? Could
“Are you skipping work again? Senna, did I raise you to be useless? You’re going to abandon your responsibilities for some meaningless exhibition?” Mr. Zhang’s voice boomed through the phone, uncaring if it hurt the ears on the other end. “Dad, this is not meaningless. It will benefit us because the one inviting me is Madam Li.” “Madam Li? Which Li?” “Dad, don’t you know Tiffany Li?” Senna clarified. “You’re lying to me, right? Didn’t you offend Tiffany Li by not attending her event? Do you know how hard it was for me to get that invitation? Now, you’re saying she contacted you herself? That makes no sense.” “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. You can have someone follow me to the exhibition. If I’m lying, I’ll resign from my position,” Senna firmly assured him. “Your bet’s not bad. Remember your promise!” Mr. Zhang warned. The old man ended the call first. Senna had anticipated his reaction. In the past, she had been forced out of the company when she had children. It was clear h
"No thanks, I don't want to bother you," Senna politely declined. "I don't—" Belinda wrapped her arm around Evander's, "Honey, her hand is just a minor injury, not a broken bone. We have plenty of drivers here, just ask one of them to take her! You also have a lot of work at the office, right?" Senna felt relieved; it seemed Belinda's jealousy had its perks after all. "That's right, I can go with a driver." Senna hurriedly left the room. She requested a driver who had become her go-to person. "Please take me to the art exhibition in City T quickly." "Sure thing, ma'am." "We need to arrive before 10." "Ma'am, isn't there an art exhibition in the capital too? Why do you have to go all the way to City T?" Normally, Senna would scold a driver who asked too many questions and wanted to interfere in her Master's affairs, but Senna had to win over the servants. She calmly answered the question, "My friend chose to make an appointment there." The driver nodded. He didn't ask
"There's no need, I don't want to trouble you," Senna declined politely. "Thanks to you, I got a lucky break this time," Senna said, looking at the man in front of her. "Why are you suddenly thanking me? Oh, is it because of the painting? Are you that happy your painting finally made it to the exhibition?" the man guessed after thinking about what might have prompted the sudden gratitude. "I'll help you get that chance again." "You don't need to do that anymore, President Yan. I’ve found another partner for it. Thanks to you." President Yan's face darkened. "Have you found another man to help you? Is it because I pressured you that you're mad at me?" "No, it's not that. Madam Li gave me a beneficial offer." "Madam Li? I remember, you wanted her support to become the most powerful woman in high society, right?" President Yan began to understand. "Correct." "You're thanking me for that?" "Yes, if you hadn't helped spread my painting, I wouldn't have gotten Mrs. Li's ad