After hanging up the phone, Li Qiao's hand was in so much pain that she felt numb.
She paid no attention to what Madam Xiao said afterward.
All she contemplated was a question: even if she became the duchess, was it necessary to be so harsh on her own son?
The woman, whose voice was so gentle, showed not the slightest tenderness of a mother.
With a "click," the sound of a lighter snapped Li Qiao back to reality.
She fixed her gaze on the man in front of her, surrounded by smoke that blurred his outline, showing no sign of relaxation.
Li Qiao looked down at the back of her hand that had been released, the pale white marks from being gripped were clearly visible.
She hid her hand by her side, said nothing, took a step forward, and burrowed into his embrace.
Perhaps because his emotions were too tense, the man's body also radiated stiffness.
The moment Li Qiao entered his arms, she even felt him tremble slightly.
