Su Lin was still reeling from the revelation that Xiaoxing had started calling Jichen "Papa." The irritation bubbled within her like a boiling kettle, threatening to spill over. How could my daughter, after everything we've been through, just adopt this man so easily?
Sitting in her sleek, modern office, she gripped the edge of her desk, her perfectly manicured nails digging into the polished wood. The reports spread out before her, detailing Jichen's background and his recent activities with Xiaoxing, felt like a taunt. The audacity! The name echoed in her mind, relentless and grating. "Papa." It wasn't just a title; it signified a bond, a connection that Su Lin had not anticipated.
The warmth of motherhood clashed with the cold reality of her situation. How could Xiaoxing trust this man? To her, he was a stranger—a man who had taken her daughter away from her, even if only temporarily. It felt like an invasion, a breach of the sacred space she had created for Xiaoxing in her heart.
As she leaned back in her chair, the cool leather creaked under her weight, and she tried to reign in her emotions. Stay composed, she reminded herself. Xiaoxing's safety is what matters most. But the thought of Jichen, the CEO of HD Group, stepping into the role of a father sent waves of anger coursing through her veins.
Su Lin thought back to the time when she had last seen her daughter, the cold grip of fear tightening around her heart. What kind of man is he? she pondered. All the intelligence reports painted him as a ruthless businessman, yet here he was, playing the role of a loving father. The irony gnawed at her.
With a deep breath, she picked up the document that highlighted Jichen's rise in the corporate world, noting his business acumen and tactical prowess. If he could manipulate markets, what was to stop him from manipulating Xiaoxing's affections? No, she decided firmly. She couldn't let herself entertain such notions. I need to know his intentions.
Just then, her assistant entered the office, interrupting her thoughts. "Ma'am, the latest reports on Jichen's operations have come in," he said, placing a thick folder on her desk.
"Thank you," she replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. As he left, Su Lin opened the folder, scanning through the pages with purpose. The information detailed Jichen's recent dealings, his investments, and his strategic movements in the business world, but she needed more—she needed to know about his relationship with Xiaoxing.
As she flipped through the pages, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from her hidden guards. "We have located Jichen's residence. Surveillance is in place."
A dark smile crept across her lips. Finally, some control. She would monitor his every move, learn how he interacted with Xiaoxing, and gather crucial intelligence about his life. With her daughter's safety hanging in the balance, she couldn't afford any missteps.
But there was also a nagging thought at the back of her mind—what if Jichen was genuine in his care for Xiaoxing? No, she decided firmly. She couldn't let herself entertain such notions. I need to know his intentions.
Moments later, she stood up and paced her office, formulating her next steps. She would infiltrate Jichen's life, presenting herself as the perfect mother. He will never see it coming. She would appear supportive, even understanding, while secretly plotting her strategy to reclaim her daughter.
___
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the mansion, filling the rooms with a warm, golden glow. Jichen woke up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle the day. He stretched, the faint sounds of birds chirping outside adding to the serenity of the morning.
As he headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee, he noticed Xiaoxing still fast asleep in her room, her small frame curled up in the soft blankets. Let her sleep in a bit longer, he thought with a smile.
Jichen had just settled into his study, sipping his coffee and looking over the day's agenda, when Liu Jian, his trusted right-hand man, appeared at the doorway.
"Boss, we need to talk," Liu Jian said, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.
Jichen looked up, placing his coffee cup on the table. "What's going on, Liu? It's early."
Liu Jian hesitated for a moment, his expression serious. "I've noticed something unsettling. We're being watched."
Jichen's brows furrowed. "Watched? By who?"
Liu Jian took a deep breath. "There's been activity around your house—shadowy figures monitoring your movements. Especially Xiaoxing's."
Jichen's eyes narrowed, and his grip tightened on his coffee cup. "Xiaoxing? Why would anyone be watching her?"
"I had my men trace them," Liu Jian continued. "They're connected to the Su family."
Jichen blinked in confusion, the name not ringing any immediate bells. "The Su family? Who are they?"
Liu Jian pulled out a small dossier and handed it to Jichen. "Su Enterprises. Major conglomerate, very secretive. But what's more important is their heiress—Su Lin. She's the one pulling the strings. I've found out she's been extremely interested in Xiaoxing."
Jichen flipped open the dossier, scanning through the contents, his expression hardening as he absorbed the information. "Su Lin," he murmured. "What's her connection to all of this?"
Liu Jian crossed his arms, his face darkening. "She's powerful and ruthless, known for making calculated moves in both the business world and outside of it. But her interest in Xiaoxing... I suspect it's personal."
Jichen's mind whirled. Why would a woman like Su Lin care about my daughter? The more he read, the more questions he had. There were photos of Su Lin, her cold beauty captured in various business events. A woman like her didn't strike him as someone who'd randomly interfere with a child's life.
"What does she want with Xiaoxing?" Jichen asked, his tone demanding answers.
"We don't know for sure yet," Liu Jian said. "But from what we've gathered, she's been monitoring Xiaoxing for a while. Her surveillance is detailed, and she's pulling in significant resources."
Jichen closed the file, his jaw clenched. "Why would this woman be so focused on a little girl?"
Liu Jian shook his head. "That's what we need to figure out. But for now, we have to assume she's dangerous. We can't afford to let our guard down."
Jichen sat back, his mind racing. Who is Su Lin, and why is she so obsessed with Xiaoxing? He hadn't even known about the Su family, let alone that they would have an interest in his life. But one thing was clear: this was no ordinary surveillance.
"Keep a close watch," Jichen ordered, his voice cold and measured. "I want to know every move she makes."
Liu Jian nodded. "Already in place. We'll maintain constant monitoring."
As Liu Jian left the room, Jichen leaned back in his chair, staring out the window. The peaceful morning felt like a distant memory now, replaced by the shadows of a powerful enemy lurking just outside his door.
Su Lin. Whoever she was, Jichen was certain of one thing—she posed a threat to Xiaoxing. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect her.