Upon hearing Christian's reputation mentioned, Aaron finally calmed down. Right, he couldn't ruin his heir over an illegitimate child.
Dalia, seeing his anger dissipate, breathed a sigh of relief, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. As expected, just the mention of his precious son made him tense.
Late at night, the study was brightly lit. Aaron sat on the sofa, his eyes coldly fixed on Christian. "What exactly happened today?"
Christian remained silent.
Seeing his son's demeanor, Aaron understood his thoughts. He recalled something Zuri had once said, which he had dismissed as absurd but now seemed more perceptive than he realized. "I will send her away."
"Why?"
"Because I'm your father."
"But you're not my biological father," Christian shouted angrily.
"You carry the blood of the Lin family."
Christian was stunned. "What do you mean?"
"You are my son," Aaron finally revealed the long-kept secret.
Standing outside the door, Zuri was equally shocked.
Christian was a blood relative of the Lin family?!
In that instant, all her previous doubts and questions found their answers. Christian was of Lin family blood, which was why Aaron always defended him. But what about Saira? Whose child was she then? This Lin family was truly intriguing. She, who was openly acknowledged as the Lin family's biological daughter, wasn't truly one of them, while the adopted son was. Interesting, truly interesting.
Zuri withdrew her hand from the door slowly.
Inside, Aaron continued, "Whether it's Zuri or that disgrace, they are just stepping stones for you. Your job is to lead the Lin family to greater heights, to make it the number one family in Oceanic. Once you achieve that, you can have any woman you want."
Stepping stones? Zuri narrowed her eyes. So that was the value she and Saira held in the Lin family.
Zuri no longer cared to listen to what was being said inside and turned to leave.
During the New Year, Farida's family went abroad for a vacation, and Azura spent the holiday with Leo in the capital, while Zuri stayed home, sleeping and reading.
Flying Stone Café
Nolan sat alone in a corner, and even through the glass windows, passersby were drawn to him. "That man is so handsome," whispered a waitress hiding behind the counter. "Did you see the watch on his wrist? I saw it in a magazine once; it's a rare Vacheron Constantin model, starting at least half a million."
"Wow, rich and good-looking."
While the waitresses speculated, the café door opened, and Zuri walked in, glancing around before heading straight to the window.
The waitstaff were about to approach when they saw the girl sit opposite the cold-looking man. "Hello, I'm Zuri," she said, looking at the impressive man before her.
Nolan looked at her, focusing on her eyes, which were even more striking up close. "Hello, Nolan."
"I've been meaning to thank you for standing up for me on social media. Thanks for your support, Mr. Feng," Zuri finally said what she had wanted to for a long time.
"It was nothing, don't mention it."
"So, what brings you to see me this time?" Zuri got straight to the point.
She was always curious; she had no dealings with Nolan. If there was any connection, it must have been that matter. Was he trying to persuade her since he couldn't convince Evan?
Though he had previously helped her, it was impossible for her to just hand over Evan. The two matters were separate.
Seeing her straightforwardness, Nolan didn't beat around the bush. "Recently, a 'stock market prodigy' has emerged in Oceanic City. What do you think of this 'prodigy'?"
'Stock market prodigy'?!
Zuri felt a chill, her eyes narrowing as she studied the man before her. This 'stock market prodigy' was something she had carefully hidden since the start. Was he testing her, or did he already know something?
Zuri smiled. "Mr. Feng is quite interested in the stock market here. As it happens, I know the 'prodigy.' He's my cousin. If you need his contact, I can give it to you."
Nolan smiled without speaking, pushing a plate of exquisite pastries toward her. "Try these; see if you like the taste."
Zuri looked at the small cakes and then at the man across from her, feeling a sudden, inexplicable pressure. The man before her exuded a powerful aura, making her feel exposed.
She took a bite, maintaining her composure. The taste was good.
Nolan observed her quietly eating the cake, his voice calm. "FX Company highly values talent. The 'stock market prodigy' fits our standards perfectly. If it were you, would you refuse our company's offer?"
"I'm still young, focused on my studies. As for my cousin's decision, you can ask him yourself."
They both understood the situation without stating it outright.
"I've reviewed the 'stock market prodigy's' trading records; they're on par with mine, perhaps even better. At her age, I couldn't have been so precise. Such talent is rare. If she joins our company, she will undoubtedly have more room for growth."
"FX's main business is in the international financial market; that's where she belongs."
To someone truly passionate about finance, this would be an enticing offer. After all, Wall Street is a dream destination for any trader.
Unfortunately, that wasn't her.
She was merely leveraging her past life's memories, which were helpful for a time but not forever. Pursuing something not truly hers would only lead to downfall.
"Mr. Feng, you should ask him."
Nolan understood and looked at the girl in front of him, feeling a sense of loss, knowing that such talent was being wasted. Not being domineering, he wouldn't force her.
He handed her a simple black business card. "If your cousin ever changes his mind and wants to try, he can call this number."
"Okay."
Zuri took the card, noting its unique material—neither metal nor paper, delicate and smooth, with only a phone number and no name.
It was a unique card, different from the ones Evan had shown her before.
When Grayson entered and saw the card in Zuri's hand, his expression paused briefly, a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he looked away.
Zuri watched as Nolan got into a car and left in a black and gold Maybach.