The glass walls of the boardroom reflected the modern sophistication of the Wang Empire. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. All eyes were on Wang Xiaoyun, better known as Cora Wang in the business world. At just 26, she was already a powerful figure, commanding both respect and admiration.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal grey power suit, the fabric hugged her slender frame with precision, accentuating her commanding presence. The suit's sharp lines contrasted beautifully against her fair complexion, while her minimal accessories—a pair of diamond studs and a luxury watch—added just enough elegance to balance her professional aura. Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek bun, leaving her face sharp, poised, and unreadable.
Across the table sat two international clients, their expressions having shifted from cautious and guarded to interested and engaged. Cora's calm, assertive voice had done its work. Every word she spoke carried weight, every glance from her dark, intelligent eyes spoke of confidence and control.
"We'll proceed with the terms as discussed," she said, her voice steady and sure as she extended her hand across the table. "I look forward to seeing this partnership thrive."
The handshake was firm. A subtle smile flickered across Cora's lips—another successful deal for Wang Link International, the Empire her father, Wang Zhiqiang, had built from the ground up. The company controlled an array of industries: Wangcore Technologies, Wang Global Motors, Wang Construction, Wang Life Sciences, and more. And it was her responsibility now to maintain that empire.
With the meeting concluded Cora allowed herself a moment of satisfaction as her assistant gathered the necessary documents. She glanced out of the window behind her, the skyline of Qingyun City stretching far and wide. This city belonged to her family. Her father, the cold and powerful Wang Zhiqiang, had moulded the company into what it was, and her grandfather, Wang Wei, was one of the most ruthless and respected figures in the industry. Their legacy rested in her hands.
Interrupting Wang Xiaoyun's thoughtful moment, Li Xinyi, her assistant, approached her quietly.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your thoughts, ma'am," Li Xinyi said softly. "Your next appointment is lunch with the girls. Your ride is waiting."
"Thank you, Li Xinyi," Cora replied, her tone professional but warm.
Wang Xiaoyun and Lin Xinyi exited the conference room, their heels clicking against the polished floor. As they approached the elevator, Lin Xinyi reached for the button.
"Let me get that for you," she offered.
Wang Xiaoyun smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Xinyi.
Lin Xinyi pressed the button, and a soft chime echoed in the hallway. The sound hung in the air, filling the brief silence between them.
"So, what did you think of the meeting?" Cora asked, shifting her weight slightly.
Before Lin Xinyi could answer, the elevator announced its arrival with a clear 'ding'. The doors slid open, inviting them inside.
As the elevator doors closed, Cora turned to Lin Xinyi. "See to it that those gentlemen get to the airport safely and inform my father about the success of the deal."
"Certainly, ma'am," Lin replied with a nod.
The elevator made a smooth sound, signaling their arrival at the car basement.
~~~
Lunch with the 4Fs was a welcome relief from the demands of the boardroom. Seated at their usual table in a sunlit corner of one of the city's finest restaurants, Cora relaxed in the company of her four closest friends: Qing Yue, Xu Lian, Mei Lin, and Ruo Shui. Together, they had navigated life's milestones—from college to the challenges of their careers—and they understood each other in ways few others could.
The conversation flowed easily. Qing Yue, whose family ran Qing Xiu Jade Works, was animated as she discussed her family's plans for international expansion.
"We're finalizing the deal in Singapore next week," Qing Yue said, excitement lighting up her features. "My father thinks we can break into the European market by next year."
"That's impressive," Cora remarked, genuine interest in her voice. "The European market can be challenging to penetrate. What's your strategy?"
Xu Lian, who had known Cora the longest, smiled warmly. Always the voice of reason, Xu Lian worked for her own family's business and had supported Cora through countless personal and professional struggles.
"It sounds like things are moving fast," she remarked, taking a sip of her tea. "I'm sure Wang Link will have more than enough to keep up."
Mei Lin, who worked for one of Cora's companies, chimed in, "With the pace we're moving, I wouldn't be surprised if you're expanding internationally before we even blink. You've been making waves all year, Cora."
Cora smiled at her friends, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie. Yet, there was an underlying tension she couldn't shake. Ruo Shui, seated directly across from her, seemed the same as always—supportive, upbeat, full of praise. But Cora's instincts, honed by years in business, picked up something beneath the surface.
"Tonight's your night, Xiaoyun," Ruo Shui said, raising her glass. "Leading Female CEO? You're setting the bar impossibly high for the rest of us."
The other women laughed lightly, joining the toast, but Cora couldn't shake the faint sense of unease.
"Thanks, everyone," she replied, raising her own glass with a smile. "I couldn't have done any of it without your support."
As lunch continued, the conversation moved on to other things—fashion, upcoming events, and life in general. But something in Ruo Shui's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, and Cora, ever perceptive, filed the moment away in the back of her mind.
~~~~
Back at her penthouse apartment, Cora stood in front of her full-length mirror, preparing for the evening's event. Her reflection stared back at her, cool and composed as always. Tonight was the CEO Award Winning Night, and she was set to receive the prestigious Leading Female CEO Award. A night of celebration awaited her, and she wanted everything to be perfect.
She chose a navy blue evening gown, sleek and commanding, with subtle detailing that made it elegant without being ostentatious. The gown fit her perfectly, emphasizing her figure in a way that radiated power and grace. She added a pair of silver earrings and brushed a few strands of her dark hair back into the smooth bun she had styled earlier. Her makeup was light but striking, with a bold lip to finish the look.
As she fastened her earrings, Cora allowed her mind to drift back to the legacy of her family. Wang Link International had grown from her father's strategic brilliance, and her grandfather had guided them through the most challenging times. Her sister, Wang Yuhan, had carved out her own path with Wang International Design, far from the corporate empire but still contributing to the family's success.
Tonight, however, was about her. Cora Wang, the woman who had led Wang Link International into a new era. Everything was in her hands now.
~~~~
The ballroom was a stunning display of wealth and power, the kind of place where only the most influential figures in the city gathered. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a golden glow over the attendees. The energy was palpable—tonight, the city's most powerful CEOs would be honored, and Wang Xiaoyun was the highlight of the evening.
As she entered, the soft hum of conversation quieted, and all eyes turned toward her. She moved with effortless grace, offering polite nods to those who greeted her. To the world, she was untouchable—a woman of success, power, and poise.
The ceremony began smoothly, the room filling with applause as one award after another was presented. And then, it was her turn.
"The award for Leading Female CEO goes to... Wang Xiaoyun, CEO of Wang Link International," the announcer's voice echoed through the room.
Cora rose to her feet, a soft smile playing on her lips as she walked toward the stage. Her navy gown trailed behind her like a wave of midnight, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. The applause was loud, the recognition well-earned. As she accepted the award, she stood tall, her face serene, her mind steady.
Taking her place at the podium, Cora gazed out at the sea of faces before her. The room fell silent, anticipating her words.
"Thank you," she began, her voice clear and strong. "This award is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of the Wang Link International team. We stand on the shoulders of giants—those who came before us and paved the way for innovation and progress in our industries."
She paused, allowing her words to resonate. "As we move forward, let us remember that true leadership is not about individual accolades, but about fostering growth, embracing change, and creating opportunities for others. Tonight, I challenge each of us to think beyond our personal success and consider how we can use our influence to shape a better future for our communities and the next generation of leaders."
With a gracious nod, she concluded, "Thank you again for this honor. Let it serve as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in driving positive change in the business world and beyond."
The applause that followed was thunderous. Cora stepped away from the podium, the award held securely in her hands, her posture exuding confidence and humility in equal measure.
But as she descended from the stage, something shifted. The applause faded, and in its place, she felt... tension. The eyes on her were different now, lingering too long, and the whispers she hadn't noticed before began to grow louder. From one side of the ballroom to the other, the murmurs seemed to follow her.
Her secretary, Li Xinyi, a sharp and efficient woman who had been by Cora's side for years, approached quietly. Dressed in an elegant black evening gown that complemented Cora's attire while maintaining a professional air, Xinyi was always prepared, always calm. But tonight, her face was tense.
"Ma'am," she said in a hushed voice, holding out her phone.
Cora glanced down at the screen, her breath catching in her throat.
Breaking News: Engaged CEO's Fiancé Caught in Scandal with Close Friend.
Lan Feng. Ruo Shui.
For a moment, the world around Cora froze. The blood drained from her face, but she didn't react outwardly. The years of practice, the training in poise and control, all kicked in. Her expression remained neutral, even as her heart raced and her stomach twisted painfully.
"Thank you, Li Xinyi," she murmured, dismissing her with a nod, though her grip on the award in her hand tightened.
She felt the eyes on her again, harsher now, filled with judgment and curiosity. But she would not break—not here, not in front of them.
From across the room, William Chen, known as Chen Liang in the business world, watched her closely. His sharp, calculating eyes had been on her the entire evening. He had seen the moment the news broke, saw the subtle shift in her posture. He had always been able to read her better than most.
But tonight, he kept his distance.