The fallout from Zhao Min's betrayal rippled through the Zhao household, leaving everyone unsettled and on edge. Zhao Lan had managed to preserve her family's business and her position, but the atmosphere remained tense, laced with suspicion and hurt. As she walked through the corridors of their grand estate, she noticed the servants whispering, their eyes averted whenever Zhao Min passed by. Her sister's reputation was irrevocably tarnished, and while Zhao Lan felt some satisfaction, a part of her still carried the heavy weight of familial loyalty.
The confrontation had taken its toll on their father, too. He spent more time in his study, seldom speaking to either of his daughters. Zhao Lan knew that her father was a proud man, deeply invested in the honor of the Zhao name, and this scandal had struck him deeply. Though he had been impressed by her quick thinking and dedication, she could sense that he remained emotionally distant, struggling to come to terms with Zhao Min's betrayal.
One evening, Zhao Lan resolved to speak with her father directly. She wanted to clear the air, not only to strengthen her own standing but also to ensure that he would continue to support the family despite the recent turmoil. She approached his study, knocking lightly before stepping inside.
"Father," she began, her voice calm yet resolute, "I know recent events have been difficult for you. But please know that everything I've done has been to protect our family and our legacy."
Her father looked up, his gaze softened by the faint candlelight. He sighed, motioning for her to sit.
"Lan," he said slowly, "I've always admired your intelligence and spirit, though I've never said it outright. Your actions have preserved our business, but this matter with your sister has left scars."
Zhao Lan nodded, her own emotions simmering beneath her composed exterior. She understood the pain her father felt and hoped that, with time, they could both move forward. But just as she thought their conversation would end on a reconciliatory note, her father continued with a serious tone.
"I have been in talks with a few influential families," he said. "They believe an alliance through marriage could help stabilize our standing in society. I trust your judgment, Lan, but consider the benefits a union with one of these families might bring us."
Zhao Lan's heart sank, though she maintained her poise. A marriage of alliance? Her father's words seemed to draw her back into the rigid expectations she had always tried to escape. However, the thought of a strategic marriage wasn't unfamiliar; in her past life, she had encountered similar pressures. She took a deep breath, schooling her emotions before responding.
"I understand, Father," she replied, keeping her tone respectful. "I'll consider it carefully."
---
That night, Zhao Lan's mind raced as she thought of the marriage proposal. She'd worked tirelessly to earn her independence, and now it felt like she was about to lose it all over again. A gentle knock on her door interrupted her thoughts, and to her surprise, it was Li Wei. He had heard about her father's request and had come to check on her.
"Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.
Zhao Lan forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Father thinks a marriage alliance could strengthen our family's standing. It's… complicated."
Li Wei nodded, his expression sympathetic. "Do you have someone in mind for this alliance?"
Zhao Lan chuckled, a bitter edge to her laugh. "No. The thought of an arranged marriage doesn't sit well with me. I've worked so hard to secure my place in this family, and now it feels like I'm back to being a pawn."
Li Wei reached out, gently taking her hand. "You're not a pawn, Zhao Lan. You're a strong, intelligent woman who has defied expectations time and time again. You have the right to make your own choices."
His words, though comforting, only served to heighten her turmoil. She had come to value his friendship and support more than she cared to admit, and the thought of leaving him—of being forced into a union with someone she barely knew—felt like an unbearable loss.
---
As the days passed, Zhao Lan continued to immerse herself in the family business, determined to prove that she could handle her responsibilities without the need for a marriage alliance. She poured her energy into expanding their influence, initiating several new ventures and securing partnerships that had previously seemed out of reach. Her father watched her progress with a mix of pride and reluctance, torn between his respect for her capabilities and his desire for the stability that a marriage alliance could provide.
Meanwhile, Zhao Min's isolation deepened. Deprived of her father's approval and ostracized by the household staff, she grew more bitter by the day. Zhao Lan could feel her sister's resentment like a palpable force, hanging in the air whenever they crossed paths. Zhao Min's usual arrogance had been replaced with a cold silence, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed hatred.
One evening, as Zhao Lan was going over some contracts in her study, Zhao Min appeared at the door, her face shadowed and her voice dripping with malice.
"Congratulations, sister," Zhao Min sneered. "You've won Father's favor and taken everything that was once mine. But don't think for a second that I'll just fade away."
Zhao Lan met her sister's gaze, unflinching. "This isn't about winning or losing, Zhao Min. I'm doing what's best for our family, something you've chosen to undermine."
Zhao Min's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Oh, you think you're so righteous, don't you? But let's see how long your luck lasts. One day, Father's favor will turn, and you'll be left with nothing."
With that, Zhao Min turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving Zhao Lan to reflect on her words. Her sister's bitterness was like a poison, corroding everything she touched. Zhao Lan knew that as long as Zhao Min harbored such hatred, the family would never truly be at peace.
---
The next few weeks saw Zhao Lan's influence grow further, attracting the attention of several powerful figures in the business world. She began receiving invitations to exclusive events, where she rubbed shoulders with influential businessmen and women. Her father, reluctantly impressed, started to ease back on the marriage alliance pressure, recognizing that Zhao Lan's talents might secure the family's future without the need for external support.
One evening, she was invited to a grand gala held by a prominent business family, the Chen clan. As she mingled with the guests, she caught sight of Li Wei across the room, his warm smile cutting through the crowd. She hadn't expected him to be there, but his presence filled her with a sense of comfort and familiarity.
They found a quiet corner where they could talk without interruption. Li Wei looked at her, his expression serious yet soft.
"You've come so far, Zhao Lan," he said. "Everyone here respects you. You've earned your place."
Zhao Lan smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I wouldn't have made it this far without you, Li Wei. Your support has meant more to me than you know."
A brief silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken feelings. Li Wei took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he finally voiced what had been on his mind for so long.
"Zhao Lan, I know we're both bound by our responsibilities. But if there's a way… if there's ever a chance… I would be honored to stand by your side."
Zhao Lan's heart raced, her pulse quickening at his words. She had always admired his strength and kindness, but hearing him speak so openly stirred emotions she hadn't allowed herself to fully acknowledge. In that moment, she realized just how deeply she cared for him.
But before she could respond, a commotion erupted at the entrance. Several men in dark suits strode into the ballroom, their expressions grim as they scanned the room. One of them approached Zhao Lan with a look of urgency.
"Miss Zhao, there's an issue at the Zhao estate. You need to come with us immediately."
Zhao Lan felt a surge of dread, her mind racing with possibilities. She turned to Li Wei, her eyes wide with worry.
"Something's happened. I have to go," she said, barely able to keep the tremor out of her voice.
Li Wei nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll come with you."
Together, they left the gala, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. As their carriage sped toward the estate, Zhao Lan braced herself for whatever awaited her. She had fought so hard to secure her place, to prove her worth, but now it felt as if the very foundation of her life was about to be shaken.
When they arrived, they found the estate in chaos. Servants rushed about, their faces pale with fear. Her father stood in the center of the courtyard, his face drawn with worry as he turned to Zhao Lan and Li Wei.
"Lan," he said, his voice tight with emotion. "Zhao Min… she's gone. She left a note saying she'll return to claim what's rightfully hers."
Zhao Lan's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. Her sister's resentment had finally boiled over, and she knew that Zhao Min's departure was not the end but the beginning of a new, more dangerous chapter.