An Evening of Unexpected Warmth
Astra and Jiang Ting returned to his home together. The atmosphere during dinner was surprisingly calm. Jiang Ting personally prepared a simple yet heartwarming meal of cured meat and noodles. The kitchen filled with the steamy aroma of comfort food. His sleeves rolled up, Jiang Ting deftly stir-fried the noodles, occasionally glancing at Astra with a subtle, almost imperceptible softness in his gaze.
Leaning against the kitchen doorway, Astra watched his back, a warmth spreading through her chest. She had always thought of Jiang Ting as nothing more than a cold, calculating businessman. Yet here he was, grounded in the warmth of domesticity. Curiosity flickered in her mind.
"Who knew he could cook so well?"
"It's ready. Try it." Jiang Ting set the final dish on the table, a small smile curving his lips, his eyes resting on her with a rare gentleness.
Astra nodded, picking up a bite of noodles and savoring it. The rich flavors melted her guarded heart, and she murmured, "It's really good."
Jiang Ting's eyes flickered, his smile deepening with a hint of teasing and unfathomable tenderness. "Then I'll make it for you more often."
She paused, surprised by his words. A mix of conflicting feelings weighed on her — she hadn't planned on being swayed by something as simple as a meal. And yet, the genuine warmth of being cared for tugged at her heart.
Lowering her eyes, she bit her lip lightly and said, feigning calm, "Say things like that, and I'll think you're trying to bribe me."
Jiang Ting chuckled softly, his gaze darkening with a possessive intensity. "Yes, I am bribing you."
The depth in his voice stirred a ripple in her heart's defenses.
A Glimpse of Hidden Vulnerability
After dinner, they leaned against the sofa. The only light came from the soft glow of the moon outside the window. Jiang Ting rested his head back slightly, a crease forming between his brows, a shadow of fatigue in his eyes.
Staring into the night, his voice was low and husky. "Sometimes, I'm afraid I'll wake up and everything will be gone."
A flicker of vulnerability crossed his gaze — an unease and loneliness that cracked his cold exterior.
Astra's heart clenched. She reached out as if to touch his hand but hesitated at the last moment. In a soft voice, she whispered, "It won't. Everything is still here."
He turned to her, the soft light in his eyes wrapping around her like a cocoon. He smiled faintly, as if her words had gently smoothed his worries.
"Thank you," he murmured, the words light but carrying immense weight.
For a moment, unspoken understanding and warmth filled the air.
A sudden knock shattered the quiet.
"Mr. Jiang, it's urgent."
Milano, the head of foreign exchange operations, stood at the door, his expression tense, sweat glistening on his brow.
Jiang Ting frowned slightly and nodded toward Astra. "Wait here for me." Then, as if reconsidering, he added firmly, "She can know everything."
Astra, momentarily disappointed by the interruption, felt a surge of surprise and warmth. "He's only known me for days, yet he trusts me this much?"
A Brewing Conspiracy
Milano's voice was urgent, his eyes filled with panic. "I just returned from G Country. I was there for a foreign exchange negotiation, but after the reception, a banker led me to a 'private gathering.' I thought it was a standard business exchange, but... it turned out to be a massive plot to short the Luso currency."
He swallowed hard, fear flickering in his eyes.
"The meeting was held in a castle basement, lit by flickering candles, the air thick with cigars and whiskey. Attendees included a European noble, the Duke of August, representatives of top financial consortia, and even former officials and politicians from G Country."
Milano's fists clenched, knuckles turning white. His voice trembled with outrage. "They plan to manipulate media and capital to short the Luso currency, triggering its collapse for profit."
His voice grew harsher. "The worst part? Those politicians already cashed out their assets, converting everything to dollars and gold. They're ready to watch the chaos unfold, then seize the chance to topple the current regime."
Astra's brows furrowed. "Why do they need Ying Group?"
Milano's gaze wavered, his voice nearly breaking. "They want our liquidity and market reputation. They need us to cover their tracks. If things go wrong, Ying Group becomes the perfect scapegoat."
Jiang Ting listened quietly, his expression icy. Hands in his pockets, he stood by the window, moonlight casting a cold glow on his figure. He didn't speak immediately, his narrowed eyes glinting with calculation.
"They're cornering you because you manage the group's foreign exchange operations." His voice was chillingly calm. "They think they can drag us down and use us as a shield when everything collapses."
Turning abruptly, his sharp gaze pierced Milano. "Why didn't you refuse?"
Milano laughed bitterly. "I tried. But the Duke of August made it clear — hearing their plan meant I was already involved. Refusal wasn't an option unless I didn't want to make it back alive."
Jiang Ting's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes like blades. "So, pulling us into this was their plan all along."
He glanced at Milano, his gaze electric with command. Milano straightened, took a breath, and continued.
"Mr. Jiang, I've investigated the attendees."
Wiping the sweat from his brow, his voice was steady but low. "That woman with the sapphire brooch, Elena Green, is a rising star in the Freedom Conservative Party. They're backing her to be a puppet leader. If she wins the next election, the government will pass a law easing capital flow restrictions, letting them hide the profits from this scheme."
"And the middle-aged man, William Hawk — a supposedly righteous judge. In reality, he's tied to several top consortia. He'll 'resolve' any legal fallout, blaming everything on 'market volatility' to let the real culprits walk free."
The room froze with tension. Astra closed her eyes, extending her mind to uncover more threads of the conspiracy. "They chose Ying Group for our financial strength and market reach. Our reputation in Asia and North America would cover their true intentions. And if things fall apart, we take the blame."
Jiang Ting's voice was cold steel. "They want us as their shield — to block the storm and bear the guilt."
He paused, deep uncertainty clouding his eyes. The puzzle pieces aligned, but one was still missing.
"Why Ying Group?" he muttered. "We're powerful, but they could target others."
He paced, hands clasped behind his back, eyes narrowing. Suddenly, a cold realization struck.
"Unless... someone leaked our trading positions, strategies, and upcoming plans."
Milano's face turned pale. "Mr. Jiang, are you saying... there's a mole?"
Jiang Ting's gaze was razor-sharp. "The scheme is too precise. The only explanation is that someone gave them insider information. It's not a low-level employee."
A name surfaced in his mind — Jason.
Jiang Ting's eyes flashed with cold fury. "Jason."
The name dripped with icy menace. "He controls personnel and has access to sensitive information. If there's a mole, it's him."
Milano's voice trembled. "But why would he betray us? He has a high salary and secure position."
Jiang Ting smirked coldly. "Everyone has a weakness or a price. Whether greed or coercion, someone has him cornered."
Stopping his pacing, his gaze cut through Milano like a blade.
"Find out."