Chapter 98: Exposed
The dark night was filled with cold winds, but the chill in Liang Xiaoluo's heart was far worse than the biting air. The images of Gu Lingzi and Ye Tianlin—her supposed love—resonated in her mind, a grotesque mockery of the trust she had placed in him. She couldn't distinguish between what hurt more: the betrayal or her own willingness to believe his lies.
Inside the Mansion
In the depths of the Ye family mansion, Tianlin stood before a screen, cold rage simmering beneath his composed exterior. He had spent hours orchestrating this trap for Gu Lingzi, ensuring that every incriminating detail was recorded.
The call from Hualin came through, confirming the end of the "performance." "It's done," her trembling voice announced.
Tianlin's lips curved into a cold smirk as he hung up without a word. His next step was critical. After all, exposing Gu Lingzi wasn't just about revenge—it was about sending a clear message to anyone who dared threaten what was his.
He made his way to Gu Lingzi's room. As he entered, he found her wrapped in a sheet, pretending to be coy. Her cheeks were flushed, though not with embarrassment—it was the lingering effects of the drug.
"Did I hurt you earlier?" he asked, his tone deceptively gentle.
Gu Lingzi giggled, playing with the edge of the sheet. "Oh, Brother Tianlin, you were amazing," she cooed, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
"Good," he said, his lips twitching in what could almost be mistaken for a smile. "Get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day."
Confused but still intoxicated by her perceived triumph, Gu Lingzi nodded, watching him leave the room.
Liang Xiaoluo's Heartbreak
Unbeknownst to Tianlin, Liang Xiaoluo had seen him exit Gu Lingzi's room. Though her vision was blurred by tears, the sight of Gu Lingzi in nothing but a sheet was unmistakable. Gu Lingzi's smug expression as she deliberately walked past her was a dagger to the heart.
"You saw that, didn't you?" Gu Lingzi sneered. "Now you understand your place here. Brother Tianlin doesn't love you. You're just his charity case—his obligation because of that dead child you were carrying."
Liang Xiaoluo recoiled at her words, her hands trembling. "What…what are you saying?"
"Oh, please," Gu Lingzi said, rolling her eyes. "That child wasn't even wanted. Did you really think you could hold onto him with that? Face it—you're nothing more than a burden."
Liang Xiaoluo's knees gave way, and she sank to the floor as Gu Lingzi sauntered back to her room. The world around her seemed to crumble, leaving her in a void of despair.
Escape and Danger
Later that night, Liang Xiaoluo slipped out of the mansion. She avoided the front gates, fearing she might be stopped. Instead, she found the small, hidden exit used by the staff—little more than a crawlspace.
Humiliated and broken, she forced herself through the narrow opening. Dirt smeared her skin, and the cold bit into her as she emerged on the other side. But the indignity was worth it if it meant freedom.
She ran.
The streets were desolate, and the harsh wind lashed at her face. Tears blurred her vision, but she pressed on, desperate to put as much distance as possible between herself and the nightmare she was fleeing.
But even freedom was fleeting.
Three shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, their intent evident in their movements. Liang Xiaoluo tried to scream, but a rough hand clamped over her mouth. Panic surged through her as she struggled, but her strength was no match for theirs.
"Nothing personal, sweetheart," one of the men growled. "Someone paid good money to make sure you disappear."
"Do it quick," another urged. "No witnesses."
Liang Xiaoluo's muffled cries filled the night as the men dragged her toward the riverbank. Her vision blurred with fear, the freezing water below reflecting the pale moonlight.
She fought with all her might, her muffled screams growing louder as she neared the water's edge.
Unseen Savior
A sharp whistle pierced the air, startling the attackers. One of them froze, his grip loosening just enough for Liang Xiaoluo to bite his hand and scream.
"Who's there?" another shouted, scanning the shadows.
A figure emerged from the darkness, his silhouette backlit by the dim glow of a streetlamp. His presence was commanding, his voice low and dangerous.
"Let her go. Now."
The men exchanged glances. "Who the hell are you?"
"Your worst mistake," the figure replied, stepping closer.
Before the attackers could react, the man lunged. The scuffle was brief but brutal, leaving all three assailants sprawled unconscious at the riverbank.
Liang Xiaoluo collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. Her rescuer knelt before her, his face illuminated by the faint light.
"Are you hurt?" his voice was gentle now, a stark contrast to the violence he had just unleashed.
Liang Xiaoluo shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Who…who are you?"
The man hesitated for a moment before responding, "Someone who doesn't want to see you hurt."
As dawn broke, Liang Xiaoluo's thoughts remained a whirlwind. She had no idea who this man was or why he had saved her, but one thing was certain—her life would never be the same again.