The morning after the disastrous investor meeting, the Chen household was quiet. The usual hum of conversation over breakfast was replaced by silence and forced smiles. Chen Yuna, dressed in a simple cream blouse and beige slacks, sat with her parents in the dining room, absentmindedly stirring her tea.
She hadn't been able to sleep. Liu Rena's sabotage was still going viral, and even though she tried to hold her composure, the shame and helplessness gnawed at her.
Just as Mr. Chen picked up the newspaper with trembling fingers, Mei, Jiang Hangzhou's ever-efficient assistant, arrived at their doorstep.
"Good morning, Mr. Chen," she greeted respectfully, offering a slight bow. "President Jiang requests a private meeting with you in his office this morning. He said it concerns the current status of your company."
Mr. Chen blinked in confusion, then nodded. "Please let him know I'll be there within the hour."
Chen Yuna looked at her father curiously. "Did he say why?"
Mei only smiled politely. "I'm not at liberty to say, Miss Chen."
By ten o'clock, Mr. Chen was sitting in Jiang Hangzhou's private office on the 38th floor of Hangzhou Group's skyscraper. The view of the city was stunning, but Mr. Chen couldn't admire it—not when the weight of his family's legacy rested so heavily on his shoulders.
Jiang Hangzhou, dressed in a charcoal grey suit, gestured toward the seat opposite his desk. "Mr. Chen, thank you for coming."
"I should be the one thanking you," Mr. Chen said, nervously adjusting his sleeves. "Your assistance with the investor meeting was appreciated, though it came too late to save us."
"That's why you're here," Jiang Hangzhou said coolly, sliding a file across the desk. "I have reviewed your proposal. The skincare line your daughter created is impressive. I believe it has the potential to compete globally. But investors fear instability. Scandals. And unfortunately, your company now has both."
Mr. Chen swallowed. "That is… regrettably true."
"I am willing to invest. Not just as a silent partner, but as a collaborating entity through Hangzhou Group," Jiang said.
Mr. Chen's eyes widened. "You… you would do that?"
"Yes. But I have a condition."
Jiang Hangzhou leaned back, his fingers interlocked on the table.
"I want to marry your daughter. Privately. No public announcement, no ceremony. She will remain Chen Yuna to the world. But legally, she will be my wife."
The words hit Mr. Chen like a brick wall.
"President Jiang… this is very sudden. Why?"
"I have my reasons. Let's say I need someone who understands how to act, how to maintain appearances, and how to manage pressure from all sides. Your daughter has that poise."
Mr. Chen hesitated. "Yuna… she's strong-willed. She wouldn't agree easily."
"I'm not asking you to force her. I'm only presenting you with a choice," Jiang replied calmly. "Think of it this way—this marriage may save your company and your legacy."
Mr. Chen left the meeting shaken. That night, he sat with his wife in the living room, speaking in hushed tones. Yuna stood by the stairs, eavesdropping accidentally.
"I don't know what to tell her," he confessed.
"We can't let Rui find out," his wife said firmly. "He's too far away and too young to carry this burden. Let him focus on his studies."
Yuna blinked at the mention of her younger brother. Rui, a brilliant student studying in London, had always been shielded from the darker side of their business struggles.
Later that night, Mr. Chen called her in. "Yuna, there's something I need to tell you."
As he explained Jiang Hangzhou's proposal, Chen Yuna felt her world tilt once more.
A secret marriage… with Jiang Hangzhou.
Her pride screamed no. Her heart was numb. But her sense of responsibility whispered louder.
She didn't give him an answer that night.
But in her heart, she knew the clock was ticking.