Chapter 23: The Storm Approaches
The drinking gathering ended quickly. Yun Xinyu finally emerged from her prolonged daze as everyone began dispersing from their seats.
Luo Fan remained rooted in his chair.
When Yun Xinyu saw Ruo Huanhuan rise, she moved to follow.
A cold command pierced her ears: "Sit."
She sank back obediently, frustration etched on her face as she watched Ruo Huanhuan.
True to expectations, Guo Renyuan grew bold. He seized Ruo Huanhuan's wrist, dragging her toward the exit despite her feeble struggles.
Yun Xinyu's composure fractured. Her entire purpose here would crumble if Ruo Huanhuan were taken—she couldn't allow it!
The previously silent Luo Fan suddenly barked, "Release her. You stay."
Ruo Huanhuan gaped, finger trembling toward herself. "M-me?"
Luo Fan inclined his head.
Guo Renyuan seethed inwardly—was this ripe victory being snatched away? Yet defying the business magnate was unthinkable. With forced deference, he released his grip and departed.
Ruo Huanhuan nearly glowed with relief. Not only had she escaped violation, but she'd gained Luo Fan's notice—an unimaginable boon.
Yun Xinyu shot Luo Fan a grateful glance, his intervention salvaging her desperate situation. Then realization struck—he'd vowed to confront her post-dinner, yet now detained her with glacial authority. By keeping Ruo Huanhuan...
Did he know?
Luo Fan ignored her searching look, arms crossed as he stared ahead.
"Explain yourself."
"Don't misunderstand—" Yun Xinyu began hastily.
"Silence." Luo Fan cut her off, sharp gaze shifting to Ruo Huanhuan. "You speak."
Their exchanged glances during dinner betrayed familiarity. Why else would Yun Xinyu attend in such attire? He demanded answers before this spiraled beyond control.
Ruo Huanhuan quailed under his stare. "Sh-she came...to protect me."
"Her? Protect you?" Skepticism dripped from his voice. "Elaborate."
Ruo Huanhuan's panic stilled, calculation sparking beneath her façade. "Don't blame Xinyu! I forced her! I—I promised..."
"What promise?"
A guilty glance at Yun Xinyu. "Just...money."
"Amount."
"Th-three hundred thousand."
Yun Xinyu's mind reeled. You incompetent viper—shifting blame in three breaths! Do you take me for a fool?
The "money-grubbing opportunist" label now clung to her through Ruo Huanhuan's "mistake." How to unravel this?
"Truth?" Luo Fan's glacial tone pinned her.
Truth?
The sum? Yes.
The reason? No.
Without Ruo Huanhuan's desperate pleas and assurances of a harmless business meeting, no sum could have compelled her. Yet monetary taint overshadowed all.
Yun Xinyu's evasive eyes hardened Luo Fan's suspicion. "Leave," he ordered Ruo Huanhuan.
Feigning remorse, Ruo Huanhuan retreated. Once beyond the door, triumph curved her lips.
A masterstroke—sowing discord with mere words. Yun Xinyu would forgive this "accidental" betrayal, preserving their sisterly bond.
Two targets felled with one arrow.
(End of Chapter)
