Unlawful Affection

Fiancée in the Crossfire

“Um… why don’t you go in first?” Su Nian’en hesitated, forcing a polite, considerate smile. “Your grandfather doesn’t really like me. I don’t want to ruin his mood the moment I walk in—especially today, on his birthday.”

It sounded thoughtful, even selfless.

But the real reason she didn’t want to step inside was one she couldn’t admit aloud.

Han Xi Cheng’s warning still echoed in her mind.

Her heart refused to settle, and she had no desire to face the Mu family’s sharp tongues and venomous stares.

“Afraid of ruining my grandfather’s mood?” Mu Jian Chen let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Su Nian’en, when did you suddenly become so considerate? I had no idea you had a kind side.”

He reached out and pinched her chin, giving it a deliberate shake.

Amusement drained from his face. His features hardened, eyes icy and predatory, locked on hers like a hunter sizing up prey.

“Su Nian’en,” he said slowly, each word deliberate, heavy with authority, “some things I don’t like repeating. Remember this—you are my fiancée. Understood?”

…

The banquet had already begun.

The moment Su Nian’en appeared at the hall entrance, arm looped through Mu Jian Chen’s, the room fell silent.

Almost every gaze snapped toward them.

Mu Old Master’s face—smiling moments ago—froze. Mu Jian Chen’s mother, Ye Wan Wei, and sister, Mu Wen Ying, glared at Su Nian’en with eyes sharp enough to pierce stone.

Walking with poise, Su Nian’en stopped before Mu Old Master and smiled politely.

“Grandfather, happy birthday. Wishing you boundless fortune and long life.”

“Hm.”

With so many guests present, Mu Old Master had no choice but to maintain appearances. No matter how he felt about this future granddaughter-in-law, he could not publicly humiliate her.

“Since you’re here,” he said flatly, “go upstairs and rest.”

It sounded polite. In reality, it was a dismissal—go away and stop embarrassing the Mu family.

Su Nian’en would have gladly complied.

But before she could respond, Mu Jian Chen wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. A wicked smile curved his lips.

“How could that be?” he said lightly. “En’en came all this way to celebrate your birthday, Grandpa. How could she leave so soon?”

Mu Old Master’s face turned green with frustration.

Then a ripple of excitement spread through the hall.

“Oh my—Isn’t that President Han?!”

Under the crystal chandeliers, Han Xi Cheng appeared at the entrance. His silver-gray suit hugged every sharp line of his tall frame. One hand slipped casually into his pocket. He stood calm, composed, yet instantly drew every eye in the room.

Noble. Cold. Lethal. A masterpiece of masculine power.

Several young women couldn’t tear their eyes away.

“Get her upstairs. Now!”

Mu Old Master barked at Mu Wen Ying, who had been staring at Han Xi Cheng. Smiling brightly, he hurried forward.

“President Han! Welcome!”

Mu Jian Chen’s lips curved faintly. Han Xi Cheng’s appearance was both unexpected—and unsurprising.

He shoved Su Nian’en toward Mu Wen Ying and followed Ye Wan Wei to greet Han Xi Cheng.

As she watched the dignified man exchange pleasantries, Han Xi Cheng’s warning thundered in her mind: If you dare show up… I’ll break your legs.

Her pulse raced. Dread coiled low in her stomach.

“Move!”

Mu Wen Ying’s sharp whisper snapped her out of it.

Su Nian’en fled upstairs almost running, dragged along by Mu Wen Ying.

…

She never believed Mu Wen Ying would kindly escort her to a room to rest. At best, she expected to be dumped in some random corner upstairs.

Instead, Mu Wen Ying dragged her straight to the ladies’ restroom. She shoved Su Nian’en hard against the sink.

“Look at yourself,” Mu Wen Ying sneered at her reflection. “Take a good look at that disgusting, cheap face. Who allowed you to come here? Do you think trash like you belongs in a place like this?”

“Get out. Out of the Mu family. Now.”

She shoved Su Nian’en again, as if she wanted to drown her in the sink.

The thought of Su Nian’en becoming her future sister-in-law made Mu Wen Ying’s stomach turn. And knowing Su Nian’en’s cousin, Jiang Qing Wan, was Han Xi Cheng’s fiancée only fueled her hatred further.

Su Nian’en nearly slammed into the mirror. If she hadn’t reacted quickly and grabbed the counter, her head might have shattered the glass.

She looked up.

In the mirror, Mu Wen Ying’s carefully made-up face twisted cruelly.

Su Nian’en chuckled softly.

She had long stopped being shocked by such venom.

If she was trash, then what did that make Mu Jian Chen—the one who brought ‘trash’ like her here? A fool? Or worse?

Her lips curved faintly as she spoke gently, yet firmly:

“Sorry. Mu Jian Chen brought me.”

She turned to the sink, desperate to wash her hands. The lingering scent of Mu Jian Chen—from his grip, his kiss—made her skin crawl, goosebumps rising. She could still feel the heat of his hands against her waist.

But Mu Wen Ying grabbed her arm.

“Did you hear me? Get out! Out of the Mu family! Now!”

Get out?

Su Nian’en almost laughed. She wished she could leave immediately. But if Mu Jian Chen couldn’t find her, that lunatic might tear her apart and feed her to the dogs.

“I’m afraid I can’t leave just yet,” she said calmly. “Otherwise, if your brother can’t find me, he might… miss me.”

“Miss you?” Mu Wen Ying shrieked. “Su Nian’en, you really are shameless!”

She raised her hand to strike.

But it never landed.

“What are you doing?! Let go of me!” Mu Wen Ying screamed.

Let go—so you could hit me?

Su Nian’en’s grip tightened around Mu Wen Ying’s wrist, steady and unyielding.

“Mu Wen Ying,” she said coolly, “whether you like it or not, I am Mu Jian Chen’s fiancée. Your future sister-in-law. Not trash for you to insult or hit whenever you please.”