A shadow from the past
766 Words
The walls of the penthouse felt colder now. The news article spread like wildfire online, and though Rhea’s face wasn’t completely revealed, it was only a matter of time before people pieced it together. The comments were vicious—speculations about her being a gold-digger, a secret lover, or an undercover spy.
“Do you think this is part of the plan?” she asked Xian, pacing the floor. “Leak the photo, stir up a scandal, isolate you... then strike?”
Xian stood by the window again, arms crossed. His jaw was set, eyes hard with calculation.
“Exactly. Scandal breeds vulnerability. Stockholders panic. Rivals grow bold. It’s not just about hurting me—it’s about weakening everything I’ve built.”
Rhea sighed, rubbing her temples. “And dragging me through the mud is just a bonus.”
He turned to face her. “They don’t know you. They’re not ready for how stubborn you can be.”
Rhea met his gaze, eyes fierce. “Then let’s show them.”
***
Later that day, Xian took her to L.G. Corporation’s headquarters—a skyscraper that pierced the sky, all sharp glass and steel. The moment she stepped inside, Rhea felt the weight of eyes on her.
Whispers followed her as they walked through the lobby. Most employees bowed their heads respectfully at Xian, then stared after Rhea like she was a wildfire wrapped in silk.
“She’s the one from the photo.”
“Didn’t know the CEO had a type.”
“Must be another gold-digger.”
Rhea ignored them.
Inside the private elevator, she let out a slow breath. “Your company doesn’t like surprises, do they?”
Xian smirked faintly. “They’ll adjust. Or they’ll resign.”
When they reached his office on the top floor, Rhea’s eyes widened. It wasn’t just an office—it was a fortress. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the entire city. A sleek glass desk sat at the center, surrounded by bookshelves, monitors, and a leather sofa that probably cost more than her entire apartment.
“Sit,” he said, gesturing to the sofa.
She sat.
“From now on, you’ll work here under official employment. Title: Personal Liaison. Salary: generous.”
Rhea blinked. “You’re hiring me?”
Xian leaned against his desk. “Better to keep you close.”
“I don’t even know what a ‘personal liaison’ does.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
Before Rhea could protest further, the door opened and in walked a sharply dressed man with wild energy.
“Boss,” he said with a mocking salute. “Did you forget to tell your assistant-and-best-friend that your penthouse had a guest last night?”
“Jin Hao,” Xian warned.
Jin Hao turned to Rhea, eyes sparkling with interest. “So you’re the famous mystery girl. Rhea, right? I’m Jin. Xian’s business partner, childhood friend, and unfortunately, the one cleaning up his messes.”
Rhea stood, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet the man behind the sarcasm.”
Jin grinned. “I like her.”
“She’s not here for your entertainment,” Xian muttered.
Jin raised a brow. “No? Then you better tell her everything. Because if she’s going to be dragged into this, she deserves the truth.”
Silence settled like a storm cloud.
Rhea looked at Xian. “He’s right. No more half-truths. What are you hiding?”
Xian's jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Fine.”
He walked to a locked drawer and pulled out a thin file. Handing it to her, he said, “This is everything we know about your father’s company… and the people who destroyed it.”
Rhea’s hands trembled as she opened the file. Names, photos, documents—all tied together in a web of deceit.
Her breath hitched when she saw it: a familiar logo on a letterhead—the same logo from a company she thought had vanished years ago.
“I remember this…” she whispered. “My dad said they wanted to buy us out. When he refused, everything started falling apart.”
Xian nodded. “They didn’t just want to buy you out. They wanted your father out of the way.”
The pieces were falling into place.
Rhea’s past wasn’t an accident.
It was a warning.
And now that she was connected to Xian, they were both in the line of fire.
She looked up at him, her voice steady. “Then let’s finish what my father started.”
Xian’s eyes darkened—not with fear, but with resolve.
“Together.”
- Writer
