Billionaires Refuse and Broken Love

Prominently situated in the bustling commercial district is the towering edifice of the Ling Consortium, occupying the central golden location. Its vast expanse shamelessly flaunts its grandeur and opulence, reflecting a cold metallic brilliance under the direct rays of sunlight. The Ling Consortium, ranking among the top ten global titans of wealth, stands as an international financial conglomerate, mentioned in the same breath as the Huangfu, Leng, and Gong conglomerates, collectively known as the "Four Great Consortia." The Ling Consortium's subsidiaries span the globe, engaging in dozens of lucrative industries, with notable prominence in finance, high-end hospitality, fashion, and information technology. Within the expansive CEO office, a pervasive chill fails to counteract the almost frosty demeanor of Ling Shaotang, casting an intimidating atmosphere upon all who enter. Meanwhile, the secretary, who hesitated outside the CEO's office with coffee intended for both the CEO and vice CEO, contemplated whether to become the unwitting victim in the impending confrontation. The CEO's voice, seemingly capable of shaking the entire office building, hinted at an imminent upheaval. Seated before Ling Shaotang, his brother Ling Shaoyi wore an expression of frustration on his handsome face. He vehemently questioned, "Elder brother, what exactly are you trying to achieve? Qi Xin has no connection with you anymore! How could you disrupt her wedding like this? Spare her!" A resounding clap echoed as Ling Shaotang's anger ignited. His powerful hand slammed down on the table, overshadowing the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. With a gaze fixed on his half-brother, Ling Shaotang's eyes revealed an impending storm. "You had the audacity to collude with Qi Xin to deceive me. It was a deception that lasted for two years—" "Brother, everyone witnessed the situation back then. How did you force Qi Xin? You almost killed her!" Ling Shaoyi retorted defiantly, unwilling to back down. "So, Qi Xin came to you for help, and you fabricated her death certificate for me, is that it?" Ling Shaotang interrogated in a menacing tone, eager to take matters into his own hands upon discovering the truth. "Yes! I admit it. If I hadn't done that at the time, Qi Xin would have truly died!" Ling Shaoyi responded with unwavering honesty. "Hmph, in my eyes, your actions are utterly childish!" Ling Shaotang declared through gritted teeth, fixating his eyes on Ling Shaoyi. "At least, she was happy before she met you!" Ling Shaoyi stood up, locking eyes with Ling Shaotang. Approaching Ling Shaoyi, Ling Shaotang's forceful hand seized his brother's collar. With an air of arrogance, he spoke again, "Do you think I'll let Qi Xin go?" Staring with incredulous eyes, Ling Shaoyi exclaimed, "What do you intend to do to her?" "She is mine in life, and she will be my ghost in death!" Ling Shaotang released his grip, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Reclining back into his spacious CEO chair, he leisurely crossed his long right leg over the left, delivering his cold words at a deliberate pace, "As for any other man who dares to covet Qi Xin, perhaps in the next lifetime!" Ling Shaoyi coldly snorted, "Do you plan to let Qi Xin die again before you're satisfied?" Ling Shaotang's icy gaze flashed with a hint of hostility as he ominously stated, "Even if she wishes to die, I will snatch her back from the clutches of the King of Hell!" Ling Shaoyi drew a sharp breath, declaring firmly, "If you ever harm Qi Xin again, I won't spare you either!" Ling Shaotang sneered, "I warn you, it's best not to test my patience! Even if you're my brother, I won't show mercy!" An icy silence enveloped the office. Outside the door, the secretary broke into a cold sweat. Qi Xin? Wasn't she supposed to be dead two years ago? Clear Melody Garden, Ling Family Mansion, nestled in the prime location of the villa district. Qi Xin, forcibly brought back by Ling Shaotang from the wedding, stood in a daze amidst a cluster of amaryllis flowers. Looking around, the vivid red blossoms were in full bloom, creating an exquisite scene. Qi Xin had previously named this area in the Clear Melody Garden as "Beautiful City." "Madam—," the housekeeper, Mrs. Feng, cautiously called out to the absent-minded Qi Xin. Witnessing the furious return of the young master today, she couldn't help but be startled. Wasn't Madam supposed to be dead two years ago? Could it be that she was seeing things? In the tranquil afternoon of Clear Melody Garden, a gentle breeze wafted through the flower beds, carrying a faint fragrance. Qi Xin stood quietly among the blossoms, her graceful figure appearing even more poignant against the backdrop of the amaryllis flowers. Known as the flower that borders life and death, the amaryllis displayed vibrant red petals reminiscent of blood, paving the path to the underworld, embodying the brilliance of life and the serene beauty of death. As she gently touched the amaryllis flowers beneath her, the soft fingertips stirred the fiery petals, evoking emotions deep within her heart. Just like the legend of the amaryllis, its fragrance had the power to awaken the most painful memories. Her memories began to dissipate with the faint floral scent beneath her... Dissipating back to two years ago... Dissipating back to the days spent with Ling Shaotang. The amaryllis, with its birth and falling leaves, witnessed the ephemeral beauty of life and the quiet elegance of death. Wasn't her marriage to Ling Shaotang the same?