The mirrored doors of Huanyu Group's lobby slid open with a hiss.
Jiang Ci stepped inside, ivory trousers razor-sharp, sunglasses reflecting marble and steel. Her heels echoed like gunfire across the floor.
“Excuse me, miss," the receptionist blinked, startled. “You're here for…"
“JC. Sustainability design consultant." She passed over a badge.
Whispers followed her through the security checkpoint.
**“She's Canadian?"**
**“I thought JC was older…"**
**“She looks like a model."**
None of it mattered.
She stepped into the elevator.
And he was there.
Huo Yuchen.
Black suit. Silver tie. Two executives flanking him like guards.
He looked up, frowning faintly.
They stared.
Neither blinked.
The doors slid shut.
---
Inside the executive conference room, the lights dimmed.
A tech
