THE REVENGE OF LADY QIN

CHAPTER 3

It felt surreal, standing outside Theo’s house with my suitcase in hand, knowing I’d just made the decision that would change my life forever. For years, I had been shackled to that place, suffocating in the lies and betrayal, too afraid to act. But today—today, I had broken free.

Kellie pulled into a parking space near the curb, her car engine rumbling softly in the quiet morning. I didn’t say anything at first; I just stared ahead, trying to digest the weight of what I’d done. It wasn’t just walking away from a man I had once loved—it was cutting ties with everything. With the family, I thought I’d have, with the life I thought was mine.

“Ava?” Kellie’s voice broke through the haze of my thoughts. “You good?”

I turned to her, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, just... just trying to process everything.”

Kellie’s eyes softened. “You don’t have to do it all right now. You’ve made the hardest step. Now, we’ll take it one day at a time.”

I nodded, but inside, I was a storm. The weight of the world seemed to rest on my shoulders, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to lift it. Theo and Mei had taken everything from me—my trust, my peace, my family’s company—and now, I was left with nothing but an empty house, a few belongings, and a shattered heart.

But I wouldn’t let that be the end of my story.

“We’re going to take him down, Ava,” Kellie said, her voice fierce as she parked the car. “Theo, Mei, all of them. They won’t know what hit them.”

I didn’t respond at first. It was strange to think about revenge, to think about fighting back after everything I’d been through. But when I thought about the way Theo had destroyed my life, the way Mei had betrayed me in the most intimate way possible, I felt that fire rise again.

“I don’t know where to even start,” I admitted, leaning back in my seat. “He’s got so much power. And what about the company? I need to get that back. It’s the only thing my parents left me.”

Kellie’s eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief. “I think I’ve got an idea. But it’s going to take some guts.”

I didn’t hesitate. “I’m all in. What do you have in mind?”

Kellie smiled, and it was the first real smile I’d seen in days. “Axel Qin.”

The name made my heart skip a beat. Axel Qin wasn’t just some powerful CEO—he was a force of nature. He had it all: power, wealth, influence. His family had been a rival to Theo’s for years, and if anyone could help me, it would be him. But he was untouchable. People like Axel didn’t just help people like me. They were the kind of men who played the game on their terms.

But Kellie had always been the one with the connections, the one who knew how to get things done. If she said Axel could help, then maybe there was a way.

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice shaky with uncertainty. “Axel Qin isn’t exactly the type of guy who helps just anyone.”

Kellie laughed, but there was a touch of seriousness in her eyes. “Well, I know a guy who knows him. And I’m going to ask him for a favour. I’ll get you an invite to his birthday party in a few days. We’ll use that to get close to him.”

I blinked at her. “His birthday party? Are you out of your mind?”

She raised an eyebrow. “You’re asking if I’m crazy? We’re talking about taking back your life here. You don’t get to be shy. You need to do whatever it takes.”

I didn’t have an answer to that. Kellie was right. I had to do whatever it took.

“I’m in,” I said, my voice stronger now, more certain. “Whatever it takes.”

Kellie grinned. “That’s the spirit. We’ll figure this out, Ava. We always do.”

The next few days felt like a whirlwind of chaos. Kellie worked her magic with her connections, and by the end of the week, I had an invitation to Axel Qin’s extravagant birthday party. The thought of being in the same room as him made my stomach flip, but I couldn’t back down. This was my chance to turn everything around. If I could somehow get Axel’s attention, convince him that I wasn’t just some poor, helpless woman, then maybe—just maybe—I could win back what was mine.

Kellie helped me pick out the perfect dress—a sleek, dark red gown that hugged my curves in all the right places. It wasn’t too flashy, but it was classy. Elegant. I needed to look like I belonged in that world like I was someone Axel Qin would take seriously.

When the night of the party arrived, I felt a strange mixture of excitement and fear. What if I couldn’t do this? What if I couldn’t face Axel, couldn’t ask for his help? But then I remembered everything I had lost—everything I was willing to fight for—and I pushed those doubts aside.

We arrived at the venue, a luxurious mansion on the outskirts of the city. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was hit with the scent of expensive cologne, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. The place was filled with high-powered people, men and women dressed to the nines, their conversations dripping with wealth and influence.

Kellie squeezed my hand, offering me a reassuring smile. “You got this, Ava. Just stay calm and be yourself. You’re going to impress him, I know it.”

I nodded, though my heart was pounding in my chest. “I hope so.”

We walked inside, and the room seemed to quiet for a split second as we entered. I immediately spotted Axel. He was standing by the bar, surrounded by a group of people, but his presence was undeniable. He was so handsome…so incredibly handsome.

Even from across the room, he exuded confidence and power. His eyes swept over the crowd, scanning everyone with a gaze that could freeze you in place.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my nerves under control, and made my way toward him.

“Axel Qin,” Kellie said, stepping forward. “Long time, no see.”

Axel’s gaze flickered over to us, his eyes narrowing slightly when they landed on me. “Kellie. And you must be… Ava?”

I nodded, trying to keep my composure. “Yes. It’s an honour to meet you.”

His gaze was sharp, and piercing as he looked me up and down. There was something about his presence—something cold and intimidating—that made me feel small, but I couldn’t back down now. Not when everything I wanted was within reach.

“What brings you here, Ava?” Axel asked, his tone casual but carrying an edge I couldn’t ignore.

“I… I need your help,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I’m in a situation, and I need someone who can help me get back what’s mine. My family’s company.”

Axel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You want me to help you take on Theo Branson?”

I nodded. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I don’t know anyone else who can help me. You’re the only one who has the power to do it.”

He took a slow sip from his drink, his eyes never leaving mine. “Interesting.”

I didn’t wait for him to speak again. “I’ll do whatever it takes. I just need your help. I’m not asking for charity, I’m asking for a chance.”

Axel’s lips curled into a small, almost amused smile. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But why should I help you?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with expectation. This was it—the moment that would determine everything.

“I have nothing left,” I said, my voice raw. “But I’m willing to fight for what’s mine. If you help me, I’ll make sure you won’t regret it.”

Axel studied me for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and controlled.

“I like your spirit, Ava,” he said. “Alright. I’ll help you. But understand this—nothing comes without a price.”

I didn’t hesitate. “I’ll pay whatever it takes.”

And just like that, my path forward was clear. Axel Qin had agreed to help me. Now, it was time to make Theo pay.