The next morning dawned bright and clear, the skies unblemished—a day that should have promised peace. And yet, it was destined to be anything but tranquil.
As the first light broke the horizon, reporters from various media outlets, driven by a tip from a mysterious call the previous night, flocked eagerly to a specific address. Their target: Mo Xiuchen, heir apparent to the MS Group presidency, and his secretary...
Had Mo Xiuchen been a bachelor, this explosive revelation might have been dismissed as a stunt to boost readership. But he was a married man—should the story break, it would be nothing short of scandalous.
And today, of all days, marked his official inauguration as the company's president. The reporters, seasoned and sharp-eyed, speculated among themselves: could it be a setup? The timing was too perfect.
As for who orchestrated this trap, it didn't take a genius to guess.
The Mo family boasted only two sons—Mo Xiuchen, the late wife's child, and Mo Zixuan, born to the stepmother. No matter how gracious and magnanimous Xiao Wenqing appeared in the public eye, Mo Xiuchen never hid his cold indifference toward her.
Naturally, the ones most opposed to Mo Xiuchen taking over the company were his father's current wife and her son—Xiao Wenqing and Mo Zixuan. Rumor even had it that Mo Xiuchen's wife, Wen Ran, was once Mo Zixuan's girlfriend.
In families of wealth and power, vendettas and entanglements are a given. The journalists might not unravel all the mysteries, but they could certainly seize the headline of the day, crafting a story as compelling as it was salable.
Meanwhile, in a quiet villa on the outskirts of town, on the second floor of the master bedroom...
Mo Xiuchen was thoroughly engrossed in indulging his lovely wife in a passionate morning exercise, their room bathed in tender light, steeped in intimacy and entanglement.
Only when both reached the heights of ecstasy did he cradle her in his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, his voice laced with contentment. "Ranran, good morning."
Wen Ran's eyes shimmered, dazed and unfocused, her strength utterly drained, unable even to push him away.
"I'll carry you in for a bath."
With that, Mo Xiuchen rose from the bed and gently bore her into the bathroom. Amid the sound of splashing water came faint, delicate moans. Minutes later, she returned, cheeks flushed a deep crimson that could rival blooming roses.
"I'll get your clothes."
He emerged from the dressing room, arms laden with attire, only to meet Wen Ran's scornful glare. Snatching the clothes from him, she hissed, "Get out. I can dress myself."
She dared not let him serve her again. If he did, they might not leave the room before noon.
Mo Xiuchen chuckled with knowing amusement. "Very well. I'll wait outside. But if your legs give out on the way down, I'll be right here to catch you."
"Mo Xiuchen, get out!"
Her roar echoed like a lioness defending her pride. He had crossed the line. Last night, he had interrupted her serious words, insisting she fulfill her promise to help him bathe. She'd escaped under the pretense of a phone call, believing she'd evaded him. But in the end, he had devoured her, leaving not even a crumb.
And if that weren't enough, he had demanded she open her eyes—to watch him move, to see everything.
She hadn't lasted past 1 a.m., exhausted beyond endurance. Yet just before dawn, he had stirred her awake again, insisting she needed the "exercise" to improve her figure...
The result? Every bone ached, and fatigue draped over her like a heavy cloak.
She had planned to go to the hospital to pick up her brother. Today, they were to head to the company together. This man—this insufferable man—was assuming the presidency today, and yet showed not the slightest concern.
After washing and dressing, Wen Ran emerged from the room just as Mo Xiuchen ended a call. Catching sight of her, his eyes lit with unguarded delight. He reached for her soft hand and praised her gently, "Ranran, you're breathtaking today."
Though she was still seething, his compliment made her cheeks flush. Against her will, a bashful charm softened her anger. Mo Xiuchen's gaze deepened. Were it not for the day's importance, he would have swept her back into his arms and not let her leave the house.
"Hurry down for breakfast. You don't want to be late."
His smoldering gaze made her heart flutter wildly. Avoiding his eyes, she stepped away briskly.
Today's outfit had been his choice—this season's latest fashion, elegantly tailored to embrace her slender figure. The classic crimson hue looked anything but gaudy on her; rather, she resembled a rose in full bloom, mesmerizing in her allure.
"I spoke with your brother earlier. You won't need to go to the pharmaceutical factory today. After breakfast, come with me to the company."
His mellow voice drifted to her ears as he slowed his pace to walk alongside her. The two of them—stunning man and graceful woman—were a vision of perfection.
Just as she reached the stairs, she halted and turned to him. "Why did you make that decision without asking me?"
Only last night, he'd spoken so harshly to her brother. And now, without consulting her, he had made this change. What exactly was he planning?
Mo Xiuchen met her displeased gaze, his tone unbothered, as if stating a matter of fact. "You were the one who urged me to take over the company, remember? You said you wanted to be the envy of others—a president's wife. I did this to fulfill your wish. So on a day like today, how could you not be by my side?"
His words caught her off guard. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. She shot him a resentful glare before descending the stairs in silence.
Back then, her intentions had not been for vanity or prestige, but because she believed he was truly suited to lead. With his talents, he could elevate the company, give its employees a brighter future.
He should have understood that. And yet he'd weaponized her own words against her. The thought made her silently curse him—this dark-hearted, cunning man.
"No cursing me in your head."
His teasing voice drifted from above, and Wen Ran turned in astonishment, only to meet his playful eyes. Without thinking, she snapped, "I wasn't!"
Mo Xiuchen's gaze narrowed, a sharp gleam flashing beneath his lashes. His lips curved into a beguiling smile. "It's written all over your face. But don't worry about your brother. I've asked Qi Mu to pick him up from the hospital and help him settle the Zhou Mingfu matter."
"Qi Mu? Isn't he your executive assistant? On a day like this, you're letting him go instead of staying with you?"
Wen Ran frowned, uncertain. Swapping her for Qi Mu—it made no sense. She was no help at all. Qi Mu, on the other hand, was indispensable.
Mo Xiuchen smiled without answering. Instead, he asked, "Are you worried about me? Afraid I won't be able to handle Xiao Wenqing and her bought-and-paid-for board members?"
Wen Ran faltered, then muttered, "I just think you're foolish. Qi Mu is your right hand. On a day like today, he should be at your side, ready for anything. Replacing him with me... I'm little more than a decorative vase."