The mention of Ye Yanbin still ached in Shen Ningxuan’s heart. She had told herself her heart was dead, that she had moved on—but the pain lingered, undeniable.

"Good for you," she forced out, her voice eerily calm, betraying no emotion.

"Heh." Shen Yujin smirked. "Just like a bastard’s daughter—knows how to let go gracefully."

Qiao Yuzhen chimed in, her words dripping with venom. "Exactly. Why don’t you go crawl back to your slut of a mother? Why poison our home? If it weren’t for you bewitching Yanbin, Jiner would’ve been his wife by now—the future vice-governor’s lady."

"Auntie, I’m a Shen too," Shen Ningxuan retorted, her voice trembling despite herself. "Dad forbade me from leaving with Mom back then. And Yanbin and I were already—"

Smack!

Before she could finish, Shen Yujin’s hand struck her across the face.

"Remember this, Shen Ningxuan," Shen Yujin hissed, fury blazing in her eyes. "The only daughter of the Shen family is me—Shen Yujin, Vice President of Shen Group. What are you? Just a team leader in the business department. What right do you have to compete with me?"

Shen Ningxuan lowered her head, silent.

Qiao Yuzhen’s cruel laughter pierced the air. "I’ve been generous letting you live in this villa. Your slut of a mother seduced your father, giving birth to you—a bastard. If I hadn’t been strong enough to drive her away, she’d be the mistress of this house today."

"Auntie," Shen Ningxuan said, her voice rising, "Dad and Mom loved each other. You used me to blackmail him, forced him into a business marriage. You were the homewrecker, not her."

"Watch your mouth, you little whore!" Qiao Yuzhen lunged, but Shen Shaohui grabbed her arm.

Unable to reach Shen Ningxuan, Qiao Yuzhen shrieked, "Did that slut of a mother put you up to this? Let me tell you, I was pregnant first. Your mother was just a worthless nobody, no ladylike grace. The Qiao family saved the Shens—our marriage was destiny. Don’t you dare slander me!"

Before Shen Ningxuan could retort, Shen Yujin cut in.

"Dad, Mom, we should marry her off ASAP. If her ‘disease’ flares up again and she goes after Yanbin, my future as governor’s wife is ruined."

"Exactly," Qiao Yuzhen agreed, eyes gleaming with malice. "Anyone who threatens Jiner’s happiness won’t be spared. Arrange a marriage tomorrow—find a rich man, demand a fat dowry. Twenty years of raising her, and I won’t let it go to waste."

Shen Shaohui glanced at Shen Ningxuan, then at Qiao Yuzhen, and said nothing. In this house, Qiao Yuzhen always had the final say.

Shen Ningxuan was hollow. In just two days, she had lost everything. What did forced marriages matter now? Her treasures were gone, her loved ones stolen—what was left to protect?

---

At the military family compound, an elderly man in uniform sat in the head seat of the living room.

Chu Haoxuan and Lu Yu stood silently beside him, awaiting orders.

Chu Chengbi surveyed his beloved grandson and his comrade’s descendant—two boys who had grown up together, excelling in the military. He was immensely proud, especially of Chu Haoxuan, who had already risen to a commanding position at such a young age, earning the envy of the entire compound.

Yet one thing plagued Chu Chengbi—a deep, festering wound.

"Lu Yu," he barked, his voice still commanding despite his age.

"Yes, Grandpa," Lu Yu replied promptly.

"Has Haoxuan been attending those arranged dates I set up?" Chu Chengbi asked sternly, no hint of jest in his tone.

"Well—" Lu Yu hesitated. He couldn’t admit he had gone in Chu Haoxuan’s place, even though he’d been coerced. Chu Haoxuan wouldn’t let him off easy.

"Hmm?" Chu Chengbi pressed.

Chu Haoxuan, sensing his friend’s dilemma, stepped in. "Grandpa, there were eight dates last week. I went to three. None of them suited me." blatant lie—Chu Haoxuan hadn’t attended a single one. But he couldn’t let Lu Yu take the fall.

"None?" Chu Chengbi’s brow furrowed. "Those were daughters of the city’s elite, raised in privilege. Not one caught your eye?"

Silence.

Lu Yu stifled a laugh beside him. Forced matchmaking until marriage? Was this cold-hearted commander being driven to desperation? The thought of the stoic Chu Haoxuan enduring endless dates was almost laughable—if it weren’t so tragic.

At the sound, Chu Haoxuan snapped back to attention and shot Lu Yu a warning glare. The younger man immediately straightened.

Chu Chengbi sighed. "Fine. Starting tomorrow, keep going until you’re married. No marriage certificate, no stopping."

The threat didn’t faze Chu Haoxuan. His mind was still consumed by the woman from last night—the intoxicating memory of her warmth, the electric thrill of their encounter.

Lu Yu bit his lip to keep from grinning. This is going to be fun.

Chu Chengbi waved them off. "Out. Remember—next time you try anything, you’ll regret it."

As Chu Haoxuan left, Lu Yu fell into step beside him. Suddenly, Chu Haoxuan stopped.

Lu Yu blinked. "What is it?"

Chu Haoxuan’s gaze sharpened. "Find the woman from last night. Track her down."

Then he walked away.

Lu Yu gaped after him. Wait... did our ice-cold commander actually fall for her?