Chapter 41: Disgusted

The proposal meeting ended.

Melinda led her team of over a dozen people away, all seething with anger. Seizing the moment when no one was paying attention, Liang Yi slipped away and intercepted Melinda by the elevator, calling her aside to speak in a secluded spot.

Melinda, clearly reluctant, followed him. The moment the door closed, she immediately raised her voice and lashed out, “Liang Yi, you beast! You promised me that no matter what happened, no matter who I was up against, you would unconditionally choose my proposal. Now you’ve slept with me and decided to go back on your word, is that it?”

Flustered, Liang Yi hurried forward, covering Melinda’s unrestrained mouth. He whispered, “Keep your voice down! If anyone hears, how will I ever survive in Ye Corporation?”

“I couldn’t care less about your fate,” Melinda shot him a fierce glare, her lips pursed with anger. “I don’t let myself be taken advantage of. You slept with me, you keep your promise. I don’t care what means you use—before Lu Yao and your team sign that contract, you’d better ruin the deal.”

Liang Yi spread his hands helplessly. “There’s nothing I can do. The person in charge of this Xunda Technologies acquisition is Ye Zehong—he’s the crown prince of Ye Corporation. I can’t afford to cross him.”

“Get lost!” Melinda shoved Liang Yi aside and turned to leave with a frosty expression.

“The legal agency rights for President Huo are up next month. I heard he doesn’t intend to renew. I’ve arranged dinner with him tonight. If you could…”

At that, Melinda narrowed her eyes, hooked a finger under Liang Yi’s chin, and smiled seductively. “I’ll make sure to dress to impress and attend in style.”

Watching Melinda disappear from view, Liang Yi pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow, finally releasing a sigh of relief as he headed back to his office.

Once the corridor was empty—

Lu Yao emerged from the stairwell, her face dark with displeasure. She had scheduled dinner with President Huo’s secretary a week ago, specifically to discuss the legal agency contract. President Huo was notoriously difficult to pin down; it had taken three or four attempts just to secure this meeting. Clearly, tonight’s dinner would be anything but dull.

She was about to return to her law firm to prepare when she paused, glancing down at her tailored haute couture suit. A trace of emotion flickered in her eyes. The one who’d sent her the outfit—was it Young Master Ye?

She stood there, hesitating for a long while, before finally deciding to go back and thank him properly.

By chance, she ran into Shen Yang, who had come to her aid during the meeting. She hurried over, calling out, “Hey, handsome, wait up…”

Hearing the familiar voice, Shen Yang instinctively turned around. Seeing it was Lu Yao, he stopped at once and asked in confusion, “Attorney Lu, is there something I can help you with?”

“I wanted to ask where President Ye’s office is. I need to see him urgently.”

“Young Master Ye is upstairs in the studio, taking promotional photos with Miss Qiao,” Shen Yang replied honestly, oblivious to the undercurrents. Warmly, he offered, “Would you like me to take you there?”

“I… Fine.”

Lu Yao followed Shen Yang to the studio upstairs. The moment she stepped in, she caught sight of Ye Zehong’s hand resting on Qiao Wan’er’s waist, his expression cold and exuding the air of a domineering CEO. Qiao Wan’er had her arms around his neck, gazing up at him with adoring eyes. Rising on tiptoe, she puckered her lips and, just as the photographer pressed the shutter, swiftly kissed his chin.

Ye Zehong’s expression stiffened ever so slightly, a wave of disgust rising within him.

Lu Yao stood frozen in shock, her mind reeling as if struck by thunder.

“I just remembered something urgent—I’ll be going now.” Not wanting to linger, she turned on her heel and strode out of the studio.

Shen Yang quickly raised his voice, “Miss Lu, why are you leaving?”

His tone was just loud enough for Ye Zehong to hear. The black eyes turned toward the entrance, already devoid of Lu Yao’s figure, and his gaze instantly dimmed.