A few days earlier.

After her mother's funeral, Jiang Jinyi didn't return to the Jiang Family mansion. Instead, she went to meet her mother's former secretary, Song Lian.

When Jiang Jinyi arrived at the café, a woman was already seated in a corner booth. Her face was beautiful, radiating a mature charm, but she looked different from how Jiang Jinyi remembered her. Instead of her usual impeccably tailored black suit, she wore a gentle, flowing dress, her long hair pinned up with a hairpin.

Around forty years old, Song Lian was at her most alluring. Every inch of her exuded a mature elegance, making her strikingly beautiful. Yet this was the first time Jiang Jinyi had seen her without her suit, and her demeanor was noticeably softer than before.

It was hard to believe she was an S-class Alpha, her brandy-scented pheromones so well concealed.

"Secretary Song," Jiang Jinyi called out, taking a seat opposite her. Song Lian smiled warmly. "Second Miss."

Jiang Jinyi's eyes were swollen and blo.odshot, clearly from crying bitterly and not getting any sleep.

"I ordered you a glass of milk. Drink it while it's still warm." Song Lian said, her voice gentle and soothing. Jiang Jinyi lowered her gaze to the warm milk in front of her and took a small sip.

Song Lian had been Jiang Ningshu's secretary for over a decade. In Jiang Jinyi's memories, Song Lian had always been by her mother's side. She was arguably the only person Jiang Jinyi truly trusted now.

"Secretary Song, my mother..."

"Xiao Jin, I've already resigned. You don't need to call me Secretary Song anymore," Song Lian interrupted. "Just call me Aunt Song from now on."

Right, she's dead now. What need is there for a secretary?

Jiang Jinyi's eyes dimmed as she reluctantly changed her address. "Aunt Song, what really happened to my mother? Why would she ki.ll someone? Why did she have that accident?"

Everything was too coincidental, as if someone had been chasing her, determined to see her de.ad.

As Jiang Jinyi spoke, Song Lian happened to lower her gaze, her long, curled lashes obscuring her expression. She slowly lifted her eyelids and said, "The mur.dered woman was a celebrity named Zhao Yan. Not long ago, someone reported to the police that a corp.se was hidden in a villa. When the police arrived, they found the actress's body submerged in a massive aquarium filled with formalin. The villa was registered under Chairwoman Jiang's name."

"After sealing off the villa, the police immediately went to find Chairwoman Jiang, only to discover she had fled."

Song Lian continued, "I don't believe Chairwoman Jiang would commit mur.der either. If she were innocent, she could have simply cooperated with the investigation. This is indeed a suspicious point."

Jiang Jinyi listened quietly, without uttering a word.

"The police also investigated the car accident. It was indeed an accident. The truck driver was driving under the influence and crashed into Chairwoman Jiang's car. She died instantly."

At this, Jiang Jinyi clenched her fists, her eyes rimming with red.

"The police are still investigating the case. If Chairwoman Jiang is innocent, they will naturally clear his name," Song Lian paused before adding, "The dead cannot be brought back to life. Second Miss, please accept my condolences."

After Song Lian finished speaking, Jiang Jinyi remained silent for a long time before finally saying, her voice choked with emotion, "Aunt Song, I won't let the Jiang Family fall into the hands of that bastard Jiang Youwan."

Jiang Youwan was a well-known figure in Luocheng' business circles, the right-hand woman of Jiang Ningshu, Chairwoman of the Jiang Corporation. Five years ago, the 'eldest daughter' welcomed back into the Jiang family. However, that identity as the eldest daughter was personally exposed by Jiang Jinyi less than a year later. Even though her false identity was revealed, Jiang Ningshu didn't drive her away, instead claiming she was the child of a former friend.

The "eldest daughter" title was meant to make Jiang Youwan feel more at home in the Jiang Family, and Jiang Ningshu treated her like her own flesh and blo.od.

Jiang Ningshu truly treated her like her own daughter, showering her with affection, mentoring her in business, and entrusting her with managing the Jiang Corporation.

She treated Jiang Youwan even better than her own biological daughter.

She was even willing to let her own daughter run away from home to keep Jiang Youwan by her side.

Song Lian said, "The Jiang Family certainly shouldn't fall into her hands, Miss. But you can't prove she's the one who framed Chairwoman Jiang."

"I can't prove it," Jiang Jinyi murmured, her eyes downcast, her voice trembling with suppressed sobs. "But I'll find the evidence. I won't let the Jiang Corporation fall into the hands of an outsider."

---

Jiang Jinyi didn't return to the Jiang Family's old residence. Her assistant, Xiao Qin, had already arranged accommodation for her in a luxurious suite at a five-star hotel.

After taking a shower, she collapsed onto the soft, comfortable bed, her eyes vacant.

Her mind was in turmoil. The grief over her mother's de.ath, coupled with various worries, was nearly overwhelming her.

If this hadn't happened, she would have been preparing for her art exhibition, scheduled to open in Beicheng (North City) in just a few days.

The exhibition was a grand affair, the culmination of nearly a year's preparation and relentless effort.

Now, it had to be indefinitely postponed, with no telling when she might have the chance to resume her plans.

She had contacted a renowned private investigator in Luocheng, but after several days of investigation, he had uncovered no useful information.

On the contrary, the more they investigated, the more evidence seemed to solidify Jiang Ningzhu's guilt.

The investigator discovered that Jiang Ningshu and the mur.dered actress had known each other for twenty years. They had once been lovers, but their relationship ended for reasons unknown. Based on the timeline, the investigator speculated that the breakup occurred because Jiang Ningshu became pregnant—the child being Jiang Jinyi herself.

In recent years, the two women had been frequently photographed on dates and staying at the same hotels. Just weeks earlier, they had even been caught arguing publicly.

An argument, a conflict—a motive for mur.der.

The villa where the actress was ki.lled was also registered under Jiang Ningshu's name.

After the actress's de.ath, Jiang Ningshu fled.

Jiang Jinyi actually knew Zhao Yan. She had met her several times at banquets, though they weren't close. She remembered her as a glamorous actress and the heiress of a powerful conglomerate, still strikingly beautiful in her forties.

---

The next morning, Jiang Jinyi woke up just before noon. Her assistant, Xiao Qin, brought her breakfast. "Miss, please eat breakfast first."

Jiang Jinyi was changing clothes and had little appetite. She mumbled something dismissive and left.

She wore a sexy V-neck crop top paired with wide-legged black pants, her long black hair cascading loosely. The casual yet bold outfit, combined with her innate aristocratic aura, drew all eyes.

After the funeral, Jiang Youwan had arranged for a car to take her back. The car was now parked in the hotel's underground garage, and Jiang Jinyi drove it to Luocheng' most bustling commercial district.

The Jiang Corporation Building stood as a landmark in Luocheng. It was hard to imagine that everything here had been built single-handedly by a woman, who had toiled half her life only to see it fall into the hands of an outsider.

Jiang Jinyi's expression darkened as she strode through the main entrance. The receptionist recognized her and, knowing the Second Miss of the Jiang Family's arrogant and domineering temperament, didn't dare stop her. Employees glanced at her, whispering among themselves. After all, Jiang Jinyi hadn't been here in four years, and many new employees didn't recognize her.

"Hey, who is she? What a seductive Omega. She must be SS-class or higher, right?"

"Look at those designer clothes. Could she be a major client?"

"Never seen her before, and she doesn't look like..."

"Wait a minute—isn't that President Jiang's car she drove in?"

"???"

Jiang Jinyi pressed the button for the 58th floor at the president's private elevator. Someone behind her called out, "Miss, the public elevators are over here."

She glanced back but ignored the remark. The elevator doors opened, and she stepped inside as the doors closed, leaving the onlookers in stunned silence.

The elevator ascended smoothly to the 58th floor. As she stepped out, she ran into Jiang Youwan's secretary. The secretary was momentarily stunned upon seeing her but quickly composed herself and smiled, saying, "Second Miss, President Jiang is in a meeting. You can wait in her office for a moment."

Jiang Jinyi frowned, her delicate brows furrowing.

Second Miss. She loathed that title.

"In a meeting? Can I attend?"

Secretary Song hesitated. "...This..."

Jiang Jinyi was determined to reach the conference room, and the secretary couldn't stop her. She kicked the door open, interrupting the ongoing meeting. The discussions abruptly ceased as all eyes turned to her. Jiang Jinyi's gaze locked onto the profile of the woman seated in the CEO's chair.

The woman turned her head at the sound. Her features were exquisitely defined yet retained a soft femininity, her skin as pale and cool as jade. A slight frown creased her brow, and silver-rimmed glasses perched on her high, straight nose. Her narrow, captivating eyes, both alluring and profound, held a suffocating pressure like a bottomless abyss.

A classic example of a striking, high-contrast beauty.

Yet the moment she recognized the intruder, the icy coldness in her eyes melted into tenderness, her lips curving into a warm smile.

"Xiao Jin?" she called out softly, her voice trailing upwards, sounding surprised and delighted.

Jiang Jinyi strode to the CEO's chair, looked down at Jiang Youwan, and asked with a smile, "What kind of meeting is this? Are you all discussing how to divide up the Jiang Corporation?"

The room fell silent in shock. Jiang Youwan paused slightly. She suppressed the surge of emotion, but wasn't annoyed. She calmly removed the Buddhist beads from her wrist and smiled at her. "We are discussing the company's capital turnover."

"Ha, you truly are my mother's good daughter." she praised.

With that, Jiang Jinyi leaned against the wooden conference table and slowly sat on it, elegantly crossing her legs as she looked down at Jiang Youwan. She then turned her head and contemptuously swept her gaze across the crowd below. "You're all such good dogs."

Her voice, usually clear and sweet, now carried a sharp edge, like a high-and-mighty princess addressing a lowly servant. In her eyes, Jiang Youwan was even less than a servant.

An old executive was infuriated by being called that. His thick eyebrows furrowed, and he reprimanded, "Second Miss, this isn't a place for your childish tantrums!"

"Chairwoman Jiang truly spoiled you beyond reason! You have no manners and no shame, just spouting nonsense!"

"General Manager Liu."

A cold, sharp voice cut through his increasingly agitated scolding. General Manager Liu froze, his anger instantly extinguished by the piercing gaze that swept over him like a dagger. He averted his eyes and fell silent, like a scolded lapdog.

"Today's meeting ends here. Dismissed."

Jiang Youwan rose from her chair, her slender, tall figure radiating a cool authority. No one dared defy her, and the attendees quickly gathered their belongings and left the conference room.

Jiang Jinyi tilted her head, admiring Jiang Youwan's perfect jawline. "Why did you end the meeting so abruptly?" she clicked her tongue. "Are you trying to hide your plans from me? You're so domineering—not even letting me listen in on a meeting?"

Jiang Youwan turned back to her, ignoring the sarcastic tone. "Have you eaten?" she asked with genuine concern. "Are you hungry? I'll have my assistant get you something you like."

To her surprise, Jiang Jinyi nodded. "Yes, I'm hungry. I want to eat in your office."

Jiang Youwan smiled warmly. "Of course."

Jiang Jinyi hopped off the table, and Jiang Youwan instinctively reached out to steady her. In the next instant, Jiang Jinyi grabbed Jiang Youwan's collar, yanked her forward, and reversed their positions. She pinned Jiang Youwan against the edge of the table, pressing down firmly.

The two women were roughly the same height, but Jiang Jinyi's high heels gave her a slight advantage. In this position, Jiang Youwan looked completely dominated.

The intense hyacinth scent from Jiang Jinyi's body flooded Jiang Youwan's nostrils, triggering a familiar yet unsettling tremor that made her heart race and her breath tremble.

Xiao Jin's pheromones had changed, now carrying a hint of dominance beneath their delicate sweetness, making Jiang Youwan's face flush and her heart pound even harder.

Though her thigh was pressed painfully and her collar was being yanked, Jiang Youwan didn't struggle. She allowed Jiang Jinyi to dominate her, tilting her head back slightly, her pupils reflecting Jiang Jinyi's captivating face. She couldn't help but whisper, "Xiao Jin..."

Jiang Jinyi's free hand reached up and removed the silver-rimmed glasses from Jiang Youwan's nose.

"Don't wear glasses," she said in a low voice, her breath ghosting across Jiang Youwan's face. "They make you look like a refined scoundrel, constantly reminding me how vile and depraved you truly are inside. Do you understand?"

Jiang Jinyi's tone was harsh, dripping with undisguised sarcasm. Yet, even in this situation, Jiang Youwan's heart raced. Without the cover of darkness, her flushed earlobes were now fully exposed to Jiang Jinyi's gaze.

---

Author's Note: Please note the timeline: this is a few days before the opening plot, when Xiao Jin just returned to Luocheng.

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