I had just reached the ground floor when voices drifted in from outside the villa’s main gate. “Madam, Miss Lu's wedding dress has been delivered. Perhaps you could call her in a bit? She could come for a fitting, and we could have the makeup artist come by for a trial run at the same time.” That was Ji Qing's voice. The iron gate creaked open, and a softer voice replied, “Mm. That girl, Ke’er, is probably still sleeping. I’ll call her later. Let’s bring the dress inside first.” It was Lin Wan. Realizing I'd run straight into them if I left now, I took a breath and ducked behind the curtains. The two women entered the living room. After setting down the wedding dress, Lin Wan glanced around at the villa’s decor, a soft sigh escaping her. Her expression grew wistful. “My Xiangxiang would be of marrying age now, too,” she murmured, her voice trailing off. “I wonder…” As if struck by a painful memory, she lowered her head, dabbing at her eyes before sighing again. Ji Qing, standing beside her, seemed momentarily taken aback before offering comfort. “Madam, you’ve been searching for Miss Xiangxiang all these years. I’m sure fate will reward your efforts. One day, you and Miss Xiangxiang will be reunited.” Lin Wan gave another faint sigh. After surveying the villa once more and giving a few instructions, she left to attend to other matters. Ji Qing began unpacking the wedding dress, preparing to hang it up. Hidden behind the curtain, a headache began to throb in my temples. I prayed she wouldn’t stay long, or I’d be late for work. Thankfully, once she had the dress situated, she left. I let out a sigh of relief and, without a second thought, slipped out from behind the curtain, eager to get away. But just as I reached the door, I ran straight into Ji Qing, who had come back for something. Her eyes widened in disbelief when she saw me. “What are you doing here?” Words failed me. I didn't know how to explain. Her gaze dropped to the bruises Gu Zhizhou had left on my skin. We were both adults; she knew exactly what they meant. After a moment of hesitation, her face hardened. “You… you spent the night here with Mr. Gu?” I pressed my lips together, unable to describe the turmoil inside me. When I didn't answer, she raised her hand to slap me, her face contorted with rage. “Tang Li, you have no shame!” I reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist. My own face went cold. “Whether I have shame or not is none of your business.” Seeing she couldn't overpower me, her face flushed a furious red. “Tang Li,” she spat, “you just wait.” She yanked her arm free and stormed out of the villa. I didn't need to guess where she was going. She was running to tell Lu Ke’er. I sighed. Gu Zhizhou’s little game was going to ruin me. I rushed home, changed my clothes, and hurried to the office, just barely making it on time. “Tang Li, Mr. Lu wants you to compile all the translation samples from the UK office and bring them to him,” Wang Xue said, leaning over my desk the moment I sat down. I nodded and began gathering the necessary files. I was in the middle of organizing the documents when Lu Ke’er stormed in. Before I could react, she snatched the completed folder from my hands. A sharp tearing sound—*shrrriiiip*—and the documents I had so carefully prepared fluttered to the floor in pieces. *CRACK.* Before I could even register the loss of my work, a stinging slap landed hard across my cheek. A collective gasp went through the office, followed by Lu Ke’er’s shrill, furious voice. “Tang Li, you bitch! Are you that desperate for a man?” I knew this moment was coming, so I wasn’t particularly surprised. I lifted my gaze to meet hers, my own eyes darkening. “Do you really think I could have found your wedding house on my own, Miss Lu? Perhaps you should be asking your fiancé.” “You bitch!” Her chest heaved with fury, her face a mask of malice. “I underestimated you. I guess losing one parent wasn't enough. You want your mother to die too!” My body went rigid. I forced the words out, my voice a tight whisper. “What did you just say?”