Chapter 57: Fresh Air
I’d gone home after lunch feeling victorious, like I’d won some important battle in this territorial war with Xue Lian.
Established dominance, claimed my space, made it clear that Bael’s lunch hour belonged to me.
I was wrong.
I’m in the study around evening, pencil moving across paper as I work on an architectural design that’s finally starting to come together, lines and angles forming into something cohesive, when my phone buzzes on the desk beside me.
I glance at it absently, expecting maybe Mrs. Zhou with details about the gala, or Grandmother asking when I’ll be down for dinner.
Instead, it’s from an unknown number, one I didn’t save but recognize immediately.
Unknown: *I might keep him a little longer tonight. You don’t mind, do you?*
I stare at the screen.
Xue Lian.
Of course it’s Xue Lian.
I check the time and it’s already close to dinner. Bael should be closing from work soon, should be on his way home by now, but if Xue Lian is with him then...
I see.
So taking over his lunch hour isn’t enough then.
...Alright, noted.
My fingers move across the screen, typing out a response before I can overthink it.
Me: *Of course not.*
Send.
I set the phone down on the table and turn my attention back to the design sketch in front of me.
It’s almost finished, just a few more details needed, the proportions finally looking right after hours of adjustments.
Perfect.
I needed a break anyway, and the baby needs fresh air.
Yes, definitely, that’s absolutely why I’m standing up and heading toward the bedroom, nothing to do with the message currently sitting on my phone screen or the fact that Xue Lian thinks he’s won this round.
I take a quick shower, washing away the pencil smudges and the faint smell of paper, then stand in front of my wardrobe trying to decide what to wear.
I pull out the black pants I bought recently, the ones with subtle diamond beads at the waist that catch light when I move, and pair them with an ivory crop top that has a V-opening in the back...
Yeah, nope.
I catch sight of myself in the mirror and remember the hickeys everywhere, purple and dark against my skin, scattered across my back and shoulders where the crop top would expose everything.
Right.
I put the crop top back and grab the cream turtleneck instead, fitted and elastic, the fabric clinging to my frame in a way that shows my shape elegantly, emphasizing my waist without exposing any evidence of last night.
Better.
I style my hair quickly, running my fingers through it until it falls the right way, then grab the eyebrow brush and fix the shape, making sure everything looks intentional rather than rushed, lip gloss next, just enough to add shine without being obvious.
When I check my reflection one more time I look put together, polished, like I planned this outfit hours ago instead of throwing it together in ten minutes because Xue Lian sent me an annoying message.
I grab the emerald bag I bought at Ciel Brillant, the gender-neutral designer one that somehow works perfectly with this outfit.
And slip on the heels I got during that same shopping trip, sleek black with just enough height to make my legs look longer, make my waist look smaller, make the whole ensemble come together in a way that screams effortless elegance.
Then I head downstairs to where Liang Feng and Qiao Jun are waiting by the door, and they both straighten when they see me.
"Young Master," Liang Feng greets.
"We’re going to Bael’s office," I tell them, "and step on it."
His eyebrows raise slightly but he doesn’t question it, just nods and leads the way to the car, and the drive feels longer than it should even though Liang Feng is clearly taking my instruction seriously, weaving through traffic with practiced efficiency.
I watch the city pass by outside the tinted windows, my phone sitting silent in my bag, that message from Xue Lian still there like a challenge I’m about to answer.
*I might keep him a little longer tonight.*
Like Bael is his to keep, like I gave him permission with that casual *of course not*, like he’s winning.
Not happening.
We pull up to Wuchen Group headquarters and I step out, the heels clicking against the pavement with satisfying precision, employees moving through the lobby, heads turning as I walk in with recognition flashing across faces followed by small smiles and subtle bows.
Some of them look almost pleased, like they’re watching a romantic drama unfold in real time and they’re rooting for the protagonist, which is fine, they can think whatever they want as long as I get what I came for.
I nod at them as I pass, keeping my expression calm and composed, walking with the confidence of someone who belongs here, who has every right to show up unannounced because this is my husband’s company and I can visit whenever I want.
The elevator ride to the top floor feels too slow, my reflection staring back at me from the polished walls, and I check my appearance one more time to make sure everything is still in place, hair perfect, makeup subtle, outfit elegant.
Good.
The doors open and I step out, heels clicking against the floor as I walk toward Bael’s office where Shen Rui is still at his desk despite the late hour, and he stands immediately when he sees me approaching, surprise flickering across his expression before professional courtesy takes over.
"Young Master Wuchen," he greets, bowing slightly.
I nod at him, offering a small smile because Shen Rui has always been helpful and doesn’t deserve my irritation at his boss’s visitor.
"Working late?"
"CEO Wuchen had some matters to attend to," he says carefully, diplomatically, probably trying to warn me without actually saying anything.
I bet he did.
"Is he still in?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
"Yes, but he has—"
"Thank you, Shen Rui."
I don’t wait for him to finish, don’t give him a chance to warn me about whatever guest Bael has in there, just walk past his desk with my head held high and my hand already reaching for the door handle.
The baby needs fresh air, I tell myself one more time, that’s all this is, just taking the baby out for some evening air, nothing to do with Xue Lian or territorial games or the fact that I really hate losing.
Then I push open the door.