Chapter 3: Meet The Future Husband

"Are you ready to meet your fiancé?"

The voice belonged to a strikingly beautiful woman who appeared to be in her early 30s—yet in reality, she was 47.

Her hair was the color of ashes, her eyes as blue as the sky. This woman was none other than Agathe Crevier Bai, Lillie Bai's mother.

"Not really."

Lillie Bai's response was indifferent, her focus unwavering as her slender fingers tapped rapidly across her laptop. Her movements were so fast that anyone watching would struggle to keep up.

Agathe sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Ma chérie, couldn't you at least show a little reaction? Anger? Resentment?" She pouted, exaggerating her heavy French accent.

Lillie finally paused, turning her head slightly. "Do you want me to be angry?"

"..."

Absolutely not.

The last time she had seen her daughter truly furious was when Lillie was 16.

A so-called best friend had betrayed her, stealing a month-long project proposal Lillie had meticulously crafted. That very plan, meant to elevate White Phoenix Empire to unprecedented heights, was handed over to a rival company—one that made millions from her stolen work.

Yu Mei, greedy and envious, had broken into Lillie's home, trespassed into her room, and taken the files.

But if there was one thing the world had learned that day, it was this: Lillie Bai was not merciful.

She did not simply retaliate—she destroyed.

Yu Mei's life became a living nightmare. By the time Lillie was finished with her, the girl was begging for death, but Lillie found far more satisfaction in watching her suffer.

And the company that dared to profit from her brilliance? It flourished for exactly one month before collapsing into irreparable ruin.

Had they known what Lillie Bai was truly capable of, they would have never dared to cross her—even if they had the courage of a tiger.

They had tasted 16-year-old Lillie Bai's wrath.

Now, at 26, she was only more powerful.

But that stolen project? That was merely the beginning.

There was something far worse.

A truth Lillie never spoke of.

"Oh, darling, we both know we don't want that happening again," Alexander Bai, Lillie's father, said as he steered the car toward a five-star Michelin restaurant. His sharp eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, landing on his son.

His gaze turned cold. "Gabriel, I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight. And put your tablet away. You too, Lillie. No business during this dinner meeting."

Lillie didn't even glance up. "No."

Gabriel scoffed. "Tch."

It was obvious where he got his attitude from.

Their parents sighed. They still weren't sure how they had ended up with such cold-blooded children. Gabriel had once been a sweet boy—until he began idolizing his Jie Jie, modeling himself after her every move.

The Bai family stepped out of the car. Mr. Bai handed the keys to the valet before leading them inside the extravagant restaurant.

"Good evening, ma'am, sir. Do you have a reservation?" The hostess greeted them with a cheerful smile.

"Yes. The Bai family."

The hostess's eyes widened before she quickly turned to the staff behind her.

"Oh! Y-Yes, of course! Please forgive me for not recognizing you, Mr. Bai." She bowed repeatedly before guiding them to a VIP room.

Stupid! How could I not recognize the President of WPE? And the she-devil is with him! The hostess was practically sweating.

"This is your room. The others have already arrived." She opened the door, bowing deeply before excusing herself.

Lillie Bai was the last to enter, too engrossed in typing on her phone to pay attention. But when she finally raised her head, her fingers halted mid-motion.

Her usually indifferent eyes widened slightly, her pupils dilating.

Across the room, sitting like a king on his throne, was the man she despised most.

Ethan Li.

As he rose from his chair, he smirked at her, his voice dripping with amusement.

"Well, hello there, future wife."