5.Attack 2

Xu Fan stepped out of Qin Yichen's office, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Her first move was successful,now her next task was to summon Mrs. Qin to her husband's office, a move that would undoubtedly stir up the nest.

With a deep breath, Xu Fan dialed Mrs. Qin's number, her fingers slightly trembling against the cool glass of her phone. The call connected, and after several rings, Mrs. Qin's sharp voice pierced through the line.

"What is it, Xu Fan?" There was no greeting, only irritation.

"Father would like to see you in his office immediately," Xu Fan replied, her tone deliberately neutral, hiding the thrill of victory coursing through her veins.

There was a pause on the other end, then a huff of disbelief. "And why would he want to see me at this hour?"

"I believe it concerns the invitation list for the charity dinner," Xu Fan responded, keeping her voice steady. "He seemed... displeased."

Another silence, longer this time, before Mrs. Qin spoke again, her voice laced with concern. "Very well. Tell him I'll be there shortly."

The call ended, and Xu Fan couldn't suppress a satisfied smile. She knew that Mrs. Qin would arrive flustered and anxious, perfect conditions for her plan to unfold.

As she waited, Xu Fan paced the corridor outside Qin Yichen's office, rehearsing her next moves in her mind. She needed to be one step ahead at all times, especially now that she had set this dangerous game in motion.

Minutes later, Mrs. Qin appeared, her face drawn into a frown as she approached the office door. Xu Fan watched her go inside, noting the way her shoulders stiffened as she entered her husband's domain.

Xu Fan lingered, eavesdropping from the hallway. She could hear raised voices, snippets of conversation drifting through the heavy door.

"How could you include them? Are you trying to drug and rape me again!" Qin Yichen's voice boomed, his frustration palpable.

"No that wasn't my intention.I would never hurt you again" Shuang Xiao retorted, her voice quivering slightly.

"Mend fences? They helped you to be Mrs.Qin so you are returning the favor is that it?"

"No, I swear. I thought it might be a good opportunity to mend fences," Mrs.Qin lowered her head with tears stinging her eyes.

"You should not piss me off, dont forget that your son is already an adult. I dont mind divorcing you now."

As Qin Yichen spoke, each word sliced through the air like a blade cutting Shuang Xiao's heart.

Xu Fan eyes popped at the revalation of what her Mother-in-law did to her Father-in-law. She felt a surge of satisfaction. This was exactly what she had hoped for—chaos, discord, an opening.

Qin Yichen didn't waste any time and stormed Shuang Xiao again. "I know what you've been doing," he said bluntly, his eyes narrowing as he stared her down. "The money you've been laundering from the charity events—did you really think I wouldn't find out?"

The color drained from Shuang Xiao's face, and she set her teacup down with trembling hands. "Yichen, I... I can explain," she stammered, trying to maintain her composure. "It's not what you think—"

But Qin Yichen cut her off, his voice rising with anger. "Explain? There's nothing to explain! You've been stealing money meant for those in need, funneling it into offshore accounts, and for what? To feed your greed? Have you any idea how dangerous this is?"

Shuang Xiao's eyes filled with tears, but Qin Yichen was relentless. "You should be content with what you have," he continued, his voice laced with disappointment. "We have more than enough, yet you risk everything with this reckless behavior. You're not just endangering yourself—you're putting my entire family at risk. Do you realize that? You're killing yourself and your son with your own stupidity!"

Shuang Xiao broke down, her facade crumbling as she began to sob. "I never meant for it to go this far," she cried. "I just wanted to secure our future, to make sure Ah Cheng had enough—"

"Enough?" Qin Yichen snapped, his voice filled with disdain. "We already have more than enough! But your greed blinds you. And now, you've dragged Qin Cheng into this mess too, haven't you? How could you?"

Shuang Xiao could only nod, her tears flowing freely now. "I was scared, Yichen. I didn't know what else to do. Ah Cheng—he said you weren't approving any of his projects so I thought that was the only way to get him some investments."

Qin Yichen shook his head, his heart heavy with disappointment. "This isn't the only way. If he was capable enough his plans would have been approved. And now, because of your actions, he'll have to face the consequences. If you care about this family at all, you'll stop this madness right now before it's too late."

Shuang Xiao looked up at her son, her face a mask of regret and sorrow. "I'm so sorry, Yichen," she whispered. "I never meant to hurt you."

Qin Yichen's expression softened, but only slightly. "It's not just about me, just find a way to fix this before it destroys us all."

Shortly after the door swung open and Shuang Xiao stormed out, her eyes ablaze with fury and tears. She brushed past Xu Fan with a stern glance, before storming off with her heels clicking furiously down the hall.

Xu Fan took a deep breath before knocking and entering the office, closing the door softly behind her. Qin Yichen sat behind his desk, his expression weary but focused.

"I have brought you some tea Father, please calm down"

Her Father-in-law loved to drink tea at this hour, when she came in before she noticed his desk did not have any tea so she used this as an excuse to come back.

"About the money laundering," he said, his voice quieter now. "Thank you for bringing it to my attention."

"It was nothing, Father," Xu Fan replied, taking a seat across from him. "I just want to help in any way I can."

Qin Yichen studied her for a long moment, his gaze probing. "Why are you sitting?"

Xu Fan met his gaze for a brief moment then avoided eye contact. "Sorry Father, Ill leave you alone now."

He nodded slowly, then thanked her for the tea.

" Continue to handle the charity dinner preparations. I expect great things from you."

Xu Fan nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Father. I won't disappoint you."

As she left the office, Xu Fan felt a renewed sense of purpose. She had taken another step closer to her goal, and the path ahead, though treacherous, was clearer than ever before.