She Needs Wealth and Power

Zoya steered the conversation toward the financial sector, discussing Edmond's most famous investments, stock market fluctuations, and the influence of Jingxiu in Jiangyu. Zoya had her own agenda, steering the conversation to work-related topics where Lily couldn't easily interject. Just as she started, Lily placed her chopsticks on the table.

"Speaking of work, did none of you notice what I'm wearing today?" Lily stood up and spun around, praising herself in the context of Zoya's earlier conversation. "I've been working so hard lately."

She exaggerated the hardships she faced while moving her studio, then deftly shifted the topic. "So, I've moved to a new studio. What gifts do you plan to give me to celebrate?"

Lily's eyes locked on Brooks and Leopold, openly asking in Edmond's presence. "My husband gave me two buildings. You, being my closest family, shouldn't give me something inferior to his gifts, right?"

She wasn't lying; the two buildings for the studio and dessert shop were indeed gifts from Edmond. Given Edmond's wealth, gifting two buildings was akin to giving two bags.

Two buildings? And they shouldn't be inferior? Leopold looked at his father, questioning with his eyes. "Two buildings? We're doomed, way over budget. What happened to your preparations and foresight?"

Brooks was speechless.

After dinner, Brooks and Leopold invited Edmond to the study. Brooks rarely praised Lily so highly. "My youngest daughter, she's always been sensible, smart, good-tempered, and especially filial."

He praised her for half an hour, during which Edmond listened quietly without any sign of impatience. Brooks, noticing Edmond's calm demeanor, signaled to Leopold.

Leopold, taking the cue, sipped his tea and then continued praising Lily. "I remember when Lily was little, she loved going to amusement parks. Every holiday, she'd beg to go, but it was always so crowded."

He looked at Brooks. "Dad, you once said you'd build an amusement park for her. All these years, you haven't fulfilled that promise."

Brooks feigned guilt. "Yes, I've been too busy. I owe Lily."

Leopold poured more tea into Edmond's cup, as if suddenly remembering something. "By the way, Edmond, I heard you acquired the Tianyu Amusement Park project in the suburbs?"

Just as he was about to delve deeper into the topic, Edmond interrupted, "I have a personal question I'd like to discuss alone with Mr. Jian."

Leopold hesitated, then looked at Brooks. Seeing Edmond's calm yet authoritative demeanor, Brooks nodded at Leopold, who then left the room and closed the door.

Edmond got straight to the point. "Mr. Jian, all your preamble is just to ask for a share in the amusement park project, right?"

Brooks felt awkward but was about to pretend when Edmond continued, "I can include you, but there's a condition."

...

When Edmond emerged from the study half an hour later, Lily was nowhere to be seen, only Zoya was in the living room.

Zoya had been lounging on the sofa, playing on her phone. Seeing him, she stood up, trying to intercept a servant to inquire about Lily's whereabouts. "Lily was called by my mother. She might be a while."

Indeed, Lily had been called to Layla's room for nearly half an hour. Leopold, who came out of the study, was also called in by Layla. The topic of their conversation was unknown.

Without a word, Edmond headed outside. It was half-past nine, the night sky dark, with a few scattered stars.

Edmond stood in the yard, smoking two cigarettes. He had lost his temper in the study with Brooks. He was glad Lily wasn't around; she might have noticed something was off. Two cigarettes did little to calm him down. As he prepared to light a third, Zoya approached with two glasses of red wine, offering him one.

"Smoking isn't good for you. If you're in a bad mood, try a drink instead?"

Edmond ignored the wine she offered and lit another cigarette. "Get lost."

Zoya wasn't entirely sure of her feelings for Edmond. She did like him; her heart raced whenever he was near. Standing close to him, her heart beat fast with excitement. But her affection was more possessive than romantic. She didn't prioritize love; she pursued wealth and power. She liked Edmond but wouldn't die for him.

To her, love was childish. She was certain of one thing: she wanted to marry Edmond. She needed him. She wanted to be admired and envied by everyone, to be flattered and catered to. She needed wealth and power. Her man had to have all these and a handsome face. In Jiangyu, only Edmond met all her criteria. So, Edmond had to be her man.

For this goal, she had worked hard. She flattered Brooks, maintained a teasing distance with Leopold, and fought hard to secure her position in L&S, to push Lily aside, and to prove herself worthy of Edmond. In the past, she used collaborative projects as an excuse to see him, meticulously preparing her appearance and rehearsing her conversations, only to find he saw through her disguise.

Edmond rarely appeared in public. Last year, he attended a financial forum as a special guest. During the opening ceremony's cocktail party, she went through great lengths to sit beside him, hoping to chat. He promptly switched seats with someone else. The event was an open business meeting, and when she tried to approach him under the guise of discussing cooperation, he put down his wine glass.

"Vice President Jian, for business matters, please contact Mr. Pan directly."

Though he spoke softly, many around them heard his words. They were polite but made it clear she wasn't someone he had personal dealings with. In essence, he made it known that he didn't like her, and she had no right to speak to him directly.

Zoya realized that since he had seen through her, it was better to confront it than to remain passive. But she forgot that Edmond wasn't like Royce. The moment she tried to approach, Edmond blocked her path, denying her any chance to see him, even cutting off the cooperation between their companies.

"Get lost."

Now, he didn't even bother to hide his disdain for her. Despite knowing it was wrong to act out at the Jian family home and in this situation, the alcohol emboldened her.

"What do you think is so great about Lily? She and Royce had years of history. Do you think she really forgot? She claims she hit her head and lost her memory? Edmond, she's just using you to get back at Royce."

Zoya knew it was wrong, but she couldn't hold back. She'd been observing Edmond and Lily all night. Edmond wasn't overly affectionate, but he served Lily food she couldn't reach and poured her drinks.