7

 "Grandma."

I called out softly.

She raised her head, a glimmer of sharpness flashing in her cloudy eyes. "Serena, you're here.

Come, sit.

I walked to her side and placed the engraved bronze vessel on the coffee table. "How has your health been lately?"

"Just the old ailments."

she waved her hand with a smile. "What about you? I heard you're taking over the overseas business?"

I was silent for a moment but still spoke, "Grandma, William and I...

we're getting a divorce."

The smile on her face froze.

After a long while, she sighed, "Oh, that child..."

Silence spread through the study.

I thought she would reprimand me, taking her grandson's side like all elders do.

But she simply placed the jade bead necklace in her hand gently into my palm and said in a tone that seemed to see through worldly affairs, "Serena, you've suffered.

I've seen how much the Gu family owes you over the years.

After you give birth to the child, just bring him to visit this old bag of bones often.

The rest is up to you."

I held her hand, "Grandma, don't say that.

You will always be the elder I respect.

What happened with William has nothing to do with you."

She patted the back of my hand, "You're a good child.

The road ahead is still long.

Take good care of yourself.

Remember, in this circle, never show weakness."

My nose felt sour, but I still held back my tears. "I understand.

Thank you."

Coming out of the Gu family estate, I took a deep breath, as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted.

This marriage was like a ticking time bomb, hanging over my heart for far too long.

Now that it was finally defused, I felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

I drove to the private tarmac at Pudong Airport, where the Qin Group's Gulfstream jet was ready.

Before boarding, I took one last look at this bustling metropolis, which carried too many memories for me.

Goodbye, Shanghai.

Goodbye, this exhausting marriage.

The plane slowly took off.

I looked down from the cabin window as the skyscrapers gradually shrank, eventually turning into specks of starlight.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

From now on, I would present myself with a brand new identity.

Just as my thoughts were soaring, my personal assistant gently reminded me, "Miss Qin, we have acquired all of the Gu Group's assets in the United States.

Also, the Wall Street Journal would like to conduct an interview with you to discuss the Qin Group's global expansion strategy.

I nodded, a cold smile curling the corner of my mouth.

William, this was just the beginning.

You took my true heart, so I would take everything from you.

For the sake of the child about to be born, for the future of the Qin Group, I had no choice.

"Tell them I'm ready anytime."

I said calmly. "Also, arrange for me to meet with Yvonne Zhou."

The plane crossed through the clouds, heading towards a new future.

And I, Serena Qin, would also conquer this world with a new attitude.

...

Three months later, in the heart of Manhattan, New York.

I stood on the top floor of the newly acquired skyscraper, overlooking the bustling city.

The Qin Group's logo slowly lit up on the building's exterior wall, announcing our strong landing in the American market.

"Miss Qin."

my personal assistant said softly, "Miss Zhou has arrived."

I nodded slightly and turned to walk towards the conference room.

The moment I pushed open the door, I saw that familiar yet unfamiliar face.

Yvonne Zhou, once my rival in love, now looked like a dejected trapped beast.

"Miss...

Miss Qin."

she stood up, her voice trembling slightly. "You wanted to see me...?"

I sat down gracefully and gestured for her to sit as well.

"Miss Zhou, I heard your recent development in Hollywood has been quite good?"

A hint of panic flashed in her eyes. "Yes...

yes, thanks to your recommendation."

I let out a light laugh. "Then, you should know why I asked you to come, right?"

Yvonne lowered her head. "I...

I'm willing to cooperate with you against William.

I only ask that you...

spare me."

I stood up and walked to the window. "Very well.

From today onwards, you are my eyes and ears.

Remember, I will closely monitor your every step."

After seeing Yvonne off, I picked up my phone and dialed a number.

"Dad, we've already acquired 40% of the Gu Group's shares.

Give me another month, and I'll make William obediently hand over control."

Hanging up the phone, I gazed at the bustling night scene outside the window, a cold smile curling the corner of my mouth.

William, I told you, the game has only just begun.

(The End.)