Chapter Twenty-One: A Test of Trust

The week following the gala was a whirlwind of chaos for Lu Xiao. The media's relentless scrutiny was suffocating, and whispers followed her wherever she went. Stories about her past were dug up, distorted, and sensationalized, painting her as an opportunist who had latched onto Lei Han for personal gain.

Though she tried to focus on her work, Lu Xiao couldn't ignore the piercing stares of her colleagues or the biting comments overheard in the hallways. Every step felt heavier, every glance sharper. For someone who had spent her life shielding her vulnerabilities, the exposure was agonizing.

Lei Han, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, but she knew the situation was affecting him too. His meetings were interrupted by incessant phone calls, and his legal team was working overtime to manage the fallout. Despite everything, he refused to let the scandal tarnish her reputation.

"You don't have to fight this battle alone," he had said one night, his voice steady but filled with concern. "I'll handle it."

But could he really?

---

That morning, as Lu Xiao stepped into Lei Han's office to deliver the day's agenda, she noticed his furrowed brow. He was poring over a document, his jaw set in a tight line.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with hesitation.

He looked up, his expression softening when he saw her. "Nothing you need to worry about."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't do that. Don't shield me. If this is about me, I deserve to know."

Lei Han sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Chen Wei is spreading more lies. He's claiming you leaked company data to one of our competitors."

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. "What?"

"Don't worry," he reassured her, his tone firm. "It's a baseless accusation, and we're already gathering evidence to prove it false."

But Lu Xiao wasn't reassured. "What if people believe him? What if this ruins you?"

"Let me worry about that," Lei Han said, rising from his chair. He walked around the desk and stood in front of her, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. "I told you I'd protect you, Lu Xiao. I meant it."

She wanted to believe him. She wanted to trust that he could shield her from the storm. But doubt gnawed at her.

---

Later that day, as Lu Xiao sat at her desk, an email notification appeared on her screen. The subject line made her heart drop: "Proof of Lu Xiao's Betrayal."

Her hands trembled as she opened the email. Attached were screenshots of messages allegedly sent by her to one of Lei Han's competitors, discussing confidential company information. The messages were convincing—too convincing.

Her stomach churned. She knew she hadn't sent those messages, but would anyone else believe her?

Before she could think, her office phone rang. It was Lei Han.

"Come to my office," he said, his tone unreadable.

Her legs felt like lead as she made her way to his office. When she stepped inside, she found him standing by the window, the city skyline stretching out behind him. On his desk was a printout of the same screenshots she had just seen.

"Lu Xiao," he began, turning to face her, "I need you to be honest with me. Did you send these messages?"

Her breath caught in her throat. "You think I did this?"

"I need to hear it from you," he said, his voice steady but laced with tension.

Anger flared within her, mingling with the hurt. "I've been nothing but loyal to you, to this company. How can you even ask me that?"

"Because I have to be sure," Lei Han said, his gaze unwavering. "I need to know if I can trust you completely."

Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "You told me you'd protect me. You said you believed in me. Was that a lie?"

He stepped closer, his voice softening. "Lu Xiao, this isn't about belief. It's about proof. If I don't address this, it could destroy both of us."

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I didn't send those messages, Lei Han. Someone is trying to frame me."

For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and suffocating. Then, he nodded.

"I believe you," he said quietly.

Relief flooded her, but it was short-lived. "Then what do we do now?"

"We fight back," Lei Han said, his voice firm. "Together."

---

That night, as Lu Xiao sat alone in her apartment, she replayed the conversation in her mind. Despite the accusations, despite her own doubts, Lei Han had chosen to believe her.

And for the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of hope.

Because maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to face the world alone anymore.