‌Chapter 32: Conspiracy and Betrayal

Ye Chenghuan nodded, having long guessed that his "convenience wife" summoning him couldn't be anything good. He turned and left the secretarial office, humming a tune under his breath: "Don't pick the wildflowers by the roadside…"

Xia Ruyan instantly understood—those flowers weren't bought but plucked from the roadside. She gritted her teeth, about to throw them away, but hesitated, feeling an inexplicable reluctance…

Arriving at the CEO's office, Ye Chenghuan paused briefly before pushing the door open. Ignoring Lin Peishan's stunned expression, he plopped onto her desk, grabbed an exquisite crystal glass, and gulped down its contents. Wiping his mouth, he remarked, "No tea prepared for your husband? How rude. Hmm, just lukewarm tea. Tastes mediocre. Shouldn't have bothered."

Good heavens. Was there anyone in the world more shameless? That was premium Longjing tea harvested before the rainy season—something he'd probably never encountered in his life. Worse, the glass was her personal item. Lin Peishan had always been fastidious, recoiling at sharing utensils with men, let alone meals. Yet here was this man, who could ruffle her composure like no other. Her calm, unshakable demeanor during billion-dollar negotiations evaporated in his presence. Why? Was he her natural nemesis?

He was too much!

Lin Peishan bit her lip. If looks could kill, Ye Chenghuan would've been dismembered.

"Ye Chenghuan, do you have any manners?"

"Darling—"

"Address me as CEO Lin!"

"Ah, right. CEO Lin. But with no one around, why stand on ceremony? We're an old married couple, after all."

Old married couple? The man's audacity knew no bounds!

Knowing reasoning with him was futile, Lin Peishan suppressed her fury. "Why didn't you come home last night?"

Noticing the faint shadows under her eyes, Ye Chenghuan feigned concern. "Did you wait up all night for me?"

"Don't flatter yourself. Where you went or what you did means nothing to me. But remember—your status has changed. Rein in your antics. If your recklessness tarnishes my reputation, I won't spare you."

Ye Chenghuan smirked. "Is that a threat?"

"Interpret it as you will."

"Do you know what matters most to a man?"

"What?"

"Respect."

Lin Peishan scoffed. "You dare speak of respect?"

"Absolutely." His gaze sharpened. "If a man doesn't return home, the fault lies not with him but his wife. If he's denied basic respect here, why shouldn't he seek it elsewhere?"

Her eyes widened. "Are you saying I disrespect you?"

"Interpret it as you will." He held her glare. "To you, what am I? A fake husband? A lowly security guard? A punching bag to flaunt your power? I'm insignificant—unworthy of your respect. Am I wrong?"

Lin Peishan fell silent. His words pierced her defenses, reflecting her own arrogance back at her. No one had ever confronted her like this. For the first time, guilt flickered within her, yet pride forced out a lie: "You're right. Someone like you doesn't deserve my respect."

Ye Chenghuan's face darkened. Without another word, he turned to leave.

"Stop!" Lin Peishan shot up, arms trembling against the desk, dizziness washing over her.

"Any further orders, CEO Lin?" He didn't look back.

Her eyes glistened with unspoken emotions before she whispered defeatedly, "Ye Chenghuan… you win."

Just then, Xia Ruyan knocked and entered, freezing at the charged scene.

Lin Peishan seemed oblivious, staring vacantly at Ye Chenghuan's retreating figure.

Slowly, he turned and settled onto the sofa, smiling coolly. "CEO Lin, I'll report my work after you finish your meeting."

Slumping into her chair, Lin Peishan felt a pang of gratitude. Despite her cruelty, he'd not only swallowed his anger but preserved her dignity. Was this the same lazy, gluttonous, repulsive Ye Chenghuan she knew?

"CEO Lin, representatives from the Securities Regulatory Commission and the brokerage firm have arrived. The executive board members are waiting in the conference room."

"Understood." Lin Peishan massaged her temples.

Noting her pallor, Xia Ruyan shot Ye Chenghuan a venomous glance. Softly, she suggested, "Should we reschedule if you're unwell?"

"No. Inform them I'll be there shortly."

"Yes."

Once alone, Ye Chenghuan's expression tightened. "What's this meeting about?"

"You'll find out soon." Lin Peishan rose, leaving him behind.

"Should I accompany you?" He sensed danger.

"I intended that earlier. Not anymore. I won't use you as a shield."

His chest constricted. Her silhouette radiated resolve, but could she withstand what came next? He doubted it.

The conference room brimmed with unfamiliar faces. Lin Peishan took her seat, scanning the crowd: veteran directors led by Lin Yuanzhan, Mr. Li from the Securities Commission, brokerage CEO Guo, and their entourages.

The setup confirmed her suspicions.

As she entered, the room stood applauding. Lin Yuanzhan puffed his cigar. "CEO Lin, allow me to introduce—"

She cut him off. "Unnecessary. Let's dispense with formalities and begin."

Bold. Decisive. In one move, she'd reclaimed control. No wonder a woman in her twenties helmed this empire.

Lin Yuanzhan stiffened. "As you know, our stock has plummeted—6% just yesterday. At this rate, Oriental International's future looks bleak. We've invited experts to diagnose the issue."

Lin Peishan nodded. "Welcome, all."

CEO Guo cleared his throat, brandishing reports. "Yesterday's data shows Oriental International at 471 yuan, down 3.68%—part of a 25-day nosedive. Unprecedented for a flagship enterprise."

Lin Peishan smiled. "Even stellar companies face fluctuations. Take Apple—its stock plunged after supply chain issues. We're addressing internal management and innovation. Stay tuned."

Sweating, Guo yielded to Securities Commission's Li.

Li tapped a stack of newspapers. "Media speculates your marriage is a financial ploy to split shares. Whether true or not, public distrust drives this crisis."

A conspiracy. Meticulously engineered.

Lin Peishan turned to Lin Yuanzhan. "Your thoughts, Uncle?"

He blew smoke. "You're the CEO. We old folks just want dividends."

Betrayal. The word seared her mind.

"Director Li, those rumors are baseless. The Commission may audit us anytime."

Rising to leave, Lin Yuanzhan's voice halted her: "Resignation might stabilize the stock."

The room stilled.

Lin Peishan's knuckles whitened. "Is this the board's wish?"

Nods rippled through the veterans.

Her lips curved bitterly. "Understood."

As she exited, Li called after her, "We'll investigate thoroughly."

Back in her office, Ye Chenghuan waited, reading her face. "Bad news?"

She stared blankly. "They want me to step down."

His eyes narrowed. "Who?"

"The board. The Commission. Everyone."

Ye Chenghuan lit a cigarette. "And you?"

"What choice do I have?" Her voice broke.

He stood abruptly. "I'll handle this."

"Don't!" She gripped his arm. "This isn't your fight."

He cupped her face, voice low. "You're my wife."

Before she could react, he strode out.

Alone, Lin Peishan trembled—not from fear, but the unfamiliar warmth lingering where his hand had been.