CHAPTER 10:THE GAME OF MASKS

Mei Xing stared at her reflection in the mirror the next morning—eyes still red from staying up all night, but her spirit was sharper than ever. That night had been a turning point, and she knew it. There was no more room for hesitation, no more waiting for things to fix themselves. If Mei Li wanted to play a game, she would play it too—but with her own rules.

She brushed her hair back, tied it into a sleek ponytail, and reached for a deep crimson dress. It wasn't her usual style—bold, commanding—but today, she wasn't just Mei Xing. She was a woman with a purpose.

She walked into the dining hall like royalty, her presence demanding attention. Mr. and Madam Lin looked up in surprise, and even Mei Li paused mid-sip of her tea, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

"Good morning," Mei Xing said smoothly, taking her seat with a calm grace that disguised the storm brewing within.

Mei Li offered a slow smile. "You look... different today."

"I just thought it was time I stopped hiding behind politeness," Mei Xing replied, lifting her cup. "Masks are exhausting, don't you think?"

The air shifted subtly—an invisible line drawn between the two sisters. The tension no longer simmered; it sparked.

Later that day, Mei Xing met with her father in his study. "Dad," she began carefully, "you've always trusted me with family matters, haven't you?"

Mr. Lin looked up from his paperwork. "Of course, Xing'er. You've always been reliable."

"Then I'd like to take on a more active role in the company," she said boldly.

He blinked, surprised. "You want to join the business?"

"Yes. I think it's time I start contributing—seriously."

Mr. Lin leaned back, studying her. "That's a big step. Are you sure it's not just because of Mei Li?"

She met his eyes without flinching. "It's because I've grown. And I want to prove that I'm capable—not just as your daughter, but as a woman who knows her worth."

He nodded slowly. "Alright. Let's see what you've got."

That evening, news spread that Mei Xing would be joining the executive board of Lin Enterprises as a junior executive—an announcement that sent ripples through the household. Mei Li's reaction was subtle, but Mei Xing caught the slight clench of her jaw, the flicker of unease in her eyes.

Later that night, Mei Xing received an anonymous message slipped under her door:

"Be careful who you trust. Not every mask is worn on the face."

She stared at the note, heart thudding. Who sent it? What did it mean?

One thing was clear—this wasn't just a rivalry anymore.

It was a game of power, secrets, and shadows.

And only the sharpest player would survive.