CHAPTER 25: OPERATION REDEMPTION

The press conference was set for 10 a.m., but by 8:00, the media grounds outside Lin Enterprises were already swarming with reporters. Cameras flashed, microphones were shoved forward, and speculation buzzed in the air like static.

Mei Xing stood behind the stage curtain, dressed in a bold navy suit, her face calm but eyes fierce. This wasn't just a statement—it was a turning point. Operation Redemption had begun.

"This is more than a press conference," she told Zhao Chen and Kai backstage. "It's a message to Zhang Wei. I won't be silenced."

As the crowd settled, Mei Xing stepped up to the podium. The room hushed instantly.

"Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice resonating with clarity. "I stand before you today not just as the acting head of Lin Enterprises, but as a woman who has had her name dragged through mud, her truth questioned, and her legacy threatened."

Cameras clicked rapidly as she continued, "Over the past 48 hours, several media outlets have circulated false information alleging financial misconduct under my leadership. I want to make it abundantly clear—these accusations are completely fabricated."

She paused, scanning the crowd. "And I have proof."

At her signal, a large screen behind her lit up, showing timestamps, transaction records, and metadata confirming that the so-called whistleblower documents were forged. Then came a surprise twist—Kai had traced the origin of the fake reports back to a shadow company owned by one of Zhang Wei's associates.

"The man behind this smear campaign is not a whistleblower," she stated. "He's a paid agent of Zhang Wei—an individual with a history of criminal collusion and personal vendettas against this company."

Gasps rippled through the room.

Mei Xing pressed on, revealing internal audits and financial statements that proved Lin Enterprises' operations remained clean and transparent. She even called on external auditors to speak on record.

Then, the final blow: a leaked phone call, anonymously recorded, between Zhang Wei and his associate discussing how to frame Mei Xing to "crush her before she becomes untouchable."

The press conference ended in thunderous applause—not just from her staff, but even from once-skeptical media outlets. Investors who had started pulling out began calling again, expressing confidence in her leadership.

Later that day, social media erupted in support:

#WeStandWithMeiXing

#TruthWins

#OperationRedemption

But Mei Xing knew this was only step one. Redemption wasn't just about clearing her name—it was about restoring everything she'd lost. Her reputation, her family, her peace… and most of all, her son.

As she sat in her office later that night, she stared at the photo of her daughter on her desk… and beside it, the blurry baby photo of her stolen son.

Her heart ached, but her resolve only grew stronger.

"Zhang Wei took my past," she whispered. "But I'll take back my future."