The Engagement that Shook the entire City

The news spread like wildfire.

Within a day, every elite family in the city was talking about it. The infamous Mo Chen, once the brightest heir of the Mo family, was finally getting married. And not to the delicate and beloved Lin Meixiu, but to her lesser-known sister, Lin Anyi.

Some speculated that the Lin family had abandoned their perfect daughter to save face. Others whispered that Lin Anyi was a sacrifice sent to be shackled to a broken man for the sake of power.

Lin Anyi paid no attention to the rumors. She had never cared about the opinion of people who only remembered her as "the other Lin daughter."

But as she stood in the Mo family's grand estate, waiting for her engagement ceremony to begin, she couldn't ignore the weight of the moment.

---

The Mo Family's Reaction

"Are you sure about this, Mo Chen?"

Seated at the head of the grand hall, Mo Chen sipped his tea calmly as his uncle, Mo Jian, paced furiously in front of him.

"She's not the one we agreed on," Mo Jian hissed. "The Lin family was supposed to send Meixiu. What use is this one?"

Mo Chen tilted his head slightly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "What use? Am I livestock now, Uncle?"

Mo Jian stiffened. "You know what I mean. Lin Meixiu was gentle, easy to control—"

"And yet, she didn't have the courage to stand before me," Mo Chen cut in, his voice smooth but sharp. "Lin Anyi, on the other hand… she walked straight into my house without an invitation."

Mo Jian frowned. "That doesn't mean she's the right choice."

Mo Chen set his teacup down with a quiet clink. "The right choice for whom?"

Silence.

His uncle's lips pressed into a thin line. The Mo family had long written him off as useless, but they still feared the power he once held. This engagement was meant to keep him in check.

And now, he had flipped the game on them.

"I don't need your approval," Mo Chen said coolly. "The engagement is happening. Or shall we call the Lin family and cancel?"

Mo Jian's eyes darkened, but he said nothing more. He turned sharply and left the room, his footsteps echoing through the hall.

Mo Chen allowed himself a slow smile.

Let them think they still had control. He would play along.

For now.

---

A Dress of Power

Lin Anyi had expected resistance from the Mo family. What she hadn't expected was the sheer grandeur of the engagement itself.

The Mo estate had been transformed overnight. Extravagant chandeliers bathed the hall in golden light, and rows of high-ranking guests murmured behind delicate wine glasses, eager to witness the scandalous match.

"You look beautiful, miss," the stylist murmured as she fastened the last jewel on Lin Anyi's deep crimson gown.

Beautiful? Maybe.

But that wasn't the goal.

She had deliberately chosen red—not the soft pastels expected of a bride-to-be, but a bold, striking red that spoke of defiance. If the Mo family thought she would bow to them, they were mistaken.

As she adjusted the bracelet on her wrist, she met her own gaze in the mirror.

You're not here to be anyone's pawn.

The doors to the grand hall opened.

It was time.

---

The First Test

The moment Lin Anyi stepped into the hall, all eyes turned to her. Whispers floated through the air like silk threads, but she ignored them.

She walked with measured steps, her head held high.

Mo Chen was already seated at the front, a picture of dark elegance in his black suit. Even in a wheelchair, his presence dominated the room.

Their eyes met.

For a split second, Lin Anyi thought she saw something flicker in his gaze amusement, interest.

But then it was gone.

"Miss Lin," he greeted smoothly as she approached.

"Mr. Mo," she returned, keeping her expression unreadable.

His lips curved slightly. "You certainly know how to make an entrance."

"And you certainly know how to keep secrets," she replied just as smoothly.

A glint of something dangerous flickered in his eyes, but before he could respond, a voice interrupted.

"Such a striking couple."

Lin Anyi turned to see an older woman approaching. Mo Jian's wife, Lady Mo.

Her gaze was sharp, her smile polite but assessing. "Miss Lin, I must say, I was surprised when I heard you would be joining our family."

Lin Anyi met her gaze without flinching. "I imagine many were surprised."