Chapter 1: Crimson Wedding

The sedan chair rocked violently as Sienna Nan fought desperately against the ropes binding her wrists, her once pristine wedding gown torn and stained with dirt from the struggle. She could taste the bitterness of helplessness mixing with her lipstick, a blood-red shade ironically named "Eternal Bliss."

A cynical smile curled on her lips as she glanced down at the small ornate lacquer box in her hands—her bridal rouge box. With a swift, decisive motion, she broke it open against the wooden frame of the sedan chair, revealing the golden powder hidden beneath the vermilion paste.

Closing her eyes, Sienna poured the contents into her mouth without hesitation. The metallic taste of gold leaf was sharp, her throat burning instantly, agony spreading like wildfire through her chest. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, a stark contrast against her porcelain skin, making her appear hauntingly beautiful yet tragically fragile—exactly like a bride condemned to death.

Yet, death did not come quickly.

Her vision blurred, colors swirling around her in a sickening haze. But instead of succumbing to the darkness, Sienna's fingers tightened involuntarily around the broken rouge box. Her fingertip traced the bottom, sensing a slight unevenness beneath the surface. Her brows knitted slightly.

With effort, she scraped at the hidden layer, and her heart skipped a beat as a thin sheet of paper emerged—a carefully folded diagram covered in the familiar handwriting of her master, Dr. Chen. Even in death, her master was still guiding her.

She unfolded it slowly, her breath shaky as she scanned the intricate diagram. It depicted the shareholding structure of Sterling Pharmaceuticals, each intricate line and number suggesting dangerous secrets. The symbol of the Sterling family stood boldly at its center—a silver serpent coiled around a vial, sinister yet powerful.

Why had Master hidden this inside my wedding rouge box?

Before she could think further, the sedan jolted sharply and halted abruptly. She quickly concealed the paper inside her sleeve. The door was flung open by a brusque hand, and blinding sunlight invaded the sedan.

"Fourth Young Madam, it's time."

Rough hands dragged her from the carriage, causing her to stumble forward. She straightened her back, head held high in defiance despite the agony twisting inside her. Before her, Sterling Mansion loomed like a dark fortress, its gates draped with auspicious crimson silk. The irony made her almost laugh out loud.

Awaiting her arrival were dozens of piercing eyes, their gazes filled with contempt, curiosity, and malice. Among them stood Josephine Sterling, the elegantly venomous second mistress of the Sterling family, whose gentle smile hid knives sharper than any blade.

"Sienna," Josephine purred mockingly. "Since you are entering our family to bring luck to Silas, you must prove your purity."

A servant carefully placed an electronic brazier filled with glowing embers at her feet—a modern twist on an ancient ritual, yet Sienna recognized its true purpose instantly: the Sterling family wanted to test her innocence publicly.

Her lips curled in cold disdain. She would never allow herself to become their plaything.

With startling grace, she reached toward a nearby ceremonial basin filled with crimson cinnabar water. Before anyone could stop her, she hurled the liquid directly onto the electronic brazier. Sparks exploded, and a burst of smoke erupted as the sensors beneath short-circuited, rendering their humiliating test useless.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, but Sienna was not finished yet.

Coolly, she produced a set of silver acupuncture needles hidden within her embroidered sleeve, holding them high for everyone to see.

"You suspect me?" she challenged, her voice icy with contempt. "Then let's be fair. If you want proof, let's verify Fourth Young Master Silas Sterling's purity as well."

Shockwaves surged through the gathered spectators, and hushed whispers escalated into an uproar. Sienna stood firm amidst the chaos, eyes blazing with prideful defiance. If the Sterlings believed she was a soft, obedient bride, they were gravely mistaken.

Suddenly, a deep, authoritative voice sliced through the commotion, silencing everyone instantly.

"There's no need for such theatrics."

Heads turned sharply toward the mansion entrance, where a tall, strikingly handsome figure emerged. Silas Sterling, the fourth young master, known as much for his ruthless business methods as for his debilitating illness, stood calmly surveying the scene. His face was pale yet eerily composed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as if he found the spectacle amusing.

He stepped closer, his shadow casting darkness over her slender form. For the briefest moment, their eyes locked, two equally dangerous predators measuring each other's strengths.

"Since my bride desires fairness, I shall gladly comply," Silas declared, his gaze never wavering from hers. His voice lowered provocatively, only audible to her. "But Sienna, are you truly ready for what comes next?"

His words sent a chill down her spine, but she refused to show weakness. Raising her chin, she met his gaze directly, her lips curving into an equally dangerous smile.

"Try me."

Above them, dark clouds began to gather ominously, as if even the heavens anticipated the storm that would soon engulf the Sterling household.

And thus, under crimson silk and hidden blades, their deadly game began.