A Toast to Trouble

The tension in the conference room still lingered like a fading echo after Jia concluded the negotiation with the German investors. Her voice had been steady, her words measured yet confident, and the entire room seemed to hang on every syllable. The stunned silence that followed her final statement was a testament to her unshakable composure and skill.

Madam Han with her eyes sparkling with pride took them out for lunch. “Let’s all take a break and celebrate this success as well”

Jia allowed herself a small, polite smile but didn’t relax just yet. She exchanged a brief glance with Daniel. He was walking beside her, his expression carefully neutral. Yet, the faint tightening around his eyes betrayed his true feelings. He was annoyed—no, more than that—frustrated. But of course, he wouldn’t allow that to show, not here, not now, especially in front of Madam Han and the entire company.

The group began to move out of the conference room toward the company’s exclusive dining lounge, a sleek space reserved for executives and important guests. As they walked, a subtle current of whispers and sidelong glances followed Jia. She was the center of attention, the star of the moment.

From the young interns to seasoned executives, there was a ripple of admiration that spread quietly but unmistakably through the crowd.

“Did you see how she handled those investors?” whispered one intern, barely able to contain her excitement. “She was so cool.”

She’s something else,” another agreed, eyes wide with awe. “Like she was born to be a leader.”

Daniel felt their gazes shift toward him, their unspoken question hanging in the air: How could Jia manage all this while he was... well, sitting quietly and looking like the frustrated executive he was? He swallowed a sigh and clenched his jaw, silently reminding himself that this was not the time or place to show his irritation.

As they entered the dining lounge, the atmosphere relaxed but remained charged with energy. Jia took her seat beside Madam Han, while Daniel positioned himself across from Jia, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.

Lucas, comfortably settled in a chair next to Jia, occupied himself with a soft plush toy, and started eating his favorite meal getting sauce all over his face.

Madam Han laughed warmly, her stern exterior softening as she reached out to gently wipe the mess away. “You’ve got quite the little artist here,” she joked, glancing at Jia with fond amusement.

Jia chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “He keeps life interesting,” she replied.

Meanwhile, Daniel’s phone buzzed discreetly in his pocket. His expression didn’t change, but his hand moved almost imperceptibly as he slipped away from the table, heading toward a corner where a tall potted plant provided some cover.

He answered in a low voice, careful not to draw attention.

“Daniel,” came a sharp voice from the other end—Racheal’s, the leader of the so-called gold diggers’ group. Her tone was crisp and businesslike, nothing like the frivolous image one might expect. “How long do we have to wait?. It’s time to set our plan in motion. She’s not going to know what hit her.”

Daniel exhaled quietly but controlled the irritation in his voice. “Relax. I’m handling this. Stay alert and keep me updated."

There was a brief pause before Racheal snapped, “Good. Don’t mess this up.”

Daniel replaced his phone in his pocket, returning to the table with his usual composed facade intact. Inside, however, his mind raced through strategies—not just for dealing with the gold diggers but also for keeping Madam Han’s suspicions at bay.

Back at the table, Jia was effortlessly conversing with the company directors, discussing projections and future opportunities with a calm confidence that seemed almost effortless. Daniel listened, observing her ease in command, while internally preparing for the brewing storm he knew was coming.

The lunch continued with light chatter and polite laughter. Lucas, now rubbing his eyes sleepily, leaned into Jia’s arms. She smiled tenderly, standing to carry him away from the table.

“Looks like someone’s ready for a nap,” she said softly, settling him against her shoulder.

The group began to disperse slowly, the afternoon stretching before them.

By evening, the family convened at one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants, perched high above the bustling streets with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a glittering skyline. The restaurant was known not only for its impeccable cuisine but also for its elegant, yet inviting, atmosphere—perfect for a family gathering that blended formality with warmth.

The table was soon covered with an array of steaming dishes, from delicate seafood platters to rich, savory meats and fresh seasonal vegetables. The clinking of glasses punctuated lively conversation, laughter weaving effortlessly through the air.

Lucas, still fighting off sleep, made the occasional soft babbling sounds, occasionally poking at a piece of bread or smearing a bit of sauce on his cheek with chubby fingers, much to the amusement of those around him.

Madam Han’s eyes gleamed with pride as she watched Jia handle Lucas with practiced ease. Jia’s tired but satisfied smile said it all—today had been a battle, but they had won.

Daniel sat a little apart, his posture rigid as ever, the simmering frustration lurking just beneath the surface of his polite mask. He sipped his water slowly, eyes darting toward his phone every now and then, expecting the inevitable message from Racheal.

As if on cue, his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Someone’s gearing up for trouble,” Madam Han teased, catching his glance. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, a rare lightness in her voice.

Daniel raised his glass in response, a subtle but confident gesture. “Let’s just say the real game is only beginning.”

The group erupted into lighthearted laughter, the perfect harmony of a family gathering—messy, loud, full of life, and utterly unforgettable.

As laughter echoed off the polished glass and silverware, no one noticed the storm quietly brewing beneath the surface—masked behind polite smiles, unanswered messages, and the growing shadow of schemes that had just begun to take shape. Tonight, they celebrated under chandeliers and city lights. Tomorrow, the masks would slip—and the real drama would begin.