Chapter 14:The Unspoken Truth

Mei stood in the dim glow of the lanterns, watching Kai's face for any sign of deception. Fourteen years together, and she had never questioned his loyalty—until now.

"You need me to trust you?" she repeated, voice steady but laced with doubt. "Then give me a reason to."

Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not something I wanted to hide from you, Mei. But Ranni… she came to me with a warning."

Mei's hands clenched into fists. "A warning about what?"

Kai glanced toward the tea fields, as if searching for the right words. "Our business. Someone is trying to sabotage it."

Mei's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

Kai nodded grimly. "At first, I didn't believe her. But she had proof—missing shipments, altered trade records, bribes being passed through merchants we trust. Someone is working from the inside, trying to ruin us."

Mei's breath caught. Their tea empire was their life's work, built from nothing, sustained through their sweat and sacrifices. And now, someone was trying to destroy it?

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, anger creeping into her voice.

Kai exhaled sharply. "Because I didn't know who I could trust. Ranni believes someone close to us is involved. If I had come to you before I had answers…" His voice softened. "I didn't want to put you or Lian in danger."

Mei wanted to believe him, but suspicion still burned inside her.

"So you met with her in secret?" she asked bitterly. "Lied to me?"

"I didn't lie." His voice was firm. "But I made a mistake keeping it from you."

Mei crossed her arms. "Then let me handle it with you. No more secrets."

Kai hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. We investigate this together."

Mei's Next Steps

Mei wasn't the type to wait for trouble to come knocking. The next morning, she set out to learn more about Ranni and her claims.

While Kai continued managing their trade, Mei took a more direct approach. Disguising herself in a simple servant's robe, she ventured into the bustling merchant district, where rumors and whispers carried weight.

She found herself at a small teahouse, where traders often gathered to exchange gossip. Sitting in a corner, she listened carefully.

"…Heard the Liang tea shipments are being delayed," one merchant muttered.

"A sabotage attempt, they say," another added. "Some say even their own workers are involved."

Mei's pulse quickened. If that was true, the threat was closer than she thought.

Then she heard a name that made her blood run cold.

"Ranni," someone whispered.

Mei's eyes snapped toward the speaker. "What about her?" she asked, her voice casual.

The merchant studied her warily before shrugging. "She's got her hands in many deals. Some say she's helping the Liangs, others… say she might be behind it."

Mei's stomach twisted. Could Ranni be playing both sides?

She needed to confront Ranni herself.

The Confrontation

That evening, Mei arranged a private meeting with Ranni. The woman arrived at a quiet garden, her expression unreadable.

"I know what you told Kai," Mei said without preamble. "But I also know there are rumors that you're behind this."

Ranni raised an eyebrow. "And do you believe them?"

Mei studied her carefully. "I don't know yet. But I intend to find out."

Ranni sighed. "You're a strong woman, Mei. I respect that. So I'll tell you the truth—whether you believe me or not is up to you."

She leaned in slightly. "Someone within your business wants to ruin you. And they're closer than you think."

Mei's heart pounded. "Who?"

Ranni hesitated before saying, "One of your oldest allies."

Mei's blood turned to ice.

She had to find out who. Before it was too.