Chapter Ten: The Storm Behind the Mask

Thunder cracked across the Bai estate's sky, casting a dramatic backdrop as servants hurried to prepare for the prestigious charity gala Bai Hengyuan had announced at the last minute.

But inside the mansion, Bai Lianhua sat alone in her room, staring at a photograph Mo Chen had slipped into her hand before leaving the estate. Her fingers trembled as she traced the image—a grainy shot from fifteen years ago, showing a woman in nurse's scrubs holding a baby. And in the background, barely visible but unmistakable… was Mo Chen.

He had been there. The day she was taken.

A thousand questions burned through her mind, but they all led to one chilling conclusion: Mo Chen knew more about her past than he let on. He had been watching her even before her life collapsed in betrayal. But why?

She barely had time to gather her thoughts before a knock sounded at the door.

"Miss Bai, the guests are arriving. The Patriarch asks that you greet them," said Madam Li from the hallway.

Lianhua inhaled deeply. Tonight wasn't just another social event—it was the perfect setting for power plays, secrets to unravel, and enemies to unmask.

She stood, smoothing down her champagne-colored dress and letting her composure slip into place like a mask. If tonight brought chaos, she would face it head-on.

The Arrival of Yu Shulan

Bai Lianhua descended the grand staircase with the grace of a queen, her presence drawing eyes and hushed whispers. The elite of the nation were gathered—CEOs, political figures, and wealthy heirs—all watching the young heiress who had risen from scandal to stardom.

Then came the sharp clack of stilettos against marble.

All eyes turned toward the entrance as a woman in a blood-red silk gown made her entrance. She was tall, elegant, and striking—with piercing almond-shaped eyes and a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

"Yu Shulan," someone whispered. "The youngest daughter of the Yu Conglomerate. I thought she was abroad."

Yu Shulan's lips curved into a knowing smile as she approached Bai Lianhua, her gaze sizing her up like a rival lioness.

"You must be Lianhua," she said smoothly, her voice like honey edged with venom. "I've heard so much about you."

"And yet I've heard nothing about you," Lianhua replied sweetly. "How strange."

Yu Shulan tilted her head. "Perhaps I prefer to act rather than talk."

"Then act carefully," Lianhua responded with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "The Bai estate has no tolerance for snakes."

Gasps rippled around them, but Yu Shulan only laughed, clearly amused.

"I like you," she said. "But liking you doesn't mean I'll spare you."

Before Lianhua could respond, Bai Ziyu appeared at her side, his presence cold and commanding.

"Is there a problem here?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Yu Shulan's expression didn't change. "Not at all. Just exchanging greetings."

But as she walked away, her smile told Lianhua everything: this wasn't the last she would see of Yu Shulan.

Secrets in the Study

As the gala carried on, Lianhua slipped away to her grandfather's private study. The photo burned in her hand. She had to know the truth.

Bai Hengyuan sat by the fireplace, sipping tea with that same unreadable expression he always wore.

"Grandfather," she said, stepping inside. "Did you know that Mo Chen was there the day I was taken?"

He didn't respond immediately.

"Look at this," she said, handing him the photograph.

His eyes darkened as he stared at the image.

"Where did you get this?" he asked.

"Mo Chen gave it to me."

A tense silence followed. Then, the old man exhaled.

"I suspected it," he muttered. "That boy has been circling the truth like a wolf for years."

"What was his connection to my kidnapping?"

"It's not that simple," Bai Hengyuan said grimly. "Mo Chen's mother… was the sister of the woman who switched you at birth."

Lianhua staggered backward.

"What?"

"She hated the Bai family. Her sister was my ex-fiancée. When I married another woman—your grandmother—she went mad with jealousy. Switching you was their revenge."

"And Mo Chen…?"

"Was raised in their household until his early teens. But he found out the truth. That's when he cut ties. I thought he left it behind, but clearly, he didn't."

Lianhua's blood turned cold.

Had Mo Chen been watching her all these years out of guilt? Or was it something more?

A Deal with the Devil

Later that night, on the estate's garden balcony, Lianhua felt a presence behind her.

"Did you speak to the Patriarch?" Mo Chen asked.

She turned slowly. "He told me everything."

He nodded, his expression unreadable.

"I didn't know everything back then," he said. "But I knew enough to stay close."

"So you became the cold, untouchable CEO while keeping tabs on me from afar?"

"I did what I had to. You were in danger. Still are."

"Danger?" she echoed. "From whom?"

"Not everyone in the Bai family wants you back," he said. "There's someone inside working with the woman who stole you. And they're planning something big."

Lianhua stiffened. "Who?"

"I haven't found them yet. But I will. Until then, don't trust anyone—not even your brothers."

"Ziyu would never—"

"Ziyu has secrets too," Mo Chen said. "Ask him about the Phoenix Consortium."

Lianhua's heart dropped. That name. It had been whispered once before in her past life… the organization that orchestrated her downfall.

"Why are you really helping me?" she asked.

His eyes softened, just a little. "Because this time, I won't fail you."

End of the Gala, Beginning of War

As the gala wound down, Yu Shulan approached Bai Ziyu in a quiet corridor.

"Your little sister's quite popular," she said.

Ziyu didn't respond.

"I wonder what she'd think," she continued, "if she found out who funded the Phoenix Consortium all those years ago."

His eyes flashed with warning. "Keep her name out of your mouth."

Yu Shulan smiled slowly. "I won't have to say anything… as long as you do what I ask."

Ziyu clenched his fists.

From behind a pillar, Lianhua heard everything.

Her knees weakened.

Ziyu… had something to do with the organization that ruined her?

She stumbled away quietly, her world tilting.

The people she trusted most were hiding the sharpest knives.