Chapter 21: A Mix of Angel and Fairy

"It seems her demotion had something to do with the whole CEO divorce scandal. She was held accountable for negligence," Ji Chuan explained respectfully.

Hailey Tang's eyes widened slightly.

So it was Lin Xinyer who leaked the divorce news?

If that's true, then Ethan Yu really was being lenient with her—demotion was barely a slap on the wrist.

Or… maybe it wasn't what she thought at all.

Either way, it didn't concern her anymore.

Still, Hailey couldn't help but feel a strange tangle of emotions in her chest.

Her rebirth felt like one of those butterfly-effect stories: like a single flap of wings in South America, it was enough to shift the wind halfway across the world.

Last time around, it was right around this point that Ethan Yu and Lin Xinyer's relationship had taken a dramatic turn—getting closer by the day.

But now? Lin Xinyer had been transferred away, no longer able to stay by his side.

Could it be that without her interference this time, the "catalyst" that sparked their romance had disappeared?

"Madam, time is tight," Ji Chuan's voice cut through her thoughts. "The CEO is still waiting—we should leave immediately."

Hailey wasn't exactly keen to go, but it was clear Ethan Yu had no intention of bringing Lin Xinyer tonight. If he wanted to quash the rumors, she was the only one who could play the role of his wife in public.

She sighed inwardly.

Fine. She'd go, if only to avoid making things messier—or giving him a reason to be difficult. After all, if she wanted this divorce to go through smoothly, she had to play along for now.

Without any preparation, she followed Ji Chuan out.

They arrived at a luxury hotel where the company's celebratory banquet was being held. Hailey was whisked away to a private dressing room, where a stylist and makeup team awaited her.

High-end designer gowns were laid out, along with stunning pieces of fine jewelry—every detail arranged to perfection.

She eyed the sparkling accessories thoughtfully.

Were these originally meant for Lin Xinyer?

The jewelry was probably not—those pieces were far too extravagant. Ethan wasn't stupid enough to give Lin Xinyer such gifts, only to then bring her to a public event where their relationship could be easily misinterpreted.

No, in the previous life, Lin Xinyer must have attended as his secretary. Maybe that night, with the alcohol flowing and the atmosphere just right, sparks had flown. Perhaps it was her stunning appearance that caught his eye, and…

"Madam, the makeup is done! What do you think?" the stylist's voice chirped, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts.

Hailey opened her eyes and was momentarily stunned.

The woman staring back from the mirror didn't look like her usual self at all.

Her hair had been swept into an elegant updo, revealing her smooth forehead and graceful neckline. Her naturally delicate features—sweet and refined—had been elevated by flawless makeup. Her eyes, black as polished onyx, sparkled with life and intelligence.

Her high nose bridge, already striking, now looked even more defined. Her nose tip tilted up ever so slightly, giving her a playful edge. Her lips—soft, pink, and plump—looked like they had been kissed by rose petals, inviting and impossible to ignore.

And her skin—smooth, radiant, luminous. Like silk.

Fifteen minutes ago, she'd looked like a fresh-faced university student. Now, she looked like a woman on the edge of seduction, still retaining her purity but with an added layer of allure.

A perfect mix of angelic innocence and fairy-like enchantment.

Hailey couldn't help but be surprised by her own reflection.

She hadn't expected this. The stylist truly had magic in her hands.

"You look absolutely stunning, Madam," the stylist breathed, clearly in awe. "You have the most beautiful natural features I've ever worked with."

Hailey smiled modestly. "It's thanks to your skill."

"No," the stylist shook her head, her voice earnest. "It's all you. Tonight, you'll be the most beautiful woman at the banquet. No doubt about it."

Hailey's smile deepened. Who didn't love a little flattery, especially when they knew it wasn't a complete lie?

Tonight would be interesting, to say the least.