Elsewhere in the Royal Academy...
Under the soft golden rays of the setting sun, Chu Ming walked beside Chen Fan, her steps slower than usual. Her expression was gentle, and her gaze lingered on the man who had stood up for her when the world laughed at her disgrace.
As the breeze carried the rustling of trees, Chu Ming slowly opened her heart.
"Chen Fan," she said softly, eyes distant, "you know… back then, when I agreed to the engagement with Lu Chen, I thought I was climbing toward a better life. But in truth, I was just a pawn."
She paused.
"Even now, I don't regret the annulment. But the humiliation… the public scorn… it still hurts."
Chen Fan listened quietly, clenching his fists. The more he learned, the more the fire in his chest burned. His feelings for Chu Ming had changed—what started as admiration had slowly turned into something deeper. Something personal.
"You've been through a lot," he said, voice firm. "You don't deserve this."
Chu Ming gave a bitter smile. "Lu Chen was supposed to be the pillar of our family's future. But now, he turned his back on us—and the world turned with him."
Chen Fan's gaze darkened.
"Lu Chen…"
"You think you're the only one chosen by fate?"
His thoughts surged with determination. If he stands above all… then I will climb higher.
---
Later that evening, in the Chu Family Mansion…
As Chu Ming stepped through the doors of her home, a heavy stillness greeted her.
The once-bustling courtyard was eerily quiet. Servants moved stiffly, and no cheerful chatter filled the air. Her heart sank.
She walked deeper into the hall and found her father, Chu Fu, seated solemnly at the head of the room. His back was straight, but his face was grim, eyes bloodshot and weary.
"Father?" she called gently.
Chu Fu looked up. The moment their eyes met, his expression twisted with fury and frustration.
"You finally return," he said coldly. "Do you know what your actions have caused?"
Chu Ming froze. "What do you mean?"
Chu Fu slammed the table, his voice rising.
"The moment Lu Chen broke the engagement, our enemies smelled blood. All the businesses under the Chu Family banner—destroyed. Trade routes blocked. Contracts canceled. Merchants refusing to deal with us."
His eyes turned sharp.
"Do you know why they didn't attack before? Because of Lu Chen."
Chu Ming's breath caught in her throat.
"He never lifted a hand," Chu Fu continued bitterly. "But just the knowledge that the Lu Family stood behind us… that was enough to keep the wolves at bay. Now that protection is gone."
He stood, fists trembling.
"Now… those wolves are baring their fangs."
A servant rushed in at that moment, panicked. "Patriarch! The Zhang Clan's envoy has arrived—they've officially declared severance of all ties!"
Chu Fu's face twisted with rage and despair. "Another one?!"