Mr Shen, who stood stiffly by the window, turned back towards the bed with narrowed eyes.
"Your mother is right. You are the lawful Madam Li. That status will protect you, Li'er. Let no one take it from you."
He glanced out of the window towards the distant gardens where the afternoon sun cast soft golden light over blooming camellias, his expression dark and calculating.
"Li Feng will come around. He has to.... For the boys, and for the family name.... Just focus on your health for now."
Shen Li inhaled shakily, curling her fingers into the sheets as silent sobs wracked her shoulders, though a cold, triumphant smile twisted her lips where they could not see.
That's right… Li Feng… you will come back to me.
No matter what it takes.
PRIVATE STUDY – SAME TIME
Downstairs, Li Feng sat motionless at his desk, the setting sun casting long shadows across his broad shoulders and sharp, exhausted features. His laptop lay closed, untouched, his phone silent on the polished wood.
