The elevator doors closed, sealing Belle away in a gilded cage of her own making. Xia released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, the scent of jasmine swirling around her like a comforting whisper. She turned back to Zhenting, whose gaze was intense, unreadable. His presence filled the doorway, a stark contrast to the lingering cloying perfume Belle left behind.
"Thank you, Mr. Lu," Xia murmured, lowering her eyes. "For... for everything."
His sandalwood scent intensified as he stepped closer. "You shouldn't have to thank me for something so simple, Xia," he said, his voice a low rumble. **"Protecting my employees is part of my job."
But Xia knew it was more than that. The way he had defended her, the subtle way he had acknowledged her 'inspiration' behind the marketing designs… it felt deeply personal, a silent acknowledgment of something more.
"Still…" she began, but Zhenting cut her off.
"I was thinking about something else, Xia," he said, his eyes fixed on hers. **"Something I'd like your opinion on."
He paused, and Xia’s pulse quickened. What could the 'Ice King' possibly need her opinion on? A merger? A new product line? She braced herself, trying to maintain a professional composure.
"I recently acquired an Imperial Jade pendant," Zhenting continued, his voice carefully neutral. **"A rather exquisite piece. I was considering giving it as a gift."
Xia’s breath hitched. An Imperial Jade pendant? Could it be…?
No. It couldn't be. He bought it for Belle, of course. The pendant was probably intended as an engagement gift, a grand gesture to solidify their union. The thought sent a sharp pang of disappointment through her, a painful reminder of her place in his world.
She forced a smile, willing her voice to remain steady. **"That's… very generous, Mr. Lu. I'm sure whoever receives it will be very happy."
Zhenting’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if he were trying to decipher her reaction. "It is a rather unique piece," he pressed, his gaze unwavering. **"Said to bring good fortune and… fidelity."
The word hung in the air, heavy and charged. Fidelity. A cruel twist of fate, considering the night that had brought them together – a night shrouded in deceit, a night that now seemed like a distant dream.
He believes he owes Belle fidelity now, she thought bitterly. Because of what happened between them… because of that damn pendant.