The weight of her secret pressed down on Xia, a heavy cloak woven from fear and forbidden desires. She returned to her desk, the scent of sandalwood still clinging faintly to her clothes, a ghostly reminder of Zhenting's unexpected tenderness. Her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs. But she didn't understand. She didn’t understand why his presence made her heart race, why his protection felt both terrifying and intoxicating, and most of all, she didn’t understand how much longer she could hide the truth growing inside her.
Lost in thought, she nearly jumped out of her skin when Assistant Qin cleared his throat.
"Ms. Lin, CEO Lu requests your presence in the conference room. Immediately."
The words were delivered with Qin's usual robotic precision, but Xia could sense a heightened tension in the air. The conference room? Was this about the photos? Was he going to fire her after the scandal?
With trembling hands, Xia smoothed down her dress and headed toward the designated room. The air inside was thick with anticipation. The board members were already seated, their faces grim. At the head of the table sat Zhenting, his expression unreadable. Next to him, Belle exuded a smug, predatory aura.
"Ah, Xia, there you are," Zhenting said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Please, take a seat."
Xia's legs felt like lead as she walked to the only available chair. Belle's eyes followed her every move, gleaming with malicious glee.
"As you all know," Zhenting began, his gaze sweeping across the room, "Lu Corporation has been experiencing some… unfavorable press recently. Certain parties have attempted to tarnish the reputation of this company and its employees."
Xia's stomach twisted. He knew it was Belle who leaked the pictures. Was he going to expose her? Or was this some elaborate game to further humiliate her?
"To address these malicious rumors," Zhenting continued, his eyes landing on Belle, "I've decided to take swift and decisive action. First, Lu Corporations will be launching a lawsuit against all news sources that published fabricated stories. Second..."
He paused, his gaze shifting to Xia. Her breath hitched.
"Second, I will be implementing a new employee engagement initiative."
A collective murmur rippled through the room. Employee engagement? After this? Belle's face contorted in disbelief.
"This initiative will focus on fostering a culture of trust, respect, and open communication within Lu Corporation," Zhenting elaborated, his voice unwavering. "Starting with… team-building activities."
He smirked, a flash of something that might have been amusement flickering in his eyes. Belle's carefully constructed facade of composure began to crumble.
"And what kind of 'team-building activities' do you have in mind, Zhenting?" Belle asked, her voice laced with thinly veiled hostility.
"I'm glad you asked, Belle," Zhenting replied smoothly. "I was thinking… a couples' retreat."
The silence that followed was deafening. Xia's mind reeled. A couples' retreat? Was he out of his mind?
"A couples' retreat?" Belle repeated, her voice rising in pitch. "But… Zhenting, we're engaged! We don't need a… retreat!"
"On the contrary, Belle," Zhenting said, his gaze fixed on Xia. "I believe it's essential for all our employees, regardless of their relationship status, to strengthen their bonds and foster a sense of camaraderie."
Xia stared at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. Was this some kind of twisted game? Or was there something more beneath the surface?
"And who, pray tell, would you be paired with on this 'couples' retreat,' Zhenting?" Belle spat, her eyes narrowed into slits.
Zhenting's lips curved into a slow, predatory smile. "Why, Ms. Lin, of course."
Belle gasped, her face turning a shade of crimson. "You can't be serious! She's just an assistant!"