Chapter 53: She Family (Part 2)

The Rosenguard Clan was an ancient and powerful family in Europe, bound to Country F's royal lineage for centuries. Their wealth and influence stretched beyond noble titles—they were kingmakers.

And in every generation, the head of the Rosenguard Clan was chosen not by birthright, but by their eyes.

Golden eyes.

A rare, almost mythical trait that marked the clan's heir—the symbol of their divine right to serve the royal family.

Evangeline Marie Rosenguard had been the clan's heiress, the eldest daughter and the only one in her generation to bear the golden eyes. The burden of leadership had been hers. She had been destined to inherit the Rosenguard legacy.

Until she met him.

She Gu had been a married man, bound to another woman. But Evangeline had not cared. Love had consumed her, burned through every rule she had been raised to uphold. She had defied her family, abandoned her status, and thrown herself into his arms.

It had been a disgrace.

The Rosenguards had given her an ultimatum—leave She Gu, or be erased from the family records. Stripped of her inheritance. Cast out.

She had chosen love.

And when she had run to She Gu, tears streaming down her face, he had made a choice of his own—he had divorced his first wife and married Evangeline. Not long after, she became pregnant.

But tragedy struck.

Evangeline died in childbirth, leaving behind only her newborn son.

She Gu, now deprived of his connection to the Rosenguards, had little interest in the infant. To him, the child was nothing more than a burden.

Until She Lei opened his eyes.

Golden eyes.

A Rosenguard heir, born not in Europe, but in his household.

The Rosenguards had lost their chosen heir when they cast Evangeline aside. Her younger sibling had not inherited the golden eyes, leaving the future uncertain. Their only hope now was that one day, another Rosenguard child would be born with them.

But She Gu knew better.

The Rosenguards would not ignore She Lei.

He had become a living bargaining chip.

___

"You should go to the infirmary instead," She Lei said calmly. "You've already received your punishment."

She Jing, still kneeling on the cold marble floor, spat out a laugh. "I don't need your pity."

With great effort, he pushed himself up, ignoring the pain radiating from his ribs. Blood stained his sleeve as he wiped his mouth. His gaze lingered on She Lei's golden eyes—those cursed eyes.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the dimly lit hallway.

She Lei stood motionless, watching his half-brother go.

He did not hate She Jing.

But he did not like him either.

With a quiet exhale, he turned on his heel and stepped inside his father's office.

___

"Mr. Li, the main conference room is ready."

Ethan Li paused his typing, his sharp gaze landing on Yu Minglian.

She was composed—too composed. It only took him a second to realize she had done exactly what he asked.

"En."

Closing his laptop, Ethan adjusted his suit and tie before following her out. The conference room was just two floors below, and when they arrived, it was empty.

Ethan frowned.

There were only three bottles of water set on the table, each accompanied by a file folder.

Two guests.

Yu Minglian suppressed a shiver as the air in the room turned cold. Mr. Li is not pleased. But he would soon be in for a surprise.

Fifteen minutes passed.

Ethan's patience was wearing thin. His fingers tapped against the table in a slow, deliberate rhythm.

Yu Minglian, too, felt a flicker of nervousness. But she quickly reminded herself who she was dealing with.

Then, at last, the door handle turned.

Ethan lifted his gaze as two men stepped inside.

His brows furrowed slightly.

Who the hell are these guys?

"Sorry for the delay," the first man said with an easy grin. "Traffic jam."

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself like a soldier rather than a businessman. His companion, slightly shorter but lean and composed, moved with a quiet confidence.

Ethan's sharp gaze assessed them both in seconds. Not ordinary businessmen. These men are dangerous.

"I sincerely apologize for our tardiness, Mr. Li." The second man's tone was formal, his words measured.

He straightened his suit as he spoke. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Song Mokun."

The taller man beside him smirked, tucking his hands into his pockets. "And I'm Tang Hejiu. Nice to finally meet you, Ethan Li."