Chapter 23: The Sister’s Anger

The weight of resentment was palpable in the opulent confines of the Zhang family's grand estate. Yuhuan paced back and forth in her lavishly decorated room, her face a mask of fury and frustration. Her normally composed demeanor had given way to a tempestuous storm of emotions. The sight of Xiaolan and Li Chen's burgeoning relationship had not only frustrated her but also cast a shadow over her meticulously crafted plans for revenge.

Yuhuan's fingers clenched and unclenched as she contemplated the state of her mission. The romantic interlude between Xiaolan and Li Chen had exposed the chink in her armor—the fact that Xiaolan's focus had shifted from their revenge plot to a genuine affection for Li Chen. The unexpected twist had pushed Yuhuan's resolve to the brink, making her more determined than ever to sabotage her sister's plans and assert her dominance.

Sitting down at her ornate mahogany desk, Yuhuan opened her laptop and began to review the latest developments in her carefully laid strategy. Her anger simmered as she scanned through the documents and photos of Xiaolan and Li Chen's recent activities. Each image of them together seemed to fan the flames of her fury, compelling her to act.

With a swift motion, Yuhuan picked up her phone and dialed the number of one of her trusted associates. The call connected, and a smooth, calculating voice answered on the other end.

"Yuhuan," the voice greeted.

"I need your help," Yuhuan snapped, her voice edged with anger. "There are new developments with Xiaolan and Li Chen that must be dealt with immediately."

Her plan was straightforward—create obstacles for Xiaolan that would undermine her position and create rifts in her relationship with Li Chen. Yuhuan's associate, a man known for his discretion and efficiency, listened intently as she detailed her instructions.

"I want you to plant false reports about Xiaolan's performance in the company. Make sure they reach the top management, especially Li Chen. The aim is to create doubt about her capabilities and turn his trust against her," Yuhuan instructed, her voice dripping with venom.

"Yes, Yuhuan," the associate replied. "Consider it done."

As the days passed, the first phase of Yuhuan's sabotage began to unfold within the walls of the company. Xiaolan, ever diligent in her role as Li Chen's secretary, started to notice subtle changes in her work environment. Mysterious emails and cryptic messages appeared on her desk, hinting at errors and discrepancies in her work. Though Xiaolan was meticulous, these issues seemed to arise from nowhere, creating confusion and unnecessary stress.

One afternoon, during a routine meeting with Li Chen, the atmosphere was tense. Li Chen's brow furrowed as he reviewed a report that seemed to contain several critical mistakes. His gaze shifted to Xiaolan, who was sitting across from him, her expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"Xiaolan, can you explain these discrepancies?" Li Chen's voice was measured, but there was an undercurrent of disappointment that stung.

Xiaolan's heart sank as she reviewed the report. "I'm not sure how these errors occurred. I've double-checked everything, but I'll investigate immediately."

Despite her efforts to resolve the issues, the sabotage took a toll on Xiaolan's relationship with Li Chen. The trust that had been building between them began to waver as doubts crept in. The more Xiaolan tried to rectify the mistakes, the more they seemed to multiply, leaving her feeling frustrated and helpless.

At home, the strain was evident. Xiaolan's mood was subdued, and her once vibrant demeanor was now shadowed by the mounting pressure. Li Chen's questions and concerns, though well-meaning, seemed to add to her stress. The romantic connection they had shared during their recent interlude now felt strained, and the joy they had found seemed distant.

Yuhuan observed the unfolding drama with a mixture of satisfaction and anticipation. She relished the sight of her sister's discomfort and the growing chasm between Xiaolan and Li Chen. Every setback that Xiaolan faced was a victory for Yuhuan, fueling her sense of vengeance and justice.

One evening, as Yuhuan reviewed the results of her sabotage, she received a message from her associate confirming the success of their efforts. The false reports had caused significant unrest within the company, and Li Chen's trust in Xiaolan had been further eroded. 

"Perfect," Yuhuan murmured to herself. "This is just the beginning."

However, Yuhuan's satisfaction was tempered by an unexpected encounter. One day, as she was preparing to leave for a meeting, she crossed paths with Li Chen in the company's lobby. His expression was serious, but there was an undercurrent of concern in his eyes.

"Yuhuan," Li Chen greeted her, his tone polite but formal. "I wanted to discuss some of the recent developments."

Yuhuan forced a smile, her mind racing as she prepared to navigate the conversation. "Of course, Li Chen. What's on your mind?"

Li Chen gestured for her to follow him to a quieter area of the lobby. "I've noticed some irregularities in Xiaolan's work. I know you have a close relationship with her—do you have any insights into what might be happening?"

Yuhuan's mind whirred as she considered her response. "I'm not entirely sure, but I've noticed some inconsistencies in her recent reports as well. It's possible she's overwhelmed or facing difficulties."

Li Chen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I hope that's all it is. I want to believe in her, but it's becoming increasingly challenging."

The conversation with Li Chen only served to deepen Yuhuan's resolve. She knew that the more she could create uncertainty and doubt, the stronger her position would become. The growing rift between Xiaolan and Li Chen was a testament to her efforts, but it was also a sign that she needed to continue her sabotage with precision and care.

Back at home, Xiaolan struggled to keep her composure. The stress of the workplace was beginning to seep into her personal life, causing tension between her and Li Chen. Despite her best efforts to maintain normalcy, the strain was evident in their interactions.

Yuhuan's actions had set in motion a series of events that were unraveling the carefully crafted plans of both sisters. As she watched the chaos unfold, a flicker of doubt began to gnaw at her. Was she pushing too far? Was her quest for vengeance overshadowing the love and loyalty she once felt for Xiaolan?

In a rare moment of introspection, Yuhuan sat alone in her room, her gaze fixed on a photograph of her and Xiaolan from their childhood. The image, filled with happy memories, contrasted sharply with the animosity that had developed between them.

Despite the pangs of guilt, Yuhuan's determination remained unshaken. Her desire for revenge was a powerful force, and she was resolute in her mission. The next steps in her plan would require even more cunning and manipulation, but she was prepared to see it through to the end.

As Yuhuan prepared for another day of sabotage, she steeled herself for the challenges ahead. The path she had chosen was fraught with obstacles, but her resolve was unwavering. The stage was set for the next phase of her plan, and she was ready to play her part with precision and determination.

In the midst of the turmoil, one thing was clear—Yuhuan's anger had set in motion a series of events that would test the bonds of family, trust, and love. The outcome remained uncertain, but the stakes had never been higher.