Chapter One: The Same Day, Twice

"Of course." Chenzhou nodded. "I never said you ordered it." That was crueler than an accusation. Suspicion had already entered every mind. He did not press further. Tonight's evidence could not topple Chengze; the secretary could be sacrificed. Reveal too much now, and the hidden ledger capable of sending his cousin to prison would vanish. He only needed to drive in the first nail. Wanqing stepped forward. "Everyone is emotional. We can discuss our engagement later." "No need." He removed his engagement ring and dropped it into her champagne. The diamond sank while bubbles curled around it. "The engagement ends now. Cooperation between our families may continue. After all, you intended to marry the heir, not me."