Early in the morning. Bianca was already busy.

    She rushed to the location of the important meeting scheduled for the next day. Carefully, Bianca inspected the luxurious meeting room prepared specifically to host Titan Group’s major investor. She made sure everything was perfect from the room’s decor and seating arrangements to the selection of top-tier dishes to be served.

    “Make sure those flowers are fresh. This investor pays attention to the smallest details. I don’t want a single w,” Bianca said firmly to the event staff arranging the meeting table.

    “Understood, Ma’am,” the staff member replied with a respectful nod.

    Feeling confident that everything was in order, Bianca nced at her phone again. She opened Titan Group’s social media to check Aliana’s response to the open message she had sent yesterday. Her brows furrowed when she found no reply at all.

    “Coward,” Bianca muttered with a smug smile. “She really doesn’t dare respond to my challenge.”

    Satisfied with Aliana’s silence andck of retaliation, Bianca stepped out of the venue and returned to the car waiting for her outside.

    Derek promptly opened the car door, smiling politely as he waited for Bianca to get in, Once she was seatedfortably in the backseat, he climbed into the front passenger seat beside the driver.

    During the ride to thepany, Bianca leaned back with a triumphant expression. She smiled to herself, imagining Aliana’s face, now likely cornered.

    “Derek,” Bianca called lightly, her voice brimming with confidence.

    “Yes, Ma’am?” Derek replied respectfully.

    “You know,” Bianca said casually, as if talking about something trivial, “women like Aliana were never a real threat to me. She keeps quiet because she knows exactly who’s stronger between us. That message yesterday was more than enough to show everyone who’s closest to Andrian. And that’s obviously me.”

    Derek gave a faint smile in response, ncing at the rearview mirror. “Of course, Ma’am. Everyone knows how important you are to Mr. Andrian. No woman would dare challenge your position.”

    “Exactly,” Bianca replied, her tone growing even more self-assured. “Aliana is nothing but a pretender. Andrian only married her because of a business deal between their families. She’s just a decorative piece-easily reced.”

    Derek nodded politely, refraining from any contradiction. He knew Bianca enjoyed being praised and feeling on top.

    “I just have to wait until she gives uppletely,” Bianca added with a victorious smile. “She’s probably trembling in fear now, wondering what else I’ll

    do to her.”

    Derek chuckled lightly, pleased to see his boss in high spirits. “I believe that too, Ma’am.”

    The car continued toward thepany. At that moment, Bianca truly felt on top of the worldpletely unaware of the danger stealthily approaching

    from the shadows.

    Upon arriving at thepany, Bianca headed straight to Andrian’s office. After knocking and being granted permission, she stepped inside to deliver a report of her activities that morning.

    Andrian listened seriously, his eyes scanning the documents Bianca handed him. His expression seemed satisfied. He ced the documents on his desk and gave a slight nod without furtherment.

    “You’ve done a very good job,” Andrian said briefly, though his eyes stayed fixed on Bianca.

    Bianca smiled with relief at thepliment–but her smile slowly faded when Andrian stood up and walked toward her with a serious look in his eyes.

    14:37 Thu, 28 Aug A

    “However, there’s one thing I need to mention,” he said in a calm but warning tone.

    Bianca stiffened, sensing something was off. “What is it? Is there another problem, Andrian?”

    Andrian stopped right in front of her, his gaze sharp but concerned.

    “It’s not a major issue, and it has nothing to do with work.”

    Bianca frowned, unable to guess what he was getting at.

    “You should stay focused on important tasks like today, Bianca. Don’t get caught up in trivial matters,” Andrian said softly but firmly. “I don’t want your performance affected by distractions.”

    Bianca immediately fell silent, her heart pounding-she knew exactly what Andrian was referring to. He was clearly warning her about the open letter she posted to Aliana the previous day. But Bianca tried to hide her anxiety and feigned confusion.

    “I’m sorry… I don’t understand what you mean, Andrian. Did I do something wrong?”

    Andrian let out a short sigh, his expressionposed. “Bianca, you know exactly what I mean. I saw what you posted yesterday on thepany’s social media.”

    Bianca bit her lip slowly, her face paling in worry that Andrian might be angry. She quickly tried to exin, her voice slightly trembling. “Sorry if you think it was inappropriate. I just-”

    “I’m not angry, Bianca.” Andrian raised his hand gently to stop her defense. His gaze was firm but soft. “But I don’t think there’s any need for that kind of thing. To me, it’s pointless. I prefer seeing you work as excellently as you did today.”

    Bianca exhaled in relief and slowly nodded. “I… I understand, Andrian. I won’t do it again.”

    Seeing her visibly anxious, Andrian offered a faint smile and gently reached out to stroke her head.

    “You don’t need to worry too much. I only want the best for you,” Andrian said gently. “How about we have lunch together now? You’ve worked hard today.”

    Bianca’s face instantly lit up with joy at Andrian’s invitation. Her earlier fear vanished, reced by a sense of happiness and relief that Andrian still cared

    for her.

    “I’d love to!” Bianca replied cheerfully, her voice slightly yful as she eagerly clung to Andrian’s arm.

    Andrian gave a faint smile at Bianca’s suddenly cheerful demeanor. The two of them walked out of the office together, leaving behind Bianca’s fear, now reced by contentment and satisfaction.

    Elsewhere, at the Velor family pavilion, the atmosphere was heating up with the gossip spreading among the house staff. In nearly every corner of the kitchen, the female maids were whispering excitedly to each other, showing off their phones and discussing a photo of Bianca and Andrian having a romantic lunch, which had just been uploaded to social media.

    Elena, who was busy preparing Aliana’s lunch, felt her ears burn from hearing the deliberately loud gossip swirling around her.

    “Look at that! That hand is definitely Mr. Andrian’s, Look at the ring he’s wearing! It’s clearly his wedding ring with Miss Aliana, isn’t it?” one of the maids said loudly.

    “Yes, exactly! So it’s obvious Mr. Andrian is having a romantic lunch with Miss Bianca,” another maid added,ughing mockingly. “Poor Miss Aliana, a legal wife but totally ignored.”

    Elena couldn’t take it any longer. Her face flushed with anger as she stammed the soupdle onto the table, startling the gossiping maids, who turned to

    look at her in shock.

    1

    “If you want to talk trashy gossip, do it somewhere else! Are you all even aware of who your real mistress is?!” Elena snapped sharply. “Miss Aliana is far more dignified than that cheap woman you’re gossiping about! Aren’t you ashamed of talking about a woman who clearly flirts with someone else’s husband in public?”

    The maids fell silent, their faces turning pale as they quickly bowed their heads, frightened by Elena’s rarely-seen fury. They scattered nervously and returned to their duties without uttering another word.

    Elena took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. She picked up the tray with Aliana’s lunch and walked toward the dining room, her steps heavy with frustration. Her lips were pursed and her expression sour.

    Aliana, who was seated calmly at the dining table, raised an eyebrow as she noticed Elena approaching with a scowl. Carefully, Elena ced the tray in front of her mistress without saying a word.

    “Elena, what’s wrong?” Aliana asked calmly, her voice full of quiet inquiry.

    Elena turned her face away, clearly annoyed. “Miss Bianca is getting worse, Miss Aliana. This time, she deliberately posted a photo of a romantic lunch with Mr. Andrian on social media. She didn’t show his face, but everyone knows whose hand that was! She’s clearly trying to humiliate you!”

    Aliana remained silent, her face calm and unaffected by Elena’s words.

    Seeing no reaction, Elena grew more agitated. She continued, her voice tight with restrained anger, “The maids aren’t even ashamed to gossip about you in the kitchen! They think you’re weak, Miss. They don’t know who they should really respect. That woman has no shame-publicly unting her affection with someone else’s husband!”

    Aliana gave a small smile, unmoved by Elena’s emotional outburst. “Sit down,” Aliana said. “Join me for lunch. It’s not good to be this angry.”

    Elena gaped, confused and frustrated by her mistress’spleteposure.

    “Miss, how can you stay so calm in a situation like this? That woman keeps trying to humiliate you!”

    “Bianca can only cause pettymotions like this,” Aliana replied as she poured tea into the cup before her. “If I reacted to every one of her childish antics, wouldn’t that mean I’m no better than she is?”

    FELSE

    Elena fell silent, though deep down she was still furious. But Aliana’s words rang true. She was clearly more poised and dignified than Bianca. Eventually, Elena sat down across from Aliana, watching her mistress with curiosity.

    “Miss… Are you really not bothered by Miss Bianca’s actions?”

    “Not at all,” Aliana said with a faint smile. She then spooned some food onto Elena’s te. “Instead of wasting your energy being angry, you should save

    it for tomorrow.”

    Elena froze for a moment, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Miss… what exactly are you nning? I thought tomorrow we’re just delivering donations?”

    Aliana gave a faint smile, her gaze sharpening with secrets. “You’ll find out soon. I just want you to conserve your strength.”

    Elena’s heart pounded. A sudden wave of unease hit her, as if Aliana were preparing something massive and dangerous. She wanted to ask more, but Aliana’s meaningful gaze silenced her.

    O

    “Let’s eat,” Aliana said firmly but gently. “You need to be ready, because I’ll truly need your help tomorrow. After this, make sure all your makeup tools are properly prepared.”

    Elena swallowed nervously but didn’t ask further She understood that Aliana was preparing something big, and it clearly had something to do with Bianca. Despite her fear and anxiety, Elena chose to obey. She knew her duty was to assist Aliana-not question her decisions.

    “Yes, Miss. I’ll prepare everything,” Elena replied, her voice slightly trembling with curiosity and concern.

    Aliana nodded in satisfaction and began eating her meal.

    Elena did the same, though her heart remained clouded by questions and an unshakable sense of dread. Her thoughts continued to drift to what might

    14:37 Thu, 28 Aug A

    happen tomorrow.