In the high-rise solitude of the Li Corporation's private penthouse, Li Yan loosened his tie, eyes fixed on the soft rain falling outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
She was different now.
Feng Xiao Xiao.
The same name. The same face. But not the same girl.
Not the bratty heiress who once barged into his home demanding to break the engagement her grandfather forced on her. Not the shallow, arrogant girl who threw a glass vase at his head before storming out.
No. This version was sharp. Calculated. Graceful like a sword hidden in silk.
And he remembered clearly—she had cried when she saw him last. Right before she died in his arms.
That moment had never left his mind.
"She visited the old orphanage this morning," Zhou Wei said, entering quietly. "Paid the bills in full. Anonymously. Same place her mother used to donate to."
Li Yan's brow raised. "She remembered that?"
"She's… very aware of everything now. Nothing escapes her."
Li Yan nodded slowly, spinning a jade ring around his finger.
"She even threatened her father yesterday."
"Good," Li Yan murmured. "About time someone held him accountable."
Zhou Wei hesitated. "Should I continue monitoring her directly?"
"No," Li Yan said, standing. "Not just monitoring."
Zhou blinked. "Sir?"
"She's surrounded by snakes. I want protection around her. Quiet but effective. And if Feng Ju shows his face again…" His voice darkened. "Let's see how long he can walk without kneecaps."
Zhou swallowed. "Understood."
As the door shut behind his assistant, Li Yan glanced once more at the rain outside.
He wasn't interested in saving her.
Not really.
But she intrigued him. Challenged him.
And Li Yan never let anything interesting slip through his fingers.
Not twice.