Zhi Lia was momentarily taken aback by the sudden intimacy.
She could not even remember the last time she had felt such warmth from her parents—aside from her grandfather and her twin sister.
"I suppose you're still feeling jet-lagged from the flight. Your room has already been prepared," Cheng Ruo said gently. "If you want something to eat, just call the Head Butler."
Cheng Ruo continued speaking, almost rambling in her effort to avoid mentioning the Zhi Family's current crisis. In her flustered state, she failed to notice the group standing behind her—especially the child in Butler Chang Wei's arms.
Zhi Lia took a slow breath, steadying herself and gathering the courage to reveal the truth.
"Mother," she called softly, reaching out to hold one of her mother's hands.
"What is it? Do you need anything else?" Cheng Ruo asked, looking at her with concern. Then something seemed to occur to her.
"Oh, right! Where's your twin, Zhi Lei? And your grandfather? Are they coming as well?" Her voice was filled with anticipation.
Before Zhi Lia could answer, a soft, sleepy murmur interrupted them.
"Mmm… Ma… Mma… Maa…"
Zhi Lia immediately released her mother's hand as Butler Chang Wei carefully handed the child to her. Little Xiu reached toward her instinctively, clinging to her as soon as he was in her arms.
Only then did Cheng Ruo notice the people standing behind her—and the baby now holding tightly onto her daughter.
When she looked closely at the child's face, she froze.
The resemblance was unmistakable.
"Lia-er… this child is?" she asked cautiously, trying to steady the sudden thoughts forming in her mind.
"He is my son. Little Xiu—your grandson," Zhi Lia stated calmly.
The servants exchanged shocked glances. Cheng Ruo stood stunned for a moment before forcing a small smile.
"Oh… this is Little Xiu? He must be about five or six months old. I heard that your grandfather wanted you to marry a few months ago." She glanced discreetly at the four men behind her daughter. "So… you're already married? Where is the child's father?"
"Mother, I am not married. And Little Xiu's father is unknown."
Her words fell like a thunderclap.
Everyone present was left speechless.
"Eldest Miss!" Butler Chang Wei blurted out, instinctively stepping forward, but he stopped when she cast him a warning side glance.
Shen Hiro gently patted the butler's shoulder, silently reminding him of their agreement—to let their boss decide what to reveal.
Butler Chang Wei could only clench his fists in frustration. It was their failure to protect her that had led to this situation—one that would undoubtedly subject the Eldest Young Miss to harsh judgment.
"W-what?" Cheng Ruo whispered, her mind reeling. She felt as if the ground beneath her had shifted.
And yet… there was still more.
"Mother," Zhi Lia said quietly, her voice soft but steady, "I'm very sorry to tell you this… but Zhi Lei has passed away."
Cheng Ruo stared at her in disbelief.
"Lia-er… what are you saying? That cannot be true… right?" she asked faintly.
Zhi Lia did not speak. The firm, grief-stricken expression on her face was answer enough.
"Chang Wei… tell me the truth," Cheng Ruo pleaded weakly, her gaze desperate.
"Madam… please forgive us!" Butler Chang Wei cried as he fell to his knees.
At that moment, Cheng Ruo felt something snap inside her chest. The pain was suffocating, as if an invisible hand were squeezing her heart.
"Madam!" Tao Caihong rushed forward and caught her before she collapsed to the floor.
"What has my Zhi family done to deserve this?" she murmured brokenly as tears streamed down her face. "Why… why?"
Her husband was gravely ill. Her eldest son was missing. Her eldest daughter had returned with a child and no husband. And now—her younger daughter was gone.
As a wife and mother, how was she supposed to endure all of this?
Even the Zhi Family itself stood on the brink of collapse.
"Let Mother rest first," Zhi Lia ordered calmly, though her eyes were dark with restrained emotion. "We will proceed with my sister's funeral."
She gently handed Little Xiu to Butler Chang Wei.
"Maa… Ma… Mma…" the baby whimpered, reaching for her as he struggled not to be separated.
Zhi Lia softened instantly. She stroked his cheek tenderly.
"Mommy will be back soon. Uncle Wei will stay with you. Be good, alright?"
Hearing her gentle voice, Little Xiu slowly quieted, though his gaze remained fixed on her as if promising to wait.
Once her son was taken away, Zhi Lia's expression turned cold again.
She looked at Shen Hiro.
"After the funeral, I will visit the company. Begin the preparations."
Then she issued further orders without hesitation.
"Shen Haru and Hao—find my elder brother and bring him to me. Shen Hiro, you will remain here."
With that, she turned and walked away, Shen Hiro following behind her.
The next day, news of Zhi Lia's return spread throughout the Zhi Family like wildfire—along with the shocking announcement of Zhi Lei's death.
With the Young Master nowhere to be found and only a twenty-two-year-old woman left in the direct line, every branch of the Zhi Family began eyeing the position of Head of the Main Family.
The storm had only just begun.