The news spread fast.
Too fast.
—
"Lord Gu will likely be chosen."
"It makes sense…"
"He defended her…"
"They're already close…"
—
Every word reached the one person it shouldn't.
—
Zhao Meilin stood frozen.
Her reflection stared back at her.
Perfect.
Elegant.
Unshaken.
—
But her eyes—
They burned.
—
"…Him?"
Her voice was low.
Barely controlled.
—
"Of all people…"
Her fingers tightened slowly.
—
"No."
The word came out sharp.
Final.
—
"This isn't happening."
—
A maid stepped forward carefully.
"Miss… the court is already discussing it—"
"Then stop them."
Her tone turned cold instantly.
—
"Spread new rumors."
"Create doubt."
"Do whatever it takes."
—
The maid hesitated.
"…What if it fails?"
—
Meilin's lips curved slowly.
—
"Then I'll do something that won't."
—
Her eyes darkened completely.
—
"Prepare to meet him."
—
This time—
She wasn't going to act from the shadows.
—
She was going to act directly.
—