Another Woman Falls Under the Spell

"I came here for one of the guests attending the banquet," Su Hua spoke up.

"Chairman Lin, did you think I came for you? Did you really believe your Lin Family could ever catch my eye? A family that spoils an adopted son while mistreating their own blood—sorry, but I, Su Hua, have no respect for such people."

Su Hua's voice was icy to the extreme.

If not for A-Xuan, she wouldn’t have spared the Lin Family a single glance.

A blatant slap in the face.

The surrounding guests burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, you have to admit the Lin Family is truly delusional. Didn’t they learn their lesson at Lin Li’s birthday banquet last time? Su Hua clearly doesn’t care for them, yet Lin Li still thinks he can get close to her."

"Where does Lin Chang even get the nerve? He should take a good look at himself—does he really think he can latch onto someone as influential as Su Hua?"

Many were openly mocking Lin Chang.

Lin Chang’s face stiffened.

Feng Weimin’s expression darkened.

He had genuinely thought the Lin Family knew Su Hua, only to be disappointed.

Then again, even he, Feng Weimin, couldn’t get close to Su Hua—what made Lin Chang think he could?

Lin Chang forced a smile. "Regardless of why Su Hua has come to my son’s wedding, her presence alone is an honor for us."

Su Hua was someone Lin Chang couldn’t afford to offend. Though seething inside, he dared not show it.

He remained deferential, gesturing politely. "Su Hua, please, take a seat."

Su Hua ignored him.

Her gaze softened as it landed on Lin Xuan.

"Young Master Lin, thank you for earlier," Su Hua said with a faint smile. "Tell me, what reward would you like? As long as it’s within my power, it’s yours."

Then, she leaned in, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "Including… me."

Having said that, she coolly distanced herself again.

Jiang Qing raised an eyebrow.

So Young Master Lin and Su Hua were playing at a secret romance? How interesting.

Lin Xuan coughed lightly. "Su Hua, it was just a small favor. No need for rewards."

Su Hua chuckled. "Does Young Master Lin find my reward unworthy?"

"Not at all."

Lin Xuan shook his head, then a thought seemed to strike him, his eyes gleaming. "Then I’ll save this reward for later. I’ll let you know when I’ve decided."

"Very well." Su Hua gave a slight nod.

Lin Chang, witnessing this exchange, turned livid.

Lin Xuan had actually managed to win Su Hua’s favor.

If Lin Xuan ever asked Su Hua to help him against Starlight Group, wouldn’t that—

But Lin Chang quickly reassured himself.

This was just a minor debt. It meant nothing.

If Lin Xuan made unreasonable demands, Su Hua would never agree.

With that thought, he relaxed.

"Young Master Lin, would you care to sit with me?" Su Hua arched a brow.

"Of course."

Lin Xuan nodded.

The two found a secluded spot to sit.

Lin Li, meanwhile, let out a quiet sigh of relief.

He had worried Su Hua would publicly reveal her relationship with Lin Xuan, but she had chosen to keep it hidden.

It seemed she didn’t truly value Lin Xuan.

Sooner or later, she’d discard him.

Lin Qingxiu whispered, "Second Sister, Su Hua said she came for someone at the wedding. Could it be… for Xuan?"

"That can’t be," Lin Qingyan frowned.

Hearing their conversation, Lin Chang grew uneasy.

"Xuan," he approached Lin Xuan deliberately, "why didn’t you bring your girlfriend?"

Lin Xuan scoffed. "What’s it to you?"

Lin Chang’s intentions were obvious.

He wanted Su Hua to hear—even if she was unlikely to care for Lin Xuan, he had to plant the idea that Lin Xuan was being kept by a woman.

Su Hua was being deceived.

And he needed her to see Lin Xuan’s true character.

"Xuan," Lin Chang put on a fatherly tone, "I know you resent me, but I am still your father. I only want what’s best for you. With your abilities, you don’t need to rely on a woman’s support."

As he spoke, he subtly watched Su Hua’s reaction.

Seeing no change in her expression, he frowned.

Had he misjudged?

Before Lin Xuan could respond, Su Hua slammed her glass down. "Chairman Lin, you’re in my way."

Lin Chang froze.

"Understood," he forced out, swallowing his anger. "Su Hua, please enjoy yourself. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me."

With that, he retreated.

"Huabao, why are you here?" Lin Xuan asked quietly. "Weren’t you supposed to be working nearby?"

"Because I missed you," Su Hua smiled, her eyes curving slightly. "Work can wait—nothing is more important than you."

Lin Li’s gaze lingered on Su Hua and Lin Xuan.

They made a striking pair, yet the sight only filled him with bitterness.

What did Lin Xuan have that Su Hua would favor him?

Lin Qingyan and Lin Qingxiu wanted to approach Lin Xuan to mend ties, but with Su Hua present, they didn’t dare.

So they stayed away, sparing themselves the humiliation.

Lin Chang took the stage with a microphone.

"Thank you all for attending my son Lin Li and Feng Corporation’s heiress Feng Yaya’s wedding," he beamed. "Your presence, especially that of our distinguished guests, is a great honor."

"I won’t waste time—let me hand the stage over to the groom, Lin Li, and the bride, Feng Yaya."

With that, he stepped down.

The emcee took over.

Feng Yaya waited nervously outside.

"Now, let’s welcome the bride!" the emcee announced.

Taking a deep breath, Feng Yaya looped her arm through her father’s and stepped onto the red carpet, walking slowly toward the stage.

Her eyes caught Lin Xuan—and she froze.

He looked just like the man who had once helped her.

Feng Yaya stared, her steps faltering.

"Yaya, what’s wrong?" Feng Weimin asked.

"Nothing," she shook her head.

That boy had been like a fleeting dream, but now her heart belonged to A-Li. She was about to become his wife.

Other men were nothing but illusions.

She tore her gaze away and continued toward her groom—Lin Li, waiting at the center of the stage.

Su Hua smirked. "Young Master Lin, your charm is truly remarkable. Look, you’ve bewitched yet another woman."