Chapter 3: A Dangerous Beginning

The ink on the contract was barely dry when Liya’s phone buzzed.

A message flashed across the screen:

> Contract confirmed. Driver will arrive at 9 a.m. tomorrow. – Mo Enterprises

Her pulse quickened. Tomorrow… her new life would begin.

She leaned back against her pillow, staring at the ceiling. The rain outside had stopped, but inside her, storms still raged.

Liya Shen was no longer the weak woman who had once cried herself to sleep. She was reborn. And now, she had an ally—no, a weapon.

Xavier Mo.

The name itself carried power. He wasn’t just a CEO—he was a king in a ruthless empire. People who crossed him never had the chance to regret it. And now, she was stepping into his world.

A thrill ran through her. Was she ready? Could she truly handle the consequences of walking into his life?

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an unknown number.

> Enjoying your victory, Liya? Don’t forget… even kings can fall.

Her breath caught. That tone—she knew it.

Mei Lin.

So her so-called “best friend” was watching.

Liya’s lips curved into a cold smile. Good. Keep watching. This time, I’ll be the one pulling the strings.

---

Morning came. A sleek black car waited outside her building. The chauffeur bowed as she stepped inside.

The ride was smooth, but Liya’s heart raced. Outside the tinted windows, the city flashed by. Every street felt different now, like pieces on a chessboard she was finally ready to play.

When the car stopped, her breath caught.

Mo Enterprises towered above her, a steel giant piercing the clouds. Workers streamed in and out, their eyes lowered, their steps hurried. This was Xavier Mo’s kingdom, and soon it would become her battlefield.

Inside, crystal chandeliers glittered above polished marble floors. Security guards stood like statues, scanning every person. The moment she entered, eyes turned toward her.

Whispers followed.

“Who is she?”

“Why is Mr. Mo’s driver escorting her?”

“Could it be…?”

Liya ignored them, her heels clicking sharply across the floor.

She was taken straight to the top floor. The moment the doors opened, her eyes locked on him.

Xavier Mo sat behind a massive desk, posture straight, aura commanding. He looked up, his gaze like ice.

> “You’re late.”

His tone was cold, not angry—just absolute.

Liya lifted her chin. “I signed your contract. That doesn’t make me your servant.”

For the first time, a flicker of amusement passed through his eyes.

> “You’re bold. I’ll give you that.”