Li Feng's gaze remained locked on the window, the steel of skyscrapers flashing past like some silent sentinels. His lips curled faintly in disdain.
"No need. Their awareness is not required for such matters. It's their fault to begin with!"
Secretary Yu hesitated, then nodded, scribbling notes into his tablet, "Understood. And what about the additional private tutor arrangement you inquired about?"
"Continue as planned. It should be full-day sessions, seven days a week," Li Feng replied flatly, his voice devoid of warmth, "If they have time to drink themselves half-dead and provoke debts they cannot repay, they have time to learn how to survive without disgracing this family further."
"Yes, Master."
Li Feng leaned back slightly against the leather seat, closing his eyes for a brief moment.
In the darkness behind his lids, the flickers of Shen Li's tears haunted him. Her pitiful cries still echoed in his ears, but they were quickly overshadowed by other memories, those of Shen Li calmly standing behind him during business receptions, quietly observing everyone with a shrewd calculation veiled behind her soft smile.
She had always been good at playing her roles.
The docile wife.
The gentle mother.
The quiet, compliant lady of the house.
And he… had always been the fool willing to believe it.
His eyes opened slowly, cold and sharp once again.
"Secretary Yu."
"Yes, sir?"
"Prepare the boardroom for a 2 PM executive meeting. Full attendance is mandatory and send word to the Legal team to have the land acquisition contracts for District Twelve reviewed and finalised before the end of the day."
"Yes, Master Li."
The car went silent as the chauffeur took him back.
LI FAMILY MAIN MANSION
LATE MORNING
The scent of sandalwood incense and medicated oils lingered faintly in the hallway as Shen Li walked back towards her sons' bedroom, her silk robe fluttering behind her with each quick, purposeful step.
In her hand, she clutched a small porcelain jar of herbal ointment the doctor had left last night for their bruises. Her eyes, though red from forced tears, gleamed coldly beneath lowered lashes.
I need them to accept me again… she inwardly thought, her lips curling faintly. Li Feng saw them bruised, if I nurse them back, he will remember my worth. This family, this title, it all belongs to me.
She has always treated them as some puppets to use for her benefit.
She paused at the door, composed her expression into soft worry, then knocked lightly before pushing it open.
Inside, Li Bo Yen and Li Ren lay awake, eyes dull with pain and lingering resentment. They glanced at her approach but said nothing.
"Bo Yen… Ren…" she cooed softly, setting the ointment on the side table and dipping her fingers into the cool balm, "Let Mama help you apply this medicated ointment. It will ease the pain… all right?"
Li Bo Yen's jaw tightened as she reached for him, "Don't you dare touch me."
"Go away!"
"Get lost!"
"Bo Yen, don't be so stubborn," she scolded lightly, though her voice still dripped with saccharine sweetness, "I am your mother. I have every right to take care of you, I can't watch you wallow in pain while I can assist you where I can."
Li Ren flinched away when she moved towards him next, his voice hoarse with contempt, "We don't need you. Get out."
Something in her snapped, and she was angered. The mask slipped just a fraction as her eyes narrowed sharply, "What did you say to me…? I gave up everything to come back here and be your mother again, and this is how you repay me? How dare you talk to your mother like this?"