The room descended into a heavy silence, broken only by Ha An Nhien's ragged breaths and the frantic pounding of her own heart. Lanh Thien Phong's gaze remained fixed on her, filled with tumultuous emotions—the pain and shock of the revelation, yet mingled with a strangely resolute determination as he declared, "She... she is mine."
Madame Lam Uyen Nhu looked at her son, then at Ha An Nhien, her initial surprise gradually shifting to profound understanding. She recognized something in Lanh Thien Phong's eyes, a twisted, deeply hidden affection that perhaps even he hadn't fully acknowledged.
"Thien Phong," Madame Lam Uyen Nhu broke the silence. "Everything is clear now. So, what do you intend to do next?"
Lanh Thien Phong turned to his mother, his face still pale, but his eyes had sharpened once more. "I will find Lanh Kinh Thien. He will pay for what he's done." His voice was as cold as ice. The recent pain quickly morphed into a ruthless focus.
Then he turned to Ha An Nhien. "Do you want to participate, Ha An Nhien? Once again, stand by my side to face the true enemy of my family, the one who also destroyed your life and your brother's?"
Ha An Nhien was stunned. Stand by his side? After everything? Her heart was torn. On one hand, she wanted revenge on Lanh Kinh Thien and those who had harmed her family. On the other, she didn't want to be drawn deeper into Lanh Thien Phong's world, didn't want to become a permanent pawn in his hands. But thinking of An Khang, thinking of justice, the fire in her heart reignited.
"I... I will help," Ha An Nhien said, her voice trembling but resolute. "But... on one condition."
Lanh Thien Phong raised an eyebrow. "Condition?"
"An Khang must be absolutely safe. And... after everything is over, I want my freedom." She looked him directly in the eye, unflinching. "No contract, no ties. Complete freedom."
Lanh Thien Phong was silent. He stared at her, his gaze scrutinizing. Madame Lam Uyen Nhu stood by, witnessing this tense exchange, her eyes filled with worry.
Finally, Lanh Thien Phong sighed, a heavy sigh laden with weariness and a touch of helplessness that Ha An Nhien had never seen in him. "Alright," he said, his voice hoarse. "I agree."
Ha An Nhien could barely believe her ears. He agreed? The freedom she had longed for, now within reach?
"But..." Lanh Thien Phong continued, his eyes deepening. "During this time, you must remain here. And... you are still mine." He didn't specify what "mine" meant, but the implication of possession still hung heavy in the air.
Ha An Nhien felt a chill run down her spine, but she didn't object. For now, this was the best compromise she could get. A chance to complete her revenge, and more importantly, for An Khang to have a new life.
Madame Lam Uyen Nhu let out a breath of relief. "That's good then." She turned to Lanh Thien Phong, her gaze affectionate yet no less stern. "Son, I know you've endured much. But now, it's time for you to learn to let go of hatred and live your own life." She glanced at Ha An Nhien. "And treat this girl well."
Madame Lam Uyen Nhu's words seemed to touch something deep within Lanh Thien Phong. He gave a slight nod.
The following days were a whirlwind of intense activity. Lanh Thien Phong altered his entire plan. With Ha An Nhien's help (she provided additional information about Tran Gia Minh that she knew), he began gathering evidence against Lanh Kinh Thien. They worked together in the secret room, analyzing data, tracking Lanh Kinh Thien's movements. Ha An Nhien was surprised by his focus and intellect, as well as the cold ruthlessness with which he charted every step to bring down his uncle.
The distance between them seemed to blur with their shared objective. They exchanged glances, occasionally touching hands as they pointed at screens. These touches were no longer just rough possession but a silent understanding, a nascent trust forming between them. Ha An Nhien found Lanh Thien Phong less cold towards her; he even asked her about her interests, the books she read, or simply spent time sitting beside her in the library without saying a word.
One night, after a long session, Ha An Nhien slumped onto the table, utterly exhausted. Lanh Thien Phong said nothing, simply picked her up. Ha An Nhien flinched but didn't resist. He carried her to her bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. He made no moves beyond that. He simply covered her with the blanket, then softly stroked her hair, his gaze complex, filled with a rare tenderness.
"Sleep," he murmured. "There's a big fight ahead."
Ha An Nhien looked at him, and she understood. Though he was still a cold, ruthless man, the veil had lifted. Beneath that hardened exterior was a wounded heart and profound loneliness. And she, Ha An Nhien, without knowing when, no longer fully hated him. She was slowly being drawn into the spider's web he spun, not by force, but by invisible, inexplicable threads of emotion.