*Chapter 25: A Fragile Celebration*
It was Mei Yan's birthday, and for once, the group gathered not for business but celebration. The investor friend brought a designer cake, the hotelier arranged the venue, and Zhao Liang arrived late, as always, with cold eyes and a wrapped box.
When Mei Yan unwrapped a diamond bracelet, her gasp was genuine. "I can't accept this—"
"Consider it an investment," Zhao Liang cut in dryly.
The friends laughed, one elbowing the other. "Trust Zhao to turn a birthday into a business deal."
But when Mei Yan slipped the bracelet on, her eyes softened — not at Zhao Liang, but at the friend who quietly poured her drink, teasing her for crying.
Li Xue watched it all, her heart aching. Around her, laughter rang out, warmth filled the air, and for a brief moment, she almost felt like part of a family.
But when Zhao Liang's gaze caught hers across the room, cold and heavy, the illusion shattered.
Even amidst friendship, love, and laughter — she was still his prisoner.