*Chapter 40: A New Thread*
The bond between Shen Wei and Mei Yan grew quietly, steadily, like a thread woven into the edges of Li Xue's story.
At a corporate gala, Shen Wei deliberately abandoned his usual arm-candy companions and stayed by Mei Yan's side. She rolled her eyes at his antics, but didn't leave. Their dynamic, sharp yet magnetic, caught attention.
Meanwhile, Li Xue stood beside Zhao Liang, her hand resting on his arm as the contract demanded. His grip was firm, controlling, reminding her of the lines she could never cross.
Across the hall, Mei Yan caught her gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile. For Li Xue, it was enough to remind her she wasn't completely alone.
The night ended with Shen Wei joking loudly about proposing to Mei Yan just to annoy her. She threatened to throw her champagne in his face. Han Qiang nearly choked from laughing.
In the midst of it all, Li Xue's heart ached — for freedom, for warmth, for something beyond the ink that chained her.