"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" Liang Lin frantically wiped tears from her cheeks.

The tears wouldn’t stop. Was it this body’s fault? The moment she felt wronged, she’d lose all control—crying uncontrollably. This helpless physiological reaction filled her with shame and hatred. Just like the strange flicker of pleasure she felt when humiliated by Liang Di, both sensations disgusted her.

In her past life, anyone who wronged her would’ve died at her feet. Now? Crouching alone in her room, sobbing—this wasn’t the Liang Lin she knew.

"Stop crying! You disgrace!"

She roared, raised her hand—

*Slap!*

A sharp sting bloomed across her tender cheek, instantly swollen. Liang Lin clenched her jaw, forcing the tears back.

Crying solves nothing. Teeth grinding audibly, face twisted, fists tight—nails biting deep into her palms.

Alone now. Time to sort through what happened. Plan her next move.

Auston was broken. The household leadership would fall to Liang Di—temporarily. Miranda, once a maid, lacked standing; Edwin was too young.

In this house, every step felt treacherous.

Had today’s humiliation not happened, she might’ve considered fleeing with funds. But after *that*? Not retaliating? Unthinkable for the villainess Liang Lin.

*Endure.* Breathe in. Breathe out. Wipe the tears calmly.

It’s fine. She’s a girl now—crying’s allowed. But only in secret. Absolutely, *absolutely*, no one must see her vulnerable.

The next day brought not Liang Di’s expected tyranny—but an elderly man: snow-white hair, vibrant eyes, leaning on a cane.

Sapphire-blue eyes, clear as spring water—just like Liang Di’s.

A salt-and-pepper beard hid his mouth. His gaze swept over Liang Lin, Liang Di, Miranda, Edwin. A weary sigh escaped him.

"How is Auston?"

"Grandfather, Father’s condition is critical. Doctors say he’s barely clinging to life—needs heavy medication daily," Liang Di replied.

The old man was Donathew Langwen Di, former head of House Langwendi.

His eyes dropped to Liang Di’s legs.

"Liang Di. Your legs are healed. No need for the wheelchair anymore."

Liang Di froze—caught off guard.

"Yes, Grandfather."

Before everyone’s eyes, she rose from the chair.

Miranda’s eyes widened. Hand flew to her mouth. Her nails—soft pink, two glittering diamonds embedded—likely done at Liang Di’s nail salon before Auston’s passing.

"Y-you… your legs are *healed*?"

Liang Di ignored her.

*Miranda’s not happy about this,* Liang Lin realized. Remembering yesterday’s torment—the tentacles probing just a little further—and a cold shiver shot down her spine.

Donathew rubbed his temples. "Retired… truly retired. An old man with one foot in the grave… yet dragged back into your squabbles."

"I never wanted to return. At seventy-plus, I’ve no wish to manage affairs. But if I stayed away…" His drooping eyelids lifted; sharp eyes locked on Liang Di. "Auston might not survive the week. He is my son. My flesh and blood."

"...You’re right, Grandfather."

A trace of hope lit Miranda’s weary face. She nudged Edwin forward. "Go. To your grandfather."

*He’s testing Edwin,* she thought, heart lifting. *Waiting for him to grow.*

Thirteen years old—three years younger than the twins. Raised in luxury and intrigue, even a "foolish" noble boy knew cunning. Edwin puffed his chest.

"Grandfather, Father’s condition is grave. House Langwendi is vast. Managing it alone… I fear the burden may overwhelm you." His voice, still high and childish, sounded oddly rehearsed.

"I can assist you—manage *all* of House Langwendi’s shops."

*All?*

Liang Di’s eyebrow twitched. *Ambition barely concealed.*

House Langwendi’s empire spanned hundreds of tailoring shops, metalwork stores (including jewelry boutiques), bookstores, food stalls, textile outlets, luxury boutiques…

Liang Lin felt utterly lost.

In her past life, she ruled a war-torn borderland—icy, storm-lashed, where merchant caravans fled at full gallop to avoid conflict. Her family taught her battle tactics, not ledgers.

Now? She stood silent—a clueless outsider.

"No, no," Donathew waved gently. "My mind’s not as sharp. I won’t meddle deeply in shop affairs."

"So… it falls to you young ones."

Miranda’s smile bloomed—then froze.

"All shops split evenly. Half to Edwin. Half to Liang Di."

His gaze shifted to Liang Lin. "Liang Di, have your elder sister Liang Lin assist you."

Liang Di’s lips parted—then closed.

"Fine."

Miranda’s disappointment softened into relief. *He gave Edwin a chance.* Even widowed, she smiled.

Liang Lin said nothing. No bloodline. No standing. A true outsider. Donathew’s kindness—giving her a role—felt almost unreal.

After the others left, Donathew’s elderly butler murmured, puzzled:

"Sir… you know Liang Lin isn’t of House Langwendi blood. So why assign her to assist the young mistress…?"