Volume One, Chapter 21: Abandoning My Brother for a Man

This was Ye Sheng’s first time at Lanting International.

Even though she hadn’t been back to the capital in years, she knew this was an expensive development—luxurious apartments, two per floor with private elevators, excellent security, and lush landscaping.

The apartment had been bought years ago by Ye Zhun, a property developed by a friend of his who’d set aside a unit for him. What Ye Sheng hadn’t known was that Huo Linwinter had also bought one—right across the hall.

“Did Third Brother not buy one?” Ye Sheng asked as they got into the elevator. What kind of three musketeers would abandon their third?

“He didn’t have the money,” Huo Linwinter replied bluntly.

Ye Sheng couldn’t help but smile wryly at the eldest brother’s unceremonious tone. Truly, the youngest always sits at the bottom of the food chain.

But she knew in her heart that with the bond between the three brothers, even if Third Brother was still penniless, as long as the other two had a place to stay, he’d never be left homeless.

After a long, exhausting day, they each wished each other goodnight in the corridor and went their separate ways.

As she turned on the lights, a vast floor-to-ceiling window filled her vision, offering a panoramic nightscape—stars scattered across the sky, rippling reflections on the river, and even the yachts moored at the private dock below.

No wonder every inch of this place was worth its weight in gold.

The apartment had just been cleaned, spotless and bright. Two hundred and thirty square meters of sheer luxury and space. Yet all Ye Sheng felt was emptiness.

Sometimes her thoughts drifted back to the narrow little apartment she and her brother had rented in N City when they’d first gone abroad—barely thirty square meters, cramped but warm.

Now the siblings could afford a grand house, but the warmth they’d once shared was irretrievable.

Her brother had been angry with her all these years; Ye Sheng knew it well.

Sister Se and Third Brother had tried time and again to mediate, but her brother’s cold, unyielding temperament wasn’t something a few words could soften. That he still took her calls, let her stay in his apartment—Sister Se had already moved mountains for her.

How could she dare to ask for more?

For a man who never loved her, she’d thrown away the brother who’d raised her. The more she thought about it, the less it seemed worth it.

Too tired to even unpack, Ye Sheng dragged herself to the bathroom, showered, and curled up on the sofa to sleep.

But the night brought her no rest. Nightmares plagued her, suffocating and relentless. She saw those hawk-like eyes again, felt invisible hands tightening around her throat. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t cry for help.

Mingting, save me! Save me!

A cold, distant figure drifted before her. Huo Mingting, his arm around Qin Minshu, watched with icy indifference. His voice was glacial: “You should die. The position of Mrs. Huo never belonged to you. Only your death will restore things to their rightful owner. Ye Sheng, can’t you see? Haven’t you disgraced yourself enough all these years?”

Qin Minshu clung to Huo Mingting, smiling triumphantly, the victor savoring her conquest.

Bloody tears streamed from Ye Sheng’s eyes. Her thin, trembling hand reached for Huo Cong, standing silently to the side—then shrank back.

Her son… She was afraid of frightening him.

Huo Cong pressed his lips together, then shouted, “You’re not fit to be my mother!”

Crack—

Ye Sheng jolted awake, her unfocused eyes staring into the void, her whole body frozen with cold.

Sweat soaked her skin.

This nightmare had haunted her for three years.

Ye Sheng knew—it was her heart’s demon. Until she conquered it, she would never know peace.

She didn’t know how long she sat there before finally dragging herself off the sofa, her face pale as she poured herself a glass of water. The wall clock chimed, and she glanced up in surprise—it was already nine o’clock.

She’d slept a long time; even her internal clock had failed her. Maybe the drinks from last night had finally relaxed her mind.

She shuffled to the bathroom in her slippers, toothbrush dangling from her lips, checked her phone, and handled a few work messages. Scrolling down, she saw a message from Huo Linwinter.

“Let me know when you’re up,” he’d written.

Ye Sheng rinsed her mouth and quickly replied, “I’m up, Lin.”

She wondered what he needed, but before she could think further, the doorbell rang. Peering through the peephole and seeing no one, she cautiously opened the door a crack—only to see a small figure pop into view.

“Sheng Sheng, good morning!”

A cheerful voice, a beaming smile. Ye Sheng was startled, then smiled back.

“Daddy asked me to bring you over for breakfast. Let’s go!” Huo Xiaobei grabbed her hand, eager to lead her away.

Ye Sheng hesitated, quickly pulling her back. “Wait, I’m still in my pajamas.”

“Lin!” she called out to the opposite door.

Huo Linwinter’s tall figure appeared at his doorway. “I’m here.”

“I’ll just change my clothes. Give me a moment.”

“All right.”

Ye Sheng stepped back inside, scooping up Huo Xiaobei as well, and closed the door behind them.