Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 15

As night fell over the city, a warm haze settled inside the private lounge of an upscale bar, dimly lit and deliberately designed to exude subtle seduction. Gentle music drifted through the air, casting a languid rhythm over the room that hummed with laughter and energy.

It was here that Han Jae-kyung, the ever-composed yet quietly flamboyant founder, had chosen to host the celebration marking her company’s expansion—a symbolic milestone that was more than just numbers on a chart. Tonight was about victory, friendship, and something unspoken that lingered between certain glances and smiles.

Guests trickled in one by one, each greeted warmly. Among them were the company’s founding members—Liang Zheng, the reserved but sharp-minded tech lead; Ni Jia, the soft-spoken yet resilient operations manager; and Ni Kuang, her protective older brother.

Also present were Jiang Shutong and Jiang Wan, two women who, although not officially tied to the company, each held unspoken influence over its dynamics. Rounding out the intimate circle were Lin Qianyang and Ai Li, two close friends whose presence injected levity into any room.

Han Jae-kyung herself wore a loose, understated black linen shirt, the neckline slightly open, revealing a collarbone kissed by the amber glow of the lighting. She didn’t need extravagant attire to command attention—her quiet charisma did the work for her. Every gesture, every fleeting gaze carried a weight that made those around her lean in, hoping to decode her silence.

Her gaze eventually landed on Ni Jia, who was seated at the corner of a long leather couch, sipping wine. Their eyes met briefly, and Han Jae-kyung’s lips curved into a soft, almost indulgent smile—one that Ni Jia tried to brush off with a sip, though the blush on her cheeks betrayed her composure.

On the dance floor, Ellie and Liang Zheng were a contrasting pair. Ellie, lively and flirtatious, moved with a fluid rhythm, teasing Liang Zheng with subtle touches as they swayed to the music. She leaned close, her breath tickling his ear as she murmured, “You’re too shy, you know.

Want to find a quieter place to… talk?” Liang Zheng’s face flushed a shade of crimson that rivaled the wine in his glass. He nodded, unable to form a coherent sentence but visibly captivated.

Lin Qianyang, ever the mischief-maker, sat perched at the bar and observed the interactions with great amusement. His eyes darted between Han Jae-kyung and Ni Jia. “Is it just me,” he teased aloud, “or are those two secretly dating behind our backs?” The comment sparked chuckles around the room—except from Ni Kuang, who stiffened visibly, the protective older brother mode immediately activated.

He made his way to Han Jae-kyung, lowering his voice but keeping his tone sharp. “Zaijing, my sister is innocent. Don’t get any ideas. If you want to be around her, keep your intentions clean.” His warning was clear.

Han Jae-kyung met his gaze with a calm smile and a glint of mischief. “Relax, Ni Kuang. My feelings for your sister are simpler than you imagine—but no less serious.” Her voice held both sincerity and the ambiguity that made her such an enigma.

Across the room, Jiang Wan sat observing quietly. She hadn’t joined the dancing or the teasing. Instead, she watched the crowd with quiet introspection, a wine glass twirling between her fingers. Her eyes frequently returned to Han Jae-kyung, a storm of admiration and curiosity behind her polished exterior. She wasn’t ready to name the feelings yet—but she recognized their weight.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shutong, seated at the end of the couch, was also observing. Her sharp eyes caught every subtle cue, every exchange of glances. Unlike Jiang Wan, she felt no hesitation in recognizing her interest in Han Jae-kyung—it was real, though still unspoken. But Jiang Shutong was calculating. She would only act when the moment gave her the advantage.

As the evening wore on, with everyone well-lubricated by drinks and warmed by laughter, Han Jae-kyung proposed a party game to liven things up. “Losers take a dare,” she announced, spinning a glass bottle at the center of the coffee table.

The bottle slowed and came to a stop—pointing at her.

“Looks like our founder is up,” Lin Qianyang smirked.

“Alright,” Ai Li grinned. “Your challenge is to kiss someone of the opposite s3x. Passionately.”

Han Jae-kyung raised an eyebrow. Her gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Ni Jia. Slowly, deliberately, she walked over. Standing before her, she bent down and whispered, “Wife?” Ni Jia’s breath caught, and without a word, she nodded.

But instead of a dramatic kiss, Han Jae-kyung leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss on Ni Jia’s forehead—tender, reverent, disarming. The room erupted into cheers and laughter. Ni Kuang, however, was less amused. He clenched his glass tightly, a mix of frustration and confusion etched on his face.

The games continued. Later, another challenge paired Ni Jia and Ni Kuang in a “couple’s cookie game,” where they’d have to nibble a stick of cookie together from both ends. It was meant to be lighthearted, but the suggestion made Jiang Wan visibly uncomfortable.

“Can we skip this one?” she whispered awkwardly to Ni Kuang.

Ni Kuang took the cue and stood. “Wan’s not really into games like this. I’ll take the penalty instead.” He downed a glass, but Ai Li wasn’t satisfied. “Two glasses, or you’re just chickening out!”

Lin Qianyang laughed. “Come on, Zaijing and Ni Jia haven’t played yet. Let’s see them do the cookie challenge.”

Before Han Jae-kyung could react, Jiang Shutong interrupted smoothly, “Let her off. Ni Kuang’s family rules are already stricter than the law.” Her tone was cool but unmistakably protective.

Everyone burst into laughter, and the tension eased. But Ni Kuang continued to wrestle with his thoughts. Watching the unspoken intimacy between Han Jae-kyung and his sister made him reflect on his own relationship with Jiang Wan—an arrangement rooted in business, not emotion.

He had once thought marrying Jiang Wan would be the ultimate prize, but now he wasn’t sure. There was affection, yes, but the romantic spark seemed faint, a casualty of ambition and expectation.

He drank more than he should have. Later, he stumbled toward Han Jae-kyung, his speech slurred. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on Ni Jia before you’re worthy. She’s our treasure, got it? Build your empire first—then talk marriage.”

Ni Jia winced and tried to calm him down, her expression part exasperation, part tenderness.

By the time the party began winding down, Ai Li and Lin Qianyang had left, along with the other colleagues. Ni Jia and Jiang Wan were escorted away by Ni Kuang’s driver. Only Han Jae-kyung and Jiang Shutong remained.

Outside, the crisp night air cut through the alcohol haze. Jiang Shutong crossed her arms against the cold, and without hesitation, Han Jae-kyung draped her coat over her shoulders. “Thanks for stepping in earlier,” she said softly. “Saved me from being grilled by your future brother-in-law.”

Jiang Shutong didn’t return the smile. The scent of Han Jae-kyung’s coat—warm, slightly woody—made her heart skip. Yet, the word “brother-in-law” left a bitter aftertaste. “Yeah,” she murmured, offering no further reply.

As the car arrived to take her home, she stepped inside without returning the coat. “Good night,” she said, the faintest trace of something unresolved in her voice.

And just like that, the night ended—quietly, but not without echoes that would ripple into the days ahead.