Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 33

Late at night, Han Zaijing personally escorted Jiang Shutong back to her expansive private residence nestled in the heart of the city. After seeing her off, instead of calling it a day, Han Zaijing—ever the tireless workaholic—returned to her office.

Perhaps the lingering scent of pheromones in the air had stirred something in her, heightening her senses and adrenaline. She figured there was no point in going home if she was going to be restless anyway. If sleep was elusive, then working through the night seemed like the more productive option.

Elsewhere, Jiang Wan had just wrapped up another grueling day. Her temples throbbed as she massaged her brow, fatigue weighing heavy on her shoulders. After signing off on the last of her tasks, she exited her company building and gave the driver an unexpected instruction—to head toward Han Zaijing’s office tower.

Inside the car, she sat silently, peering through the tinted windows toward the upper floors of the illuminated building. Her gaze wandered, searching for any sign of Han Zaijing through the glow of office lights.

She knew this was irrational. Han Zaijing was always the last to leave—everyone knew she had an obsessive dedication to work. And yet, even though she told herself there was no point, her heart refused to listen.

Longing flickered in her eyes, tempered by guilt. Han Zaijing already had someone in her life, and she too bore the heavy expectations of her family’s legacy. She was supposed to be composed, rational, above such emotional indulgence. But her feelings defied reason.

Then, as if on cue, Han Zaijing appeared at the building’s entrance. She was wearing a black trench coat, hair tousled by the wind, but her eyes were clear and sharp. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she noticed her vehicle. She squinted slightly and approached, as though needing to be sure it was really her. When Jiang Wan rolled down the window, her smile widened.

“Why are you parked downstairs at my company?” Han Zaijing asked playfully. “Are you the landlord coming to collect rent? A shareholder here for a surprise inspection? Or maybe… a friend ready to buy me a drink?”

Jiang Wan gave her a look, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. Sensing her low spirits, she softened her tone. “You look tired. Sorry, I’m rambling again.”

“A little tired, yes,” Jiang Wan admitted gently. “Come with me to the executive lounge. I don’t want noise or crowds. I just… want some quiet.”

She didn’t hesitate. Opening her car door, she noticed her high heels and extended a hand to help her out with gentlemanly care. Their fingers brushed briefly—a fleeting touch that left an ache of nostalgia lingering between them.

Inside the executive lounge, Jiang Wan made arrangements and secured a quiet window-side spot for the two of them. The waiter brought over champagne in an ice bucket, poured their glasses, and then quietly excused himself.

The view from the lounge was stunning. The city stretched out below them like a sea of twinkling stars, and soft jazz played in the background, wrapping the scene in serenity. Han Zaijing, now slightly tipsy, chuckled as she realized how easily she could drink around Jiang Wan.

“Rare night, rare company,” Jiang Wan said with a laugh, holding up her glass. “Here’s to you, my cherished drinking companion.”

“Cheers, drinking buddy,” Han Zaijing grinned. “Honestly, I always thought you were too well-behaved to enjoy a drink. You had that ‘perfect child from a perfect family’ vibe.”

Jiang Wan laughed again. “According to that logic, I should be at home in bed by now. But despite my fondness for a good drink, I’m still pretty traditional overall.”

Han Zaijing interrupted with a snort. “Classmate Jiang, you’re hilarious.”

Something shifted in Jiang Wan’s expression. She felt uneasy being called “classmate Jiang,” “landlord,” or “shareholder.” Those labels were too distant, too formal—barriers that reminded her of how far they still were from anything real. “Don’t call me that,” she said. “Just use my name.”

She nodded, but couldn’t resist teasing. “Alright, Jiang Wan. Tell me then—has our traditional lady ever… crossed boundaries with someone like Brother Ni Kuang?” Her tone was mischievous, playful.

The insinuation made Jiang Wan blush. She pinched her cheek, half shy and half annoyed. “You’re so bold, teasing your elder like this. I should make you drink.”

Laughing, Han Zaijing obediently downed the drink, while Jiang Wan followed with a smaller sip, a quiet smile playing on her lips.

Eventually, the drinks caught up with her. Han Zaijing helped her to a suite in the adjoining hotel. She gently guided her inside, helped her onto the bed, and removed her heels with care. Standing beside her, she hesitated, torn between propriety and the growing tension in her chest.

As she turned to leave, her senses were overwhelmed—two distinct Omega pheromones hung in the air. Jiang Wan’s nose twitched. The alpha before her… she wasn’t being faithful.

A rush of anger and helplessness surged within her. She had no claim over her—not officially—but the betrayal still stung. As Han Zaijing turned away, Jiang Wan reached out and grabbed her tie.

She looked down at her, surprised, her face already flushed. Her voice was low, filled with emotion. “Didn’t you say I was too traditional?”

She pulled her toward her, wrapped her arms around her neck, their faces inches apart. Her breath was warm against her skin. “Tonight, I want to let go. Stay with me,” she whispered.

A subtle wave of her pheromones—sweet, enticing—filled the room.

Han Zaijing’s heart pounded wildly. The Omega before her had an SSS-level scent, addictive and irresistible. She couldn’t hold back any longer.

Their lips met, tentative at first, then deeper—hungry, desperate. Jiang Wan’s shy response encouraged her, the heat between them rising with every kiss. What had begun as playful banter over drinks had transformed into something much more intimate.

Desire, long restrained, finally burst free. Han Zaijing kissed her again and again, the passion between them escalating. Clothes were shed in haste. She knew it was her first time, and she was gentle, careful. Jiang Wan trembled under her touch, overwhelmed by the sensations, yet filled with a quiet joy.

Later, lying in her arms, she closed her eyes. She didn’t know what this night meant—if it was a fleeting memory or the beginning of something more. But she knew one thing: it had been beautiful, and it had been hers.

By morning, unsure of how to face her, Jiang Wan quietly slipped away. When Han Zaijing awoke and saw she was gone, she muttered with a chuckle, “Just like her sister. They really are two of a kind.”