Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 38

Sunlight streamed through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand banquet hall at Jiang Sinian’s luxury hotel, casting a golden glow over the room. Each beam of light added a touch of warmth, illuminating the elegant décor and exquisite arrangements.

The crystal chandelier above refracted the golden light into dazzling fragments, like scattered stars, imbuing the atmosphere with a dreamy radiance for the upcoming wedding.

Mr. and Mrs. Jiang moved through the hall with purpose, their faces glowing with joy and pride. Jiang Sinian, a titan in the business world, now wore only the identity of a devoted father as he attended to every wedding detail with meticulous care. His eyes, usually sharp in the boardroom, now held a softness, a deep paternal affection for his daughter.

Beside him, his wife smiled tenderly, lending her support. Her daughter’s happiness was her greatest joy.

“Sinian, look at this fireworks bouquet design—don’t you think it’s a better choice?” Mrs. Jiang asked, pointing to a page in the wedding planner.

Jiang Sinian stepped over, studied it carefully, and nodded approvingly. “Yes, it’s more symmetrical. Our Wan’er deserves only the best.”

They were busy reaching out to relatives and influential guests from the political and business spheres, ensuring the wedding would become the event of the year—lavish, dignified, and memorable. Each invitation was thoughtfully crafted, each call made with warmth and anticipation. This wedding wasn’t just a personal milestone for Jiang Wan—it was a powerful symbol of the Jiang family’s stature and unity.

Meanwhile, across the city, Han Zaijing and Jiang Wan were immersed in a photoshoot for their wedding. Han Zaijing wore a custom-fitted black suit that accentuated her tall, graceful frame. Her features were youthful yet composed, with a quiet confidence behind her poised smile.

Jiang Wan, radiant in a white gown adorned with lace and shimmering sequins, looked like a vision. Her delicate makeup and soft updo framed her porcelain skin and sparkling eyes, which shimmered with happiness.

The two looked perfectly matched, a picture of romantic harmony that drew admiration from everyone around. The photographer clicked away, eager to capture each tender moment—Han Zaijing’s protective arm around Jiang Wan’s waist, her quiet smile as she leaned into her. Onlookers whispered praise, captivated by the couple’s undeniable chemistry.

Yet beneath Jiang Wan’s glowing appearance lingered a trace of melancholy. The confrontation with Ni Jia still weighed on her heart. Despite the joy of planning a life with Han Zaijing, guilt gnawed at her. Their happiness, after all, came at a painful cost. Late at night, she couldn’t help but remember Ni Jia’s tear-filled eyes, etched with betrayal. The memory haunted her.

Han Zaijing sensed her unease. She gently held her hand, her voice low and tender. “Wanwan, what’s on your mind?”

Jiang Wan looked up, her voice trembling. “Zaijing… do you ever feel that our happiness came at too high a price?”

She led her to a nearby sofa and sat down with her, clearing the area. “Wanwan, whether we wanted it or not, our lives were always going to be influenced by family, by responsibilities, by fate. But I believe we were meant to be together. That’s what destiny has decided.”

Still, the sorrow between her brows lingered. Zaijing smiled softly, teasing, “Do you think I was forced into this? That I don’t truly love you?”

Jiang Wan lowered her head, embarrassed but silent, hoping to hear her reassurance.

Han Zaijing continued, her tone sincere. “From the moment we met at the business competition… to renting the office space… to sharing meals, playing games, strolling through the night market… even the times I teased you or ‘accidentally’ drank too much—every step brought me closer to you. Long before I even realized it, I had already fallen for you.”

Jiang Wan’s heart swelled with emotion. Hearing her recount their shared past, she realized it wasn’t just her one-sided affection. The void in her chest began to quietly fill.

Then, Han Zaijing looked into her eyes and smiled. “My dearest Miss Jiang Wan, would you be willing to accept a gift from me—and with it, become my partner for life?”

She knelt and presented a document: an equity transfer agreement for her company. The holdings spanned cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence and new energy—sectors vital to Jiang family’s long-term future. Through this gift, she wasn’t just pledging her love—she was entrusting her with a key to power and growth, and helping her become a worthy heir to the Jiang legacy.

Jiang Wan was overwhelmed by the depth of her sincerity. She saw in her gesture not only love, but trust and respect. After a pause, she finally nodded, her voice barely above a whisper: “I do.”

Han Zaijing lifted her into her arms joyfully and spun her around in celebration. In that moment, all the shadows seemed to fade away, and only light remained.