Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 44

Two days after flying out for negotiations, Jiang Nuan and Han Zaijing landed in Germany, each carrying with them the weight of expectations and ambition. From the moment they stepped into the sleek, modern headquarters of the international winery brand, their presence was magnetic—an elegant woman with unwavering determination and androgenous whose calm precision made her seem born for negotiation.

True to form, Han Zaijing navigated the competitive bidding process with a smoothness that left their rivals awed. Her composed demeanor, strategic articulation, and compelling presentations swiftly established Jiang Group’s superiority. Backed by meticulous data—projections of revenue, brand synergy, and logistical strength—the duo convincingly outlined how the agency deal would benefit both parties.

Their bid wasn’t just about numbers. It was about vision. And Jiang Nuan’s silent but radiant confidence, combined with Han Zaijing’s sharp business acumen, made them an irresistible pair.

After the formal presentations concluded, the host company arranged a friendly reception to thank the competing teams. Beneath the surface of polite smiles and champagne flutes, subtle currents of rivalry still stirred. Some competitors, perhaps feeling the sting of defeat, turned to playful sabotage in the form of heavy toasts.

“It’s rare to see such young talent triumph,” Jeremy, a rep from a rival firm, said with a pointed smile, raising his glass toward Han Zaijing. “Ms. Han, Ms. Jiang truly is outstanding. Come, drink to your victory.”

Caught in the tide of celebratory jests and veiled jabs, the toasts kept coming. Han Zaijing, accepted each glass with a graceful nod, shielding Jiang Nuan as much as she could. Their assistants, swept up in the atmosphere, were soon unsteady on their feet.

By the end of the night, Han Zaijing could barely stay upright.

Concerned, Jiang Nuan wrapped an arm around her and guided her through the hotel’s luxurious corridors, helping her into the spacious executive suite. She gently eased her onto the bed, unbuttoned her coat, and retrieved a warm towel to wipe the sweat from her brow.

As she sat by her side, watching her breathe unevenly under the dim light, a strange mix of emotions welled up inside her. Her features—so familiar, so flawless—seemed softer in this vulnerable state. Her hand reached out of its own accord, tracing the line of her jaw, the curve of her lips.

She hadn’t meant to kiss her. It wasn’t planned. But something about the moment—the intimacy, the vulnerability—drew her in. Her lips brushed her with the lightness of a feather, yet it sent a ripple through her entire body, awakening something dormant.

The kiss deepened. Her breath quickened. She leaned closer, her body pressing lightly against her. The warmth between them grew as the kiss shifted from hesitant to urgent, the long-suppressed tension between them unraveling with each second.

Han Zaijing murmured in a daze, her voice hoarse, “It’s too hot…”

She tugged at her shirt, and Jiang Nuan, flushed and trembling, helped her undo the buttons. The layers of self-restraint fell away with the fabric.

She moved instinctively, her body responding not to reason but to memory and desire. Jiang Nuan was beneath her now, her breath mingling with her, her heart racing like a drum. There was no turning back.

In that dim, breathless space, passion overtook logic. Her moans—soft, desperate—filled the room, merging with the rhythm of bodies and the whisper of sheets. She was relentless, as if trying to burn away the alcohol, the confusion, the past. She gave in to her, completely and unreservedly.

It was only when morning light filtered through the curtains that reality returned.

Jiang Nuan sat up abruptly, the blanket clutched to her chest. Her eyes darted around the room before landing on Han Zaijing, who was groggily waking beside her.

“You—Han Zaijing!” she exclaimed, covering her face in disbelief. “That… that wasn’t a dream?!”

Han Zaijing groaned softly and rubbed her temples. The soreness on her neck and shoulders reminded her all too clearly that it had been real.

“Jiang Nuan,” she murmured, unable to finish the sentence.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She curled into her without thinking, hugging her tightly.

“If you go home and pretend this never happened, I swear I’ll tell my sister you forced me,” she said, half-joking, half-serious, her voice muffled against her chest.

Han Zaijing sighed, her hand sliding gently down her back. “I know. I won’t pretend. Silly girl.”

They got up in silence, both moving with a shared awkwardness. In the bathroom, Han Zaijing caught sight of her reflection and grimaced at the sight of red marks—scratches across her back, bite marks on her shoulder, and vivid kiss marks blooming on her neck.

“How am I supposed to walk into a board meeting like this?” she muttered, buttoning her shirt and pulling at the collar. “Am I really going to wear a turtleneck in June?”

Jiang Nuan emerged from the closet, laughing despite herself. “Come here. I’ll cover them up.”

With practiced fingers, she dabbed concealer over her neck. Han Zaijing watched her through the mirror and teased, “You sure you weren’t the leopard last night? These marks say otherwise.”

Jiang Nuan blushed deeply and buried her face in her chest. “Stop talking…”

She wrapped her arms around her, resting her chin on her head. The moment lingered—warm, quiet, tender.

They had crossed a line, but in doing so, had unlocked something neither of them could deny anymore. The negotiations might have ended, but a new chapter was just beginning.

One with no clear terms, no signed contracts—only feelings too strong to ignore.