Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 48

In the ever-bustling city, Han Jae-kyung’s emotions surged like a tide. Her feelings for Ni Jia had never truly faded, and after receiving Jiang Wan’s blessing, that long-buried love only grew stronger. To win her back, she knew she needed the help of someone who understood Ni Jia best—her quietly devoted brother, Ni Kuang.

With a mixture of nerves and hope, Han Zaijing dialed his number. “Ni Kuang, I want to talk about Ni Jia,” she said, voice tinged with sincerity. After laying out her plans, silence fell on the other end of the line. Then, Ni Kuang responded softly, “Zaijing, you know I’ve always hoped you and Ni Jia could have a happy ending.”

“I know,” Han Zaijing replied earnestly. “That’s why I came to you. I still love her. Please—help me arrange a meeting.”

Ni Kuang sighed, hesitant but ultimately moved by her genuine tone. He knew both his sister’s pride and Han Jae-kyung’s devotion. So, he agreed.

A few days later, Han Jae-kyung arrived early at a chic Western restaurant, dressed sharply in a tailored suit. Her heart pounded. This was her chance to make things right.

When Ni Jia walked in, she immediately spotted that familiar silhouette. Despite the turmoil in her heart, Han Jae-kyung’s presence still made her pulse quicken. But the memory of betrayal remained vivid—raw.

Once seated, Han Zaijing leaned forward and said nervously, “Ni Jia, I know I’ve hurt you. But I want to try again. Can we start over?”

Ni Jia’s heart wavered, but resentment and pride kept her voice cold. “Start over? You think I’d accept being part of your twisted idea of love—two women sharing one man?” Her words dripped with sarcasm.

Stunned, Han Zaijing tried to explain, “Ni Jia, I—”

But Ni Jia cut her off. “What do you take me for? Your backup? Your plaything?”

With that, she slapped Han Zaijing—hard. The sound echoed through the restaurant. “That’s my answer, scumbag A.” Then, she turned and walked out, leaving Han Zaijing stunned in place.

Han Zaijing touched her burning cheek. She knew she deserved it—but she wasn’t going to give up.

That evening, she waited outside Ni Jia’s office building after work, dressed impeccably. Her striking appearance drew admiring glances from passersby, but her eyes were fixed only on one person.

As soon as Ni Jia appeared, Han Zaijing rushed to open the car door for her. They ended up at another quiet restaurant, tension thick in the air.

This time, Ni Jia didn’t slap her. Instead, she calmly picked up a glass of water—and poured it over Han Zaijing’s face.

“Are you awake now?” she asked icily.

Dripping wet, Han Jae-kyung chuckled softly. “You haven’t changed, Ni Jia.”

There was a trace of fondness in her voice that almost made Ni Jia falter.

For a fleeting moment, the scene mirrored the playful days of their college years. Perhaps, Han Zaijing thought, this was the beginning of something new.

She knew that sometimes, to win, one must first retreat. As she watched Ni Jia’s retreating figure, a knowing smile crept onto her face. Quietly, she reached out to Ni Kuang again—this time to inquire about Ni Jia’s schedule, looking for the perfect moment to execute the next step of her plan.