The morning sun filtered through the blinds as Mae adjusted her crisp white blouse. Today was the CEO Seminar—a prestigious gathering of rising and established entrepreneurs across industries. She hadn't expected the invitation. Not until Elara insisted she attend.
"Mom, you belong there," Elara said simply that morning. "Show them what quiet strength looks like."
Mae had smiled nervously but took the advice to heart.
The event was held at a luxurious convention center, where high-profile names mingled over coffee and exchanged business cards. Mae kept to herself at first, quietly absorbing the energy around her.
She barely had time to settle in when a familiar voice sneered behind her.
"Well, if it isn't Mae. Still chasing small change?"
She turned slowly. There he was—Victor, her ex. Graying at the temples, dressed in an expensive but overly loud suit. His smile was thin and venomous.
"I must say, this is quite the surprise," he continued mockingly. "Didn't expect to see you here among real CEOs."
Mae tilted her head, her voice even. "I didn't come here to argue. I'm simply attending."
"Oh? As someone's assistant?" he pressed, leaning closer. "Or catering?"
A few people turned to watch the growing tension.
Mae met his eyes. "Actually, I'm the CEO of Scentra."
Victor's smirk faltered. "What?"
She held up her seminar badge—'Mae Lin: CEO, Scentra'. The crowd around them stirred, recognizing the name of the rapidly rising perfume brand.
Victor's face darkened, but before he could respond, the seminar organizer called them in.
Inside the grand hall, panel discussions were underway. As participants introduced their ideas on innovation and sustainability, Mae calmly presented her own pitch—using natural, locally sourced ingredients to create globally appealing fragrances, combined with an AI-enhanced customer experience.
She spoke with clarity, her voice poised, eyes steady. A few murmurs of admiration buzzed in the air.
Victor, seated across the room, clenched his jaw. He had prepared a flashy but shallow presentation. When it was his turn, the contrast was stark.
By the end, it was clear who had made the greater impact. Mae's ideas were trending on business forums by the time the seminar closed.
Outside, the parking lot shimmered under the afternoon sun. Mae made her way toward a sleek Ferrari parked at the edge. Elara and Jianyu had insisted on upgrading her ride as a surprise—a gift of recognition.
As she slid behind the wheel, Victor approached again, eyes wide.
"That's… that's your car?" he stammered.
Mae smiled gently. "A small reward for some hard work."
He stood stunned, watching the Ferrari pull away.
---
Meanwhile, in the capital city, behind the closed doors of a traditional Mu family estate, an elderly couple sat in quiet conversation.
"If our daughter cannot be found…" the old woman whispered, voice tight with sorrow, "then all her inheritance will be donated to charity. That was our agreement."
The old man nodded gravely. "She has been gone too long. And our attempts to search have failed."
Unbeknownst to them, their grand-nephew, Mu Han, stood outside the room, just beyond the shoji screen. His brows furrowed deeply at what he heard.
He rushed away silently, heart pounding. Minutes later, he burst into his parents' private sitting room.
"Father! Mother!" he gasped. "I heard something you need to know. It's about Aunt Mei… and her inheritance."
The storm was only beginning to gather.
---
Back in Elara's home city, Mae returned from the seminar radiant and calm. Jianyu raised a brow when he saw her step out of the Ferrari.
"Looks like the secret's out," he said with a grin.
Elara chuckled. "Let the world know. She's earned every bit of this."
Mae glanced between them both, overwhelmed but grateful. "Thank you. Both of you."
"Rest tonight," Elara said as they headed inside. "We've got cities to conquer tomorrow."
The scent of jasmine lingered in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of plans being set in motion.
And far away, wheels of fate were spinning—quiet, swift, inevitable.
---