---
In the dimly lit private room of Crystal Palace, the smoky scent of luxury cigars mixed with the rich aroma of imported red wine.
Gold-trimmed furniture shimmered under the soft overhead lighting.
Three privileged young masters—Shen Zhao, Zhen Shao, and Chen Shao—lounged on a plush velvet couch, glasses in hand, laughter echoing through the soundproof walls.
Opposite them sat two broad-shouldered foreign men, dark-skinned and sharply dressed, their eyes gleaming with amusement.
Shen Zhao leaned back, his lips curled into a lazy grin.
"Su Meilin is on her way," he said casually, swirling the wine in his glass.
Zhen Shao let out a low whistle. "Aren't you afraid of Liang Yexuan? That's his fiancée after all."
Chen Shao chuckled darkly. "If he can't keep her, what's the issue?"
Shen Zhao scoffed, eyes half-lidded with boredom. "If he can't keep his woman, then it's not our fault, is it?"
Their laughter grew louder, almost drowning out the soft jazz music playing in the background.
One of the foreign men leaned forward, a curious gleam in his eyes.
"Is she as beautiful as you say? Does she know how to play our game?"
"You'll be more than satisfied," Shen Zhao replied smugly.
---
A sleek silver car pulled up to the entrance. Su Meilin stepped out, her red bodycon dress hugging her curves like silk poured over fire.
Her long legs moved with practiced elegance, black stilettos clicking sharply against the pavement.
Her silky red dress hugged her like a second skin, and her long, jet-black hair fell in perfect waves over one bare shoulder.
The valet practically forgot to breathe as she handed over her keys. Without so much as a glance back, she walked into the glowing entrance of Crystal Palace.
Inside, the bass pulsed through the walls like a heartbeat.
The club was alive—glittering lights dancing across mirrored walls, bodies grinding against each other in a feverish rhythm, the air thick with perfume, alcohol, and desire.
Laughter, flirtation, temptation—it oozed from every corner.
Crystal chandeliers twinkled above like stars.
Su Meilin didn't spare a glance as she ignored the lingering stares from men as she made her way to the elevator. Her lips curved in a small smirk.
She knew she looked good. She always did.
---
She reached the elevator and ascended to the fifth floor.
---
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the fifth floor.
The moment she opened the door, the scent of expensive cologne hit her.
Shen Zhao was the first to rise and greet her, followed by Zhen Shao and Chen Shao.
"Baby," Shen Zhao purred, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Before she could react, one of the others leaned in close, planting a soft kiss on her neck.
Another pinched her behind playfully, drawing a gasp from her lips.
"Easy," she said with a sultry smile.
She locked eyes with Shen Zhao, who only grinned and raised both hands.
"You know we can't help ourselves when you look like that," he said, voice low and teasing.
She let them guide her to the couch where two unfamiliar men were watching her closely.
"This is Eric and William," Zhen Shao introduced, gesturing with his glass.
"These are our friends visiting from abroad," Shen Zhao said. "Eric, William—this is the lovely Meilin."
She gave them a graceful nod. "Nice to meet you."
"Beautiful name," William said, raising his glass.
"More beautiful woman," Eric added with a smirk.
Su Meilin offered a nod. "Pleasure."
She raised her glass. "To new friends," she said, and they toasted.
Glasses clinked as drinks were poured. Meilin took a sip, the burn of the liquor grounding her.
---
But even as she laughed softly, a strange chill ran down her spine. It felt like someone was watching her.
She glanced around—nothing.
Her heart skipped. She pushed the feeling away and stood up with a charming smile.
"Let's go somewhere more...private," she said silkily.
---
In a darker room next door, a man stared at a laptop screen, fingers clenched around his mouse.
"Damn it," he cursed under his breath. "She changed rooms."
His plan had been simple—get a private room near hers, record her downfall, and use it.
But now she had gone.
"She's smarter than she looks," he muttered.
---
On the top floor, Su Meilin swiped her card to unlock the exclusive VIP suite.
The VIP suite was even more extravagant—floor-to-ceiling windows showing a skyline painted in moonlight, velvet sofas, and a private bar with everything money could buy.
She let the men in, then turned to face them.
They entered in a flurry of energy and excitement.
Su Meilin took her place on the central couch, flanked by Eric and William.
Eric pulled himself closer.
"What's your name again?" he asked, his voice low.
"Meilin."
"Beautiful," William said. "Just like you."
"So, Meilin," William said, pouring another drink, "what do you like to play?"
She met his gaze head-on. "Depends on the company."
They chuckled. William handed her another drink, and she took it.
One of the men placed a hand on her thigh, his touch slow as his hand grazed her thigh through the slit of her dress.
Another brushed her cheek.
"Your skin is warm," he murmured.
Her breath hitched as she realised a soft moan.
She leaned back, letting her head rest on the cushion.
The air grew hotter as William leaned in to kiss her cheek, then traced her collarbone with his fingertips.
Meilin's breath hitched.
But when he leaned in to kiss her lips, she pulled back.
"I don't kiss on the lips," she said firmly.
He smirked but nodded, complying. Her rules.
Meilin's heart thudded as the men played her as she moaned.
She told herself this was the last time. After tonight, no more.
After tonight, she'd clean up, she'd shine again, and she'd make Liang Yexuan see her.
He would have her heart… and her body.
---
From the other couch, Shen Zhao, Zhen Shao, and Chen Shao watched—faces darkened with desire.
"She's something else tonight," Chen Shao muttered.
Eventually, unable to resist, Shen Zhao pulled out his phone and made a call.
"Bring in someone," he said. "Now."
—
Downstairs, a high-end escort walked through the private elevator doors ten minutes later.
She entered the suite with a sultry smile and was immediately pulled into Shen Zhao's arms.
As the music continued to pulse low in the background, the air in the suite turned heavy—filled with whispered laughter, clinking glasses, and subtle, seductive moans behind closed doors.
---
At the Liang Mansion, Liang Qianyu was just about to head downstairs for dinner when her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen and answered. "Speak."
"Young Miss... we lost her. She moved to the top floor suite. Security's tight."
Qianyu's face darkened. "Useless," she hissed.
"There are some photos," he said quickly.
"Send them."
She opened the photos, eyes narrowing as the images loaded.
There it was—Su Meilin sandwiched between men, letting them touch her like a common hostess.
"No need to dirty my hands," she murmured. "You're already ruining yourself."
Disgust twisted Liang Qianyu's lips.
She scrolled through them slowly, savoring the disgraceful poses.
"Pathetic," she muttered. "No wonder my brother can't stand her. She reeks of desperation."
She crossed her arms, letting out a humorless laugh.
"Keep dreaming, Su Meilin," she whispered, her voice dripping venom. "Only I can be the Young Madam Liang."
She stared at the screen a moment longer, then locked her phone and turned on her heel.
There was nothing more to do.
Su Meilin was already destroying herself.
---