Chapter 20: Chapter Nineteen: Shadows in the Dark
Lu Xiao woke up early, her mind still reeling from the events of the past few days. The weight of the rumors and Chen Wei's relentless scheming bore heavily on her, but she knew she couldn't afford to falter. Lei Han needed her strength, just as much as she needed his.
As she arrived at the office, a strange stillness greeted her. The usual chatter and bustle were subdued, replaced by hushed conversations and furtive glances. It was clear that the latest wave of rumors had taken its toll on everyone, not just her and Lei Han.
She walked to her desk, setting her bag down, when Clara appeared beside her.
"Good morning," Clara said, her voice tinged with unease.
"Morning," Lu Xiao replied. "What's going on? Why is everyone so quiet?"
Clara hesitated, then leaned closer. "There was another article this morning. This time, it accuses Lei Han of manipulating financial reports to cover up losses."
Lu Xiao felt her stomach drop. "What? That's absurd!"
"I know," Clara said quickly. "But the damage is already being done. The board is calling for an emergency meeting this afternoon."
Lu Xiao clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. Chen Wei's tactics were getting more aggressive, and it was clear he wouldn't stop until he had completely destroyed Lei Han's reputation—and the company.
---
When Lu Xiao entered Lei Han's office later that morning, she found him deep in conversation with his legal and PR teams. His expression was grim, but his posture radiated determination.
"Lu Xiao," he said, motioning for her to sit. "We're preparing for the board meeting. They're demanding answers about the financial reports."
"I heard," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "What can I do to help?"
Lei Han's eyes softened as he looked at her. "Just being here is enough. I need someone I trust by my side."
She nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'll always be by your side, Lei."
---
The board meeting was tense, the atmosphere thick with suspicion and doubt. Lei Han stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding despite the accusatory stares directed at him.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice calm but firm, "I understand your concerns, but I assure you that the allegations in the media are baseless. We have already begun taking legal action against those responsible for spreading these lies."
One of the board members, an older man with a stern expression, spoke up. "Lei, we trust you, but the optics of this situation are damaging. We need concrete evidence to clear your name."
"You'll have it," Lei Han replied without hesitation. "My team is working around the clock to gather the necessary proof. In the meantime, I ask for your patience and trust."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. After a moment, the board members nodded, seemingly satisfied—for now.
As the meeting adjourned, Lei Han turned to Lu Xiao, who had been sitting quietly in the corner. "Thank you for being here," he said softly.
She smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "You handled that brilliantly."
---
Later that evening, Lu Xiao and Lei Han sat in his office, going over documents and preparing for the battles ahead. The city lights sparkled outside the window, a stark contrast to the darkness they were fighting against.
"Chen Wei is desperate," Lei Han said, his tone thoughtful. "He's throwing everything he has at us, hoping we'll break."
"But we won't," Lu Xiao said firmly. "He doesn't understand what we're capable of."
Lei Han smiled at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "You're my greatest strength, Lu Xiao."
Her cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze. "And you're mine."
---
As Lu Xiao left the office that night, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. The calm was fleeting, and she knew the storm was far from over. But with Lei Han by her side, she was ready for whatever came next.
Because no matter how dark the night, their love was a light that would guide them through.