Fierce Awakening

Feng Xiao Xiao stood in her father's private study, the same room that once felt like a battlefield. Nothing had changed. The smell of cigars, expensive whiskey, and moral rot still clung to the air.

Across from her, Feng Zheng flipped through papers, barely sparing her a glance.

"You canceled the charity event Madam Lin planned?" he asked, voice cold.

"Yes," she replied simply. "It was a cover-up for laundering donations. I reported it."

His head snapped up. "Are you insane? Do you know what kind of mess you've created?"

"Cleaning up your wife's mess is not insanity—it's responsibility," she said coolly.

He slammed the papers down. "That woman is your mother!"

She didn't even blink. "No. My mother died years ago—heartbroken and humiliated by you and your mistress."

His face twisted with shame—but he quickly masked it with rage.

"Don't start this again, Xiao Xiao. You always find someone to blame for your attitude. You were born angry."

Her nails dug into her palm. "I was born into betrayal."

A scoff. "No one in this family ever tried to hurt you. You're just bitter because Qian Qian outshines you. Always has."

"Outshines me?" Her voice trembled with quiet fury. "She poisoned Chen'er."

He waved her off like it was a mild accusation. "Don't be ridiculous. Qian Qian is gentle and obedient. She wouldn't hurt a fly."

"Because she lets others do her dirty work," Xiao Xiao snapped.

Feng Zheng stood, pointing a trembling finger at her. "I've had enough of your jealousy. Your grandfather is only encouraging your tantrums. You're bringing shame to this family."

Xiao Xiao laughed bitterly. "No, Father. You did that when you chose your mistress over your wife. When you turned your back on your daughter and treated her like an enemy."

He glared at her, but she had already turned to leave.

At the door, she paused.

"I won't ask you to believe me. I no longer care for your approval." Her voice dropped to a sharp whisper. "But if you allow them to lay a finger on Chen'er again—I won't spare you."

Then she walked out, shoulders straight, heart steady.

She didn't cry. Not anymore.

Let them call her cold.

She had fire in her now.

And nothing burns cleaner than vengeance.