The voice on the other end of the phone froze Lin Wanning's fingertips.
She stood there, phone in hand, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"Wanning, it's me, Fu Jingchen."
It was the man who once promised "I'll never let you down," but turned away from her at her most desperate moment, running into the arms of her best friend.
"How… do you have my new number?" Her voice was almost as cold as ice.
"I've been keeping track of you," Fu Jingchen's voice was low, tinged with suppressed regret. "I saw the news… You really… married?"
Lin Wanning's throat tightened, but she forced a cold laugh. "Didn't you say I wasn't worthy of stepping into the Fu family's door? Now you're concerned? Want to stir up some buzz for your white lotus fiancée?"
There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, as if she had hit a sore spot.
"Wanning, there was a misunderstanding back then…"
"No need to say anything," she interrupted, her tone frigid. "The day you chose my best friend over me, I buried you."
"But I… never forgot you."
Those words pierced her heart like a sharp sword, but she only smiled bitterly, a mocking and determined smile.
"Fu Jingchen, it's too late."
With a sharp snap, she hung up the phone.
She leaned back against the sofa, her heart pounding wildly, but she reminded herself—she could not be weak.
At that moment, Shen Sihan walked in through the foyer.
He had changed into a dark grey casual suit, understated yet cold, looking like he had just finished some business, with a lingering trace of exhaustion between his brows.
"Who was on the phone?" he asked, his tone neither fast nor slow.
Lin Wanning hesitated but said, "Fu Jingchen."
Shen Sihan's movements paused slightly, his gaze darkening, and his voice grew cold. "What did he want?"
"To check on me," she answered flatly, her tone laced with a hint of provocation. "What's wrong? Is President Shen jealous?"
Shen Sihan didn't answer right away. He simply locked eyes with her.
The air between them felt taut, like a stretched string ready to snap at any moment.
"I'll remind you," he spoke slowly, his voice cold as ice, "since you've chosen this marriage, don't dwell on past men."
"I just answered a phone call," she lifted her gaze, her eyes unyielding.
"You don't need to say a word to someone like him," he said, his voice low and pressing, "He abandoned you back then, and now that he sees you as Mrs. Shen, he's crawling back. He doesn't deserve to speak your name."
Lin Wanning froze.
She had thought this contract husband would remain indifferent, but to her surprise, he seemed even more angered than she was.
"Is this you… standing up for me?" she asked softly, almost as a test.
Shen Sihan lowered his gaze to her, his voice nearly a growl. "No, I'm standing up for myself."
"You're my wife, even if it's just a fake one. I won't allow an ex to disturb you."
Lin Wanning's gaze flickered, a ripple of emotion passing through her, but she didn't forget this was a contract marriage.
No matter how sweet his words were, once the year was up, he'd leave, just like he promised.
"Don't worry," she smiled slightly. "I have no interest in recycling trash."
Shen Sihan stared at her for a long moment, before snorting coldly. "Better stay that way."
Just as the atmosphere began to ease, Lin Wanning's phone rang again.
This time, it was a text message from an unfamiliar number:
[Wanning, the Fu family is hosting a brand launch cocktail party the day after tomorrow. Will you be there? I'd like to see you in person. — Gu Zhiqing]
Gu Zhiqing, Fu Jingchen's current fiancée, once Lin Wanning's closest friend, now the most beautiful face among her enemies.
Lin Wanning scoffed.
So it's this couple again?
Her eyes grew cold as she suddenly looked up at Shen Sihan. "The day after tomorrow, I want to attend a cocktail party."
Shen Sihan raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to accompany you?"
She smiled faintly. "No need, but you'll have to make sure I make a grand entrance."
Shen Sihan studied her, his eyes revealing a deeper meaning.
"What are you planning to do?"
Her voice was cold, yet firm: "I want that pair of betrayers to see—without them, I'm doing even better. I want everyone to know, Lin Wanning is no longer the woman who can be trampled on."
Shen Sihan nodded and turned to head toward his study. Before he left, he spoke quietly:
"Starting tomorrow, a stylist, speech consultant, etiquette coach, and image team will all be at your service."
"I'll make sure you shine at the party."
Lin Wanning watched his retreating figure, a slow smile tugging at her lips.
From now on, she was no longer the humble, weeping Lin Wanning.
She was—Mrs. Shen of the high society, a queen reborn through revenge.