Volume One, Chapter 22: Return the Necklace I Gave Her! Or I'll Call the Police.

“Why don’t you sleep in the second bedroom? It could harm the baby.” Jiang Yunxiao held her pregnant belly protectively, her whole body tense.

Duan Yixiao soothed her softly, “I’ll be careful.”

“No, the doctor said there are risks in the late stages of pregnancy.” Jiang Yunxiao gathered strength and pulled away from him. She quickly put distance between them, as if she wanted to erect an invisible barrier.

She suspected that Duan Yixiao was seriously unwell. He had moved to the second bedroom to avoid her, going to great lengths. Now that she had come to terms with his betrayal, he still insisted on getting close.

Perhaps she resisted too obviously. Duan Yixiao’s gaze darkened as he looked at her, filled with a hint of scrutiny and appraisal. Jiang Yunxiao’s attitude forced him to suspect she was on guard. Maybe she overheard the conversation in the study that day?

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked cautiously, his hawk-like eyes fixed on her, trying to catch every subtle expression.

Seeing his expression, Jiang Yunxiao knew he was playing mind games.

She stepped back a few inches, leaning against the headboard, and calmly tucked her hair behind her ears. “What do you think is wrong with me?” she asked straightforwardly, looking him squarely in the eyes with justified boldness, a faint teasing smile playing on her lips.

Her gaze was so open, like a spotlight illuminating the dark corners of his heart. Duan Yixiao lost the battle within seconds and averted his eyes.

“I… I have indeed been neglecting you lately.”

“We both know why. Just because I don’t say it doesn’t mean I’m unaware. That diamond necklace you wore to the auction—I want to see it, with the box, by tomorrow, or I’ll report it to the police.” Jiang Yunxiao now held many “bombs” in her hands; casually dropping one could throw Duan Yixiao into chaos.

“You…” He hadn’t expected her to bring this up so suddenly, and his expression grew flustered.

“I don’t know when you became so generous, giving away something worth five million just like that. Back when you were starting out and struggling, you wouldn’t even spend five yuan on instant noodles.”

Back then, Duan Yixiao had not appeared as confident and vigorous as he seemed now. Labeled an illegitimate child, he grew up with his mother in the countryside under the scrutiny and gossip of others, fostering deep insecurities. So he worked relentlessly to prove himself, whether in studies or work, always pushing himself hard.

Eventually, the saying “the harder you work, the luckier you get” came true for him.

As his career prospered, he gradually became someone others praised. When the name Duan Yixiao became synonymous with “success,” he finally tasted the sweetness of achievement and basked in the admiration it brought.

Perhaps he lost his way somewhere along the line.

Jiang Yunxiao’s words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, dousing him back to reality. His expression crumbled.

He knew Jiang Yunxiao was serious. If she didn’t see that diamond necklace by tomorrow, she would follow through on reporting it.

At that moment, Duan Yixiao’s phone rang. It was his.

Like a man saved by divine intervention, he fled in haste.

“Where are you now? I’ll come find you.”

Jiang Yunxiao watched him leave the room and disappear from her sight, a faint smile slowly curling on her lips.

No need to guess who was calling Duan Yixiao at this hour.

Chen Nianke finally did something good—an ally indeed!

Listening to the engine roaring downstairs, Jiang Yunxiao got up, locked the door, turned off the lights, and went to sleep.

She still had a big performance to prepare for Duan Yixiao tomorrow and needed to conserve her strength.

Duan Yixiao hurried to the Aurora Club.

Chen Nianke took his advice and abandoned the stubborn pursuit of Jade Plaza, setting her sights on Zhuocan New World instead.

But Zhuocan New World was no place for just any business; their entry requirements demanded a certain level of fame and a distinctive brand attitude.

Clearly, Chen Nianke hadn’t met their standards yet, so there was still work to be done behind the scenes.

Fortunately, the folks at Zhuocan New World were more approachable, and with Chen Nianke’s tens of thousands of fans on social media as an original brand designer, the deal was nearly sealed.

She had summoned Duan Yixiao so late, of course, to flaunt her success in front of Jiang Yunxiao and sow discord in their marriage.

“Are you okay?” Duan Yixiao saw Chen Nianke smiling sweetly at the entrance, bidding farewell to the group as soon as he got out of the car.

“Ah, Yixiao, you’re here!” Chen Nianke waved at him drunkenly, her smile even brighter.

No one knew how much she’d drunk; she swayed unsteadily, barely able to stand, and eventually collapsed into Duan Yixiao’s arms.

He caught her, frowning slightly, “How much did you drink? You know you shouldn’t drink too much.” He reproached her gently.

Chen Nianke obediently shook her head, but her face nuzzled against his chest like a little pet seeking favor. “Not much. I’m just so happy. I’m about to start decorating the store. Thank you, Yixiao.” She spoke excitedly, eager to share her joy.

“Thank me for what? You negotiated it yourself.” Duan Yixiao was happy for her.

“If not for your advice, I’d probably still be stuck in a rut.” Chen Nianke replied considerately, always seeming to appreciate his help.

“Then I look forward to the big designer Chen creating a hit product. Wishing your sales soar.” Duan Yixiao wished her well.

“I’ll send you an invitation on opening day. You must come!” Chen Nianke invited him in advance.

“No problem. What kind of opening gift would you like?” Duan Yixiao asked carefully, looking for the right moment to mention the diamond necklace.

“I’ll have to think about that.” Chen Nianke’s joy was unmistakable.

It was the dead of winter, late at night, the cold biting.

Having drunk and caught a chill, Chen Nianke shivered involuntarily in Duan Yixiao’s arms.

“Cold? I’ll take you home.”

Just as he was about to hold her and leave, a familiar voice sounded before them. “President Duan, who is this?”

Duan Yixiao didn’t expect to see Fu Jingzhou here. He greeted politely, “Captain Fu, what a coincidence.”

“Quite the coincidence. With the New Year approaching, we’re busy with patrols and control work, can’t even get home. Unlike President Duan, lucky enough to be out enjoying himself in the middle of the night. I heard from Shen Shen that President Jiang is about to give birth and is having a tough time every day. Shen Shen is really worried.” Fu Jingzhou’s tone seemed casual, devoid of emotion.

But upon closer inspection, each word was a trap.

First, they were not the same; Fu Jingzhou was here working late, while Duan Yixiao, with a beauty in his arms, was clearly up to no good.

Second, Jiang Yunxiao was about to give birth. As her close friend, Lu Shen Shen was deeply concerned, yet Duan Yixiao, her husband, was not at home caring for her but instead out flirting—truly a disgrace to men everywhere.