In a luxurious private lounge nestled in the heart of the city, the laughter was sweet—too sweet.
Feng Qian twirled her wine glass lazily, her lips painted in a soft cherry red that contrasted her angelic face. Anyone looking from afar would think she was the picture of grace and charm.
But beneath that smile, her heart was ice.
"She still thinks Feng Ju loves her," she said, laughing softly as she looked toward the man sitting beside her.
Feng Ju smirked, lounging on the velvet sofa, a cigarette between his fingers. "Xiao Xiao has always been stupid. She's just a pretty puppet. Easily controlled."
"She's not even that pretty," Feng Qian snapped, her smile faltering for just a second. "It's only because Grandfather dotes on her. But once she's out of the way, everything in the Feng family will belong to us."
Feng Ju shrugged. "She'll be out of the way soon enough. I've already planted the idea that I'm the only one who truly loves her. She trusts me more than anyone."
"She did," Feng Qian corrected, her eyes narrowing. "But something's off lately. I heard from Mother that Xiao Xiao's been quiet. Calm. Not her usual bratty self."
A flicker of irritation crossed Feng Ju's face. "She's probably sulking because Grandfather forced her to see that cold-blooded Li Yan again."
"Li Yan…" Feng Qian's brows furrowed. "That man gives me chills. We can't let her get close to him. If she clings to him, we'll never be able to control her."
"She won't. She's always hated him." Feng Ju waved it off. "I'll keep her distracted. Get her emotional, remind her of the 'love' we shared."
Feng Qian's eyes gleamed, but there was venom behind her smile. "You'd better. Because once Grandfather announces the will, I want everything—Xiao Xiao's inheritance, her reputation, even her younger brother out of the way."
"You still think the boy's a threat?" Feng Ju asked.
"Of course he is. He's Grandfather's weakness. And if she finds out the truth about what we did last time..."
"She won't." Feng Ju leaned forward, voice low and dangerous. "Not in this life."
Feng Qian raised her glass. "To beautiful lies and quiet poison."
Their glasses clinked, sealing their wicked promise.
But what neither of them knew was—
Feng Xiao Xiao was no longer the naive little fool they once played like a puppet.