Chapter 68: Jealousy

Ye Group President’s Office.

Lu Yao pushed the door open and entered, immediately meeting the smiling face of Ye Hua. Her hand froze on the door handle.

Ye Hua gazed at Lu Yao, her smile unwavering. “Attorney Lu, just a few days apart, and now even an ordinary lawyer like you has become our Ye Group’s new legal representative. It seems you’re quite adept—earning my father’s trust so quickly.”

Lu Yao averted her eyes, scanning the office. She saw no one else present.

She took a few steps forward, feigning ignorance with a smile. “Miss Ye, I don’t quite understand what you mean by ‘methods.’”

Ye Hua’s smile deepened, yet her expression remained inscrutable. “Just a joke. Surely Attorney Lu won’t take it seriously?”

Lu Yao merely smiled.

Whether it was truly a joke, only Ye Hua knew in her heart.

At this moment, Lu Yao’s resolve grew firmer. Only by truly becoming a part of Ye Group could she get close to Yang Lan and Ye Hua—and only then could she draw nearer to the truth of what happened all those years ago.

“Lu Yao, why are you standing there? Come in and sit.”

Ye Ying Tang’s gaze was gentle as he looked at Lu Yao, personally inviting her to take a seat in the reception area. He brewed a cup of coffee himself and placed it before her.

Yang Lan followed behind, staring in astonishment at the scene. Her expression quickly returned to its composed elegance, her eyes coldly sizing up Lu Yao, disdain flickering in their depths.

She forced a smile and said, “Attorney Lu, thanks to your help last time, the memorial for the old master went smoothly. I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you yet. If you don’t have other plans this evening, how about joining us for a simple family meal?”

Lu Yao smiled coldly to herself.

Was it truly a family meal, or a trap?

“Nonsense. The Ye family has never served guests plain fare,” Ye Ying Tang said, his expression displeased as he shot Yang Lan a look. Then he turned back to Lu Yao with a cheerful smile. “You helped me solve such a big problem—we must celebrate properly.”

“Mr. Ye, you flatter me. I was only doing my duty,” Lu Yao replied, taking a deep breath and sensing Yang Lan’s dissatisfaction toward her.

Yang Lan seemed to harbor some misunderstanding about her relationship with Ye Ying Tang.

“Silly girl, you mustn’t refuse me,” Ye Ying Tang said with affectionate warmth.

“Mr. Ye, really, there’s no need—”

Ye Ying Tang gave her no chance to refuse, turning to Yang Lan with a direct order. “Have the kitchen prepare a proper meal—treat tonight as a banquet for an honored guest. I want to host Lu Yao for dinner, and no one is to be absent.”

Yang Lan stiffened, forcing another smile as she replied, “Very well, I’ll make the arrangements.”

Ye Hua watched Yang Lan’s composed face. Though Yang Lan hid it well, the anger in her eyes did not escape Ye Hua’s notice.

Ye Hua snorted inwardly, but her face was adorned with a gentle, considerate smile as she affectionately took Ye Ying Tang’s arm. “Father, you’re suddenly so fond of young Attorney Lu—have you forgotten your precious daughter? I’m starting to feel jealous.”

Ye Ying Tang withdrew his gaze from Lu Yao, looking at Ye Hua’s smiling face as he replied slowly, “I’d like to make Lu Yao my goddaughter, but I don’t know if she’d be willing.”

At these words, Yang Lan, Ye Hua, and Lu Yao were all stunned.

“Husband, what kind of joke is that?”

“Yes, Father, your joke has frightened Attorney Lu.”

At this moment, both Yang Lan and Ye Hua wore smiles, but their eyes held no mirth—only a cold, ruthless glare.

Lu Yao’s heart was in turmoil, utterly unprepared for this.

She glanced helplessly toward the doorway, hoping someone would arrive to rescue her from the awkward atmosphere.

Suddenly, a familiar, tall, and striking figure appeared at the entrance.