Chapter 71: Three Women, Eight Hundred Schemes

Bang!

Ye Yingtang slammed his hand fiercely against the dining table, his tone irritable as he barked, “Get out! You can’t even serve the guests properly. Who arranged this?”

The servant was so frightened she fell to her knees, kowtowing and begging for forgiveness. “Master Ye, I didn’t mean it. I only wanted to serve Miss Lu some more dishes, but then Miss Lu asked for wine, so I…”

“Dad, calm down. Auntie didn’t mean any harm,” Ye Hua chimed in to help.

Ye Zehong glanced at the servant kneeling on the floor, then at Ye Hua, his eyes darkening, his voice cold enough to freeze bone as he said quietly, “Madam Yang, is this the highly trained senior maid you so carefully cultivated?”

“Second Master, please don’t blame Madame. It’s all my fault,” the servant said, her eyes red, apologizing to Lu Yao, “Miss Lu, I’m truly sorry. Let me wipe it for you.”

The servant again picked up a napkin, intending to wipe the wine stains from Lu Yao’s clothes.

Lu Yao was dressed in a pale professional outfit; with the servant’s wiping, the stain only grew larger.

Her clothes were ruined.

Ye Yingtang grew angrier the more he watched, throwing down his chopsticks with a low roar, “Is that getting it clean?”

The servant immediately withdrew her hands, trembling in fear, not daring to lift her head.

Yang Lan, seeing the moment was right, stood up slowly, her manner gentle and refined. “Darling, calm down. Xiao Qing has only been here two months—she’s not yet deft. I’ll arrange for her to weed the backyard instead.”

She then turned to Lu Yao with a polite smile. “Miss Lu, I’m so sorry! Your clothes have been soiled. Coincidentally, I just had a pale green qipao tailor-made today by Master Wei; it would suit you perfectly. Please come with me and change into it.”

As she listened to Yang Lan’s words, Lu Yao understood instantly.

The spilled wine was no accident—it had been orchestrated.

The aim was to embarrass her in front of everyone.

No doubt, the pale green qipao was also prepared especially for her.

She lifted a gentle smile and politely declined, “Madam Ye, you’re too kind. I’ve worn these clothes for years and intended to retire them soon. I’ll handle it myself in the washroom and won’t trouble you further.”

“This…” Yang Lan hadn’t expected Lu Yao to refuse.

Who would continue visiting in stained clothing?

Instinctively, she glanced at Ye Hua, who could offer no solution.

Qiao Wan’er had been watching Lu Yao’s every move since Ye Zehong suddenly stood up.

She rose, speaking softly, “Attorney Lu, let me accompany you to the washroom.”

As she spoke, she had already moved to Lu Yao’s side, appearing thoughtful and considerate.

Lu Yao was slightly startled…

With a vague unease, she followed Qiao Wan’er to the washroom.

No sooner had they entered than Qiao Wan’er raised her hand and swung it fiercely at Lu Yao’s face.

Lu Yao was prepared, intercepting Qiao Wan’er’s wrist midair.

Qiao Wan’er was astonished, her gaze no longer gentle but cold and vicious as she glared at Lu Yao. “How dare you defy me!”

Lu Yao’s expression remained indifferent. “Miss Qiao, this is a society ruled by law. Whether you have power or noble birth, you cannot do as you please.”

“Today I’ve decided to deal with you. What can you do to stop me?” Qiao Wan’er raged at Lu Yao, struggling to free her hand, intent on attacking her.

Lu Yao’s grip was much stronger. During their struggle, Qiao Wan’er lost her balance and stumbled into the wall.

She feigned panic, hands gently cradling her belly, her voice low and angry. “Lu Yao, you dare push me? I’m carrying Zehong’s child—if anything happens, you won’t be able to pay for it!”

Carrying Zehong’s child?

Lu Yao froze where she stood.

Her eyes locked onto Qiao Wan’er’s belly, her heart plunging into an icy abyss.