Fu Jingshu's expression turned grim, the ink in his eyes deepening.
Why had he never heard that Shen Yaoyao had a sister?
Shen Yaoyao froze, her face deathly pale.
Shen Zhizhong, arriving late, held a wine glass, his face a mask of shock. "Shen Qingqing? How... did you come back?!"
This was her father, whom she hadn't seen in five years.
It was evident that Shen Zhizhong had spent a long time preparing for today, donning a tight-fitting tuxedo. His bulging beer belly looked like a ball, suggesting he greatly valued this engagement banquet.
Indeed, being able to tie oneself to a prominent family like the Fu family was an honor that a small household like the Shen family could only dream of.
Shen Qingqing narrowed her eyes, brushing past Fu Jingshu. A wisp of her black hair grazed Fu Jingshu's fingertips, accompanied by a faint, exotic fragrance.
Fu Jingshu lost himself for a moment, looking at his fingertips. The mystery in his heart grew even larger.
Strange, why did he have no reaction to this woman's touch?
Had his allergy finally healed?
Noticing Fu Jingshu's distraction, Shen Yaoyao's heart churned with jealousy. Her eyes flickered, and she plastered on a fawning smile.
"Sister! You're alive? That's wonderful!"
"Five years ago, Father wasn't intentionally cruel to abandon you; it was just that you were pregnant before marriage... your reputation was truly terrible. After all these years, you shouldn't still resent Father!"
"Since you're back, why not join us for a toast to celebrate?"
As she spoke, Shen Yaoyao leaned coyly towards Fu Jingshu. "This is my fiancé, Fu Jingshu."
Fu Jingshu, however, frowned and deliberately avoided her approach.
Shen Qingqing couldn't be bothered to play the sisterly affection act with her, especially since she had no good impression of this man. "No need for a celebratory drink. I've returned this time simply to reclaim something."
Hearing this, Shen Zhizhong's heart skipped a beat.
"Before my mother passed away, she left me an inheritance worth thirty million, in the form of shares in the Shen Group. Since Father abandoned me in the wilderness five years ago and left me to fend for myself, that severed our father-daughter relationship. So, Father, when do you plan on returning the thirty million inheritance to me?"
Shen Qingqing's voice was icy, her gaze like a venomous scorpion fixed on the father and daughter before her.
Instantly, the two broke out in a cold sweat.
Shen Yaoyao gritted her teeth, her fingernails digging into her palms.
That thirty million had been squandered over the years, leaving not a single penny. Where would she find the money to return it to this wretched woman?
But her mother was currently on vacation abroad and hadn't been able to return. This situation had clearly spiraled out of her control. What should she do?
Shen Zhizhong composed himself and deliberately put on a fierce, menacing expression.
"You still have the nerve to bring it up? Five years ago, when you were pregnant before marriage and disgraced my Shen family's name, did you think about our father-daughter relationship? I abandoned you because you were an indiscreet hussy! You're now shamelessly trying to extort me, Shen Qingqing! I, Shen Zhizhong, have no daughter like you! Get out of here immediately!"
Fu Jingshu's gaze towards Shen Qingqing became more probing.
This woman seemed to have a terrible reputation...
Yet, for some reason, he felt that things were not as simple as they appeared.
Seeing that Shen Zhizhong was unmoved, Shen Qingqing lost her patience. She stepped forward and whispered into his ear—
"Father, I hear that my sister's fiancé is the renowned Master Fu of City A? I believe you wouldn't want to lose this golden son-in-law, would you?"
"If you insist on not returning what belongs to me, I'll have to conduct an experiment. I'll test if the love between Master Fu and my sister is stronger than gold..."
"Indulging a mistress in murdering his wife, allowing an illegitimate daughter to harm his own blood, shamelessly swallowing a huge inheritance—if all these deeds come to light for this god of wealth standing before you, do you think Shen Yaoyao can still smoothly marry into the Fu family? Will the Fu family still form an alliance with such a despicable family as yours?"
Shen Qingqing's voice was quiet, but Shen Zhizhong, upon hearing her words, felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine, his face draining of color.
Of course, he didn't want that!
Aligning with the Fu family meant gaining access to half of City A's resources. The Shen family's rise to prosperity was within sight!
He absolutely couldn't let this brat ruin it!
Thinking this, Shen Zhizhong's expression shifted as if he were putting on a smile. "What are you saying... I've considered it carefully. This is something your mother left for you, and I naturally cannot keep it. Don't worry, I'll keep this money safe for you for now. When you get married, it will be returned to you with great fanfare as your dowry!"
"I don't have that much patience. If I don't see the money within three days, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Shen Qingqing frowned impatiently, issuing her final ultimatum.
Fu Jingshu gazed at Shen Qingqing with an inquisitive look, feeling that she was even more decisive and resolute than her previous prickly demeanor.
This woman was becoming increasingly inscrutable.
As he was contemplating, Lin Mo rushed over. Upon seeing Shen Qingqing, his expression immediately changed—
"Guards! Quickly seize this woman!!"
Before everyone could react, several bodyguards surrounded Shen Qingqing.
"Master Fu! It's this woman! Just now, our men investigated her route, and it perfectly coincides with the surveillance route from when the young master went missing! It's highly probable that this woman abducted the young master!"
Lin Mo pointed at Shen Qingqing indignantly, gritting his teeth.
Suddenly, Fu Jingshu's face darkened, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
"Miss Shen, aren't you going to give me an explanation?! Where exactly did you take my son?"
Shen Yaoyao was also stunned, but it was quickly replaced by ecstatic joy.
She hadn't expected Shen Qingqing to take such a huge burden off her shoulders the moment she returned. It was truly effortless!
In a fleeting moment, Shen Yaoyao began to shed tears, her acting skills so superb they were breathtaking. "Sister, how could you do this to Chenchen? Even if you hate me, the child is innocent!"
Shen Zhizhong's face also changed. "Shen Qingqing! You beast! How could you not spare such a young child as Chenchen! If you have any grievances, take them out on me. What kind of ability is it to harm a child?!"
Shen Qingqing felt a headache coming on. What nonsense were these people spouting?
"What Chenchen? I don't know him! What? You don't want to return my shares, so you're pinning a trumped-up charge on me?" Shen Qingqing sneered. "The renowned Fu family of City A is nothing more than this!"
Fu Jingshu's expression turned as cold as frost, his voice chilling. "Miss Shen, I advise you to tell the truth. You'll regret it if you dare to touch my son, Fu Jingshu!"
Son?
The Chenchen they were referring to was Shen Yaoyao's child with this Master Fu?
Upon thinking of this, a deeper hatred flickered in Shen Qingqing's eyes.
Their child merely went missing, and she was being threatened and interrogated. But what about her child five years ago?
Her child was murdered by Shen Yaoyao with her own hands! Yet, no one avenged him!
Why should this murderer live a life of comfort and luxury, married to such an influential figure, while Shen Qingqing's child had to suffer from illness and live in perpetual torment?
Why?!
"I'll say it again, I don't know your son!" Shen Qingqing said, neither subservient nor overbearing, her tone indifferent.