Chapter 18 — One Card, Exposing the Whole Family

Time is truly the gentlest medicine. In the blink of an eye, two years have passed. I didn't travel around the world like I thought I would, but used that money to start my own venture capital company. I named it “Departure”. A very simple name, but the beginning of a whole new life. My brother gave me advice, my father gave me space, and I... flew on my own. Two years, three successful major projects. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, new energy. Every step is precise, every decision brings profit. The name "Tu Nhuoc Nhien" gradually became a golden sign in the investment world. No longer "someone's daughter". But the person in charge of an empire that is growing day by day. I'm busy, but live a real life. Cut your hair short, wear a suit, fly back and forth between financial centers, talk in numbers and vision. Stronger. More independence. And also more free than ever. As for the Ly family... I never looked back. They were just a stain accidentally stuck on my shoe, I had already walked over it. One day, I went to a newly opened restaurant to welcome guests from Silicon Valley. Luxurious space, warm lights, everything is perfect. I stood up and walked towards the bathroom, and then… We almost bumped into each other. A female waitress, wearing a loose uniform, walked quickly, the smell of cheap laundry detergent mixed with kitchen smoke wafting by. I looked at her for a second. Just one second. But enough to notice. She also recognized me. The body stiffened, the face turned pale, the eyes were a mixture of shame, fear and resentment. The tray in my hand shook, almost spilling the entire bowl of soup. I said nothing. Just nodded slightly. Then walk away. No pressure. No revenge. Unnecessary. Two years ago, she wanted a BMW to prove her worth. Two years later, she stands here, trading every meager salary to survive. Life is sometimes cruel, but also very fair. When I returned to the table, everything was still the same. Laughter, glasses of wine, billion-dollar deals. As if that moment... never existed. At the end of the evening, I went to the car. My brother was waiting. I leaned back in my chair, looking at the glowing city outside.

“You know…”

“I just met Ly Manh.”

My brother's hands gently squeezed the steering wheel, his voice lowered.

“It makes it difficult for you?”

I shook my head, my voice as light as a breeze.

“No, she's a waitress at that restaurant.”

He was silent for a moment, then snorted softly.

“Deserve it.”

I won't say more. Yes, worth it. The path is their own choice, no one forces them. When I got home, I showered, changed into soft pajamas, stood in front of the glass door looking down at the brightly lit city, my heart as calm as a rippleless lake. Accidentally scrolling through my phone, a financial news caught my eye, cold but decisive. 【Ly Thi design company went bankrupt half a year ago, legal entity Luu Mai was put on the bad faith list due to unpaid wages and supplier debt, restricting high-end consumption】 Turns out... that's the outcome. I turn off the screen. No joy, no pity. Just seeing things…as they should be. Whatever you sow, you reap. Every "gift" of fate has a price, and those who want to take a shortcut... will eventually be swallowed up by that path. In the spring of my third year, my company completed capital raising round A. The valuation surpassed the ten-digit figure. That night, Dad organized a small dinner at home, just the family, but warmer than any lavish party. Mom filled the table with my favorite dishes, my father opened a bottle of old wine, my brother gave me the latest Patek Philippe watch as a wish. The soft yellow light, their smiles... are more precious than any success out there. We raise our glasses.

“For Nhuoc Nhien, for Departure, congratulations!”

I smiled, clinked the glass, the red wine rippled like my current life, brilliant and profound. The brother was half joking.

"Your career is over, are you thinking about love now?"

“The talented guys pursuing me are lined up longer than the whole street.”

Mom also laughed.

“That's right, don't just know how to work, you should also love.”

I shook my head, my voice calm.

“No rush.”

“I really like my current life.”

After that marriage, I no longer believe in sweet words or the so-called "love at first sight". I believe in balance, companionship, and affection accumulated over time. Dad looked at me, picked up a piece of fish, his eyes softened.

“It's okay, just take your time.”

“My daughter deserves the best.”

“Before meeting that person, my father and brother were always here.”

I raised my glass, my eyes were a little hot.

“Dad, thank you.”

“If I didn't have the card that day... I probably wouldn't have children today.”

He laughed, shaking his head.

“Cards are just dead things.”

“The one who can stand up is you.”

“It is the alertness, determination and the character of not giving up in the child.”

“Dad just helps me see it.”

His words woke me up. True support... has never come from the outside. But it comes from yourself. That card was just a spark. It makes everything explode. Also makes me see myself. I'm no longer the girl who needs to be protected. I became my own advocate. Become the queen of your own life. That night, I stood alone on the balcony, the spring breeze passing by, as gentle as a light touch. Looking back on the past years, everything seems like a long dream. From sweetness to betrayal. From injury to counterattack. From brokenness... to brilliance. I don't hold grudges. No regrets either. All the pain, I turn into stairs. Step up higher. Look further. The names that once hurt me... are now just memories that no longer have any weight. They used their own greed to teach me the greatest lesson of my life. As for me... carry that lesson with me and move on. There may still be turbulence ahead. But this time, I don't need any cards as support. Because I... am the strongest support. My life, I decide. My world will always be brilliant.