Chapter 18 — Reborn to Love the Perfect One

Three days before the annual shareholders' meeting officially took place, Bách Nam suddenly came to Ánh Vy's private office late one afternoon, when most of the employees had left. His face no longer maintained the fake calm appearance as usual, instead there was a clear tension and recklessness.

"Miss Ánh Vy, I need to talk to you," he said, his tone was harsh on every word, closing the door behind him.

"What do you want to say?" Ánh Vy asked, remaining calm even though she had vaguely guessed the purpose of this unusual meeting.

"I know you and Dịch Phong are secretly investigating me along with Ý Nhi and uncle Bảo Long," Bách Nam spoke frankly, no longer beating around the bush like before. "I also know that you have feelings for him. But do you know who he really is?"

"I know," Ánh Vy replied, her tone was so calm that it made Bách Nam stunned for a moment.

"You know?" He frowned, somewhat surprised by this reaction. "So do you know, if news about his true identity was announced to all shareholders, along with the story that he was a spy planted by Aries to collect internal information, what would happen? Not only would his honor be ruined, but your reputation, who was secretly close to a corporate spy, would also be completely buried."

"Are you threatening me?" Ánh Vy asked, her eyes coldly looking straight at Bách Nam.

"I don't want to do that, Ánh Vy," Bách Nam replied, his tone softened a bit but was still full of calculation. "I just want to propose a deal. You immediately stop investigating me and Uncle Bảo Long, and let me have full authority to manage the shares in the trust fund as previously proposed. In exchange, I will ensure that no information about Dịch Phong's identity is revealed."

Ánh Vy looked at him, an indescribable disappointment rising in her heart. This was the Chu Bách Nam that she had devoted her life to raising, now standing in front of her, using the most despicable tricks to threaten her for personal gain.

"Bách Nam, do you know what you are doing?" She asked, her voice unable to hide her pain. "For so many years, I have treated you like my own younger brother, giving you everything I could give. But now, you use that same trust to turn around and threaten me?"

"I don't want that, Ms. Ánh Vy," Bách Nam replied, his tone wavered slightly, but quickly regained his tough look. "But I have no other choice. I'm deeply in debt, and I need a chance to stand on my own two feet, not have to forever live in the shadow of your pity."

"This is not pity, Bách Nam. This is true sisterly love," Ánh Vy replied, her tone firm. "But I won't accept your deal. I won't let you continue to take advantage of everyone's trust to hide your own mistakes and sins."

"Then don't blame me for being cruel," Bách Nam said, his tone became cold. "At the upcoming shareholders' meeting, you will regret refusing this proposal."

He turned and left, leaving Ánh Vy standing silently in the office, her heart heavy with many mixed emotions. Even though she knew this outcome would happen, witnessing the complete corruption of the person she once considered her younger brother still made her heart ache.

Immediately afterwards, she called Dịch Phong and recounted the entire conversation that had just happened. He listened in silence, then responded in a surprisingly calm tone. "I foresaw that this situation could happen. Don't worry, I'm mentally prepared to face having my identity made public."

"But if they make up the story of corporate espionage, things will be much more complicated," Ánh Vy said, her tone full of worry for him.

"Therefore, I think it's time for me to proactively contact my father in advance, asking him to be prepared to publicly confirm my true purpose in working at Vệ Thịnh, if necessary," Dịch Phong replied, his tone decisive. "We will not give them the opportunity to shape the narrative in their favor."

"Thank you, Dịch Phong," Ánh Vy said, her tone softened. "I'm really grateful that you're always willing to face everything with me."

"We've come this far together, there's no reason for me to step back," he replied, his tone was warm. "There are only three more days left, Ánh Vy. Keep your spirits up, we have prepared as fully as possible."

That night, Ánh Vy stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, looking into her own steadfast eyes. She remembered the feeling of extreme helplessness in her previous life, when she stood before the fateful ceremony without any preparation. This time, everything was different. She is ready, not only to protect herself, but to protect those she loves, and to rewrite the entire outcome of her life story.

At the same time, at the Bạch Dương family's private villa, Dịch Phong sat opposite his father, recounting the entire story of Bách Nam's threat. Bạchấn Vũ listened with an increasingly serious face.

"Have you decided to reveal your identity at the shareholders' meeting?" He asked, his eyes examining his son.

"Yes, father. I think this is the most suitable time," Dịch Phong replied, his tone decisive. "If I proactively announce the truth with full context, instead of letting them make up the story of corporate espionage, I believe everyone will clearly understand my true purpose when working at Vệ Thịnh."

"Dad will be present at that shareholders meeting," Bạchấn Vũ said with a determined tone. "I will personally confirm before everyone that you work at Vệ Thịnh purely for your own desire to be independent, without any information gathering or acquisition purposes from Bạch Dương's side. I will also publicly express my trust and support for Vệ Thịnh Group, to completely quell any doubts that may arise."

"Thank you, father," Dịch Phong spoke with a rare emotional tone. "I know, this decision may affect the discreet image that our family has always maintained, but I really need your support at this time."

"You are my son, protecting you and those you care about is always my top priority," Bạchấn Vũ replied, patting his son's shoulder confidently. "Furthermore, from what you told me, I am also very impressed with the bravery of that girl named Ánh Vy. A person who dares to face the betrayal plot head-on without flinching, deserves our support."

Meanwhile, Gia Hạnh was also present at the Ve villa that night, staying with Ánh Vy until late to calm her friend's spirit after the tense confrontation with Bách Nam that afternoon.

"Don't worry too much, Ánh Vy," Gia Hạnh said, holding your hand tightly. "You have prepared more carefully than anyone. No matter what tricks Bách Nam and Ý Nhi pull, I believe you and Mr. Dịch Phong will be strong enough to deal with it."

"I just worry more about Dịch Phong," Ánh Vy replied, her tone low. "Disclosing your identity in front of all shareholders and the media is not easy, especially in a forced situation like this."

"But he doesn't have to face it alone," Gia Hạnh said, smiling encouragingly. "He has you, and you have him. You two will get through it together." Ánh Vy nodded, her eyes looked out the window at the quiet night sky, silently praying that everything would go smoothly, so that she and Dịch Phong could walk through this storm together, towards a brighter future that they both deserved.

After Gia Hạnh left, Ánh Vy sat alone in the living room, flipping through each page in the notebook she had written for many months. From the first notes about the change in Bách Nam's attitude, to the details about Kiều Ý Nhi, about the money Tưởng Bảo Long received, all had now been put together into a complete picture, ready to be exposed to the light. She closed the notebook, took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the next three days, the days that would determine her entire future, that of the company, and that of the man she loved. Outside, the moonlight still quietly illuminates the villa garden, as a reminder that, no matter how big the storm, dawn was always waiting at the end of the road.