Beginning of the storm

I had never realized what this freak show with my official introduction was all about until it was after dinner, and all those businessmen came to talk to me. It was all about recognition, and that meant power. My husband was always around, observing my expression and making sure I was safe, but he didn't interfere. I was no longer just Aren Lan's wife—I was Cora Bell Lan, an independent woman with business ideas of her own.

I was casually describing details of the security software I'd created, and those people listened to me with interest. I collected the business cards of American, Chinese, and Japanese investors, hearing that they would gladly become my business partners. It felt surreal. Of course, they believed whatever I said mainly because Lan Jing's compliments placed a huge "capable" sign on my forehead, but they weren't completely blinded by that. It was more like they were giving me the benefit of the doubt, but it was more than enough for me. For the first time in my life