Unexpected Second Chance at Love

Chapter 1034: A Woman’s Ambition

Much later, the bedroom had fallen quiet. The silk sheets were tangled once again.

Gui Ting Fei lay on his stomach, one arm tucked beneath his pillow. His breathing had gradually slowed.

Beside him, Ji Chu Hua stared at the ceiling. Her brown hair spread across the pillow.

Her expression was distant.

Despite the exhaustion weighing on her body, sleep refused to come.

Her thoughts kept returning to the same things.

The phone call.

The man’s arrogant commands.

The way he dismissed her without letting her respond.

Then her thoughts took a drastic turn.

Grandfather Ji.

Her lips tightened.

The old man was dying.

Only a handful of very close people knew his health was deteriorating.

And yet, even now, he continued treating her as though she were unworthy of carrying the Ji family name.

Her expression darkened.

She remembered the hospital.

The way he had ordered her away.

The disappointment in his eyes.

The coldness of his voice.

As though she were nothing more than an embarrassment.

Ji Chu Hua’s fingers curled against the sheets.

Then she thought of Yue Ling.

Her beautiful, infuriating cousin.

The woman who had returned to Imperial and effortlessly reclaimed everyone’s affection.

The woman who could stand before Grandfather Ji and receive the warmth Ji Chu Hua had spent years craving.

Even worse—

Yue Ling had never seemed particularly concerned by her threats.

No matter how Ji Chu Hua tried to provoke her, the woman responded with that same maddening indifference.

As though Ji Chu Hua wasn’t worth her time.

As though she were beneath her notice.

Ji Chu Hua’s jaw tightened.

’Who does she think she is?’

And then there was Lu Tian.

The thought of him sent another wave of bitterness through her.

His handsome face appeared in her mind.

Those dark eyes.

His broad shoulders.

The commanding presence that made people instinctively lower their voices when he entered a room.

The way he carried himself as though nothing in the world could threaten him.

Ji Chu Hua had wanted him from the moment she understood the extent of his power.

But it wasn’t merely his wealth that fascinated her.

It was his indifference.

His refusal to acknowledge her.

The way his eyes would pass over her without the slightest interest.

And the unbearable fact that the same man became almost unrecognizably gentle whenever Yue Ling appeared.

Ji Chu Hua’s expression twisted.

She remembered the hospital corridor.

Lu Tian stood beside Yue Ling.

His attention entirely devoted to her.

Ji Chu Hua might as well have been invisible.

The memory made her chest burn.

She slowly turned her head.

Gui Ting Fei lay beside her, his eyes closed.

She studied his face.

He was handsome. There was no denying that.

He came from a wealthy family.

He had connections.

Status.

Influence.

And he knew how to make himself charming when it suited him.

But compared to Lu Tian—

Ji Chu Hua’s lips curled.

’Not even close.’

Gui Ting Fei had inherited much of what he possessed.

He cared about appearances.

About enjoying himself.

About maintaining a lifestyle that required little personal sacrifice.

Lu Tian was different.

He commanded respect.

He inspired fear.

He possessed the kind of authority that couldn’t be purchased with family money alone.

And Ji Chu Hua wanted that power beside her.

No.

She wanted the man who possessed it.

Her eyes narrowed.

’If only he would look at me.’

She imagined Lu Tian standing beside her instead of Yue Ling.

His hand resting possessively at her waist.

His attention fixed on her.

His coldness reserved for everyone else.

The fantasy made her smile.

But reality quickly intruded.

Lu Tian loved Yue Ling.

And he had never given Ji Chu Hua the slightest reason to believe that would change.

Her smile disappeared.

Then—

A thought occurred to her.

Ji Chu Hua slowly turned toward Gui Ting Fei.

She studied him for several seconds.

A faint smile returned.

This time, it was different.

Calculating.

She shifted onto her side and gently traced her fingertips across his back.

"Babe."

Gui Ting Fei stirred.

"Hm?"

"Are you asleep?"

"Almost."

His voice was muffled against the pillow.

Ji Chu Hua smiled.

"Can I ask you something?"

He sighed.

"What?"

She continued lightly tracing his back.

"Do you think my cousin is pretty?"

Gui Ting Fei’s eyes opened. He turned his head.

"Which cousin?"

Ji Chu Hua’s smile widened.

"My cousin."

She paused deliberately.

"Han Yue Ling."

The name immediately caught his attention.

Gui Ting Fei lifted his head.

"Han Yue Ling?"

"Mm."

He stared at Ji Chu Hua. Then a faint smile appeared.

"Why are you asking?"

"Just curious."

She tilted her head.

"Do you?"

Gui Ting Fei considered the question.

Images of Yue Ling surfaced in his mind.

Her flawless features.

Her striking bluish-green eyes.

The elegant confidence that had made her one of the most sought-after models before her retirement.

He had seen countless beautiful women.

But Yue Ling was undeniably exceptional.

"Of course."

Ji Chu Hua’s smile remained perfectly intact.

"Of course?"

Gui Ting Fei chuckled.

"She’s beautiful."

He shifted onto his side.

"One of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen."

Ji Chu Hua felt something unpleasant twist inside her.

Her nails pressed lightly against his skin.

’Of course you’d think that.’

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

Instead, she gave him an indulgent smile.

"Really?"

Gui Ting Fei nodded.

"Why?"

Ji Chu Hua moved her hand to his cheek. Her fingertips slowly traced his jaw.

"Then..."

She leaned closer.

"What would you think about having her?"

Gui Ting Fei blinked.

For a moment, he thought he had misheard.

"What?"

Ji Chu Hua smiled.

"You heard me."

His brows drew together.

"You’re asking whether I’d want your cousin?"

"Mm-hmm."

He stared at her.

Then laughed.

"Babe, what kind of question is that?"

"Answer me."

Gui Ting Fei’s laughter faded. He studied her expression.

She looked perfectly serious.

After a moment, he shrugged.

"I wouldn’t mind."

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

Gui Ting Fei continued.

"I mean, look at her."

He gave a low chuckle.

"Who wouldn’t?"

His expression turned thoughtful.

"But there’s one problem."

Ji Chu Hua raised an eyebrow.

"Lu Tian?"

Gui Ting Fei nodded.

"Exactly."

He leaned back.

"Everyone knows they’re getting married."

His smile faded slightly.

"And I’m not stupid enough to openly pursue Lu Tian’s woman."

He might have been arrogant.

But he wasn’t entirely reckless.

Lu Tian’s reputation was well known.

The man had enough influence to destroy careers, companies, and entire families without ever raising his voice.

Gui Ting Fei had no intention of becoming one of his enemies.

Ji Chu Hua watched him carefully.

Then smiled.

"What if I told you there was a way?"

Gui Ting Fei frowned.

"A way?"

"To make Yue Ling yours."

He stared at her.

Then slowly sat up.

"What are you talking about?"

Ji Chu Hua’s smile deepened.

She knew she had his attention.

Now she only needed to give him a reason to cooperate.

"My grandfather is dying."

Gui Ting Fei’s expression changed.

He hadn’t heard anything about Grandfather Ji’s declining health.

But Ji Chu Hua was discussing it openly.

She continued calmly.

"He plans to have someone take over the chairman’s position at Ji Corps."

Gui Ting Fei nodded, ignoring the information that had just shocked him.

"Naturally."

Ji Chu Hua traced her index finger along his jaw.

"And I intend to be that person."

He looked at her.

"You?"

Her smile stiffened.

"Is there a problem?"

"No."

He quickly shook his head.

"Of course not."

But his hesitation had not escaped her.

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes cooled.

"Do you think I’m incapable?"

Gui Ting Fei immediately smiled.

"Babe, don’t be ridiculous."

He caught her hand.

"You know I support you."

She studied him.

Then her smile returned.

"Good."

She leaned closer.

"Because I’m going to need your help."

Gui Ting Fei’s brows rose.

"My help?"

"Your family’s influence."

She tilted her head.

"Your connections."

He watched her.

Ji Chu Hua continued.

"If you help me secure the chairman’s seat, I’ll help you get Yue Ling."

Silence.

Gui Ting Fei stared at her then slowly smiled.

"You’re serious."

"Completely."

He leaned back against the headboard.

"How exactly do you plan to do that?"

Ji Chu Hua’s expression turned thoughtful.

"The old man has always favored Yue Ling."

Her voice carried unmistakable resentment.

"But once he’s gone, things will change."

She looked directly at Gui Ting Fei.

"Someone will need to control Ji Corps."

"And you want that someone to be you."

"Exactly."

Gui Ting Fei nodded slowly.

Ji Chu Hua continued.

"Imagine it."

Her voice softened.

"Your girlfriend becomes the chairwoman of Ji Corps."

She smiled.

"One of the most powerful conglomerates in Imperial."

Gui Ting Fei’s interest deepened.

The idea was appealing.

His family’s business had influence, but an alliance with Ji Corps would place him in an entirely different position.

Ji Chu Hua watched the greed slowly emerge in his expression.

’There it is.’

She almost laughed.

"With Ji Corps behind us, our position would be untouchable."

Gui Ting Fei’s smile widened.

"And Han Yue Ling?"

Ji Chu Hua’s expression darkened for a fraction of a second.

Then she recovered.

"Without the old man’s protection, she’ll lose one of her strongest supporters."

She leaned closer.

"People are only loyal while someone remains useful to them."

Gui Ting Fei listened.

"The Lu family values status and influence."

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes glittered.

"If Yue Ling loses her position within the Ji family, who’s to say they’ll continue accepting her?"

Gui Ting Fei frowned slightly.

"But she’s the CEO of De L’amour."

Ji Chu Hua’s smile faltered.

Only briefly.

She had hoped he wouldn’t mention that.

Yue Ling’s independent wealth and influence were among the things Ji Chu Hua resented most.

The woman didn’t actually need Ji Corps to survive.

But Ji Chu Hua refused to let that inconvenient fact ruin her fantasy.

"Companies can face difficulties."

Her tone remained smooth.

"Especially when powerful people decide to stop supporting them."

Gui Ting Fei considered her words.

Ji Chu Hua continued before he could question her further.

"And if Yue Ling ever finds herself abandoned..."

She smiled.

"You could be there."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Me?"

"Of course."

She touched his cheek.

"Be the person who comforts her."

Her voice became almost coaxing.

"The man who offers her support when everyone else turns away."

Gui Ting Fei’s expression changed.

He understood what she was suggesting.

Ji Chu Hua smiled.

"And once she begins relying on you..."

She let the sentence trail off.

Gui Ting Fei chuckled.

"You really have thought about this."

Ji Chu Hua’s smile remained sweet.

"Wouldn’t you like that?"

He imagined it.

Ji Chu Hua controlling Ji Corps.

His own family’s influence growing through their relationship.

And Yue Ling—

The famous beauty he had admired from a distance—

somehow becoming dependent on him.

The fantasy appealed to his vanity.

But there was still a problem.

"Lu Tian isn’t going to abandon her that easily."

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes hardened.

"He will."

Gui Ting Fei studied her.

She spoke with such certainty that he almost believed her.

Almost.

"And if he doesn’t?"

Ji Chu Hua smiled.

"Then we’ll find another way."

There was something cold in her voice.

Something that made Gui Ting Fei pause.

But only for a moment.

His ambition soon overcame his caution.

He leaned toward her.

"So let me understand."

His lips curved.

"I help you become chairwoman of Ji Corps..."

Ji Chu Hua nodded.

"And you help me win over Yue Ling?"

"Exactly."

He chuckled.

"Even though she’s your cousin?"

Ji Chu Hua’s smile didn’t waver.

"Why should that matter?"

She shrugged.

"She’s always acted as though she’s better than everyone else."

Her voice became dismissive.

"Perhaps she needs someone to remind her that she isn’t."

Gui Ting Fei laughed.

He had always known Ji Chu Hua could be jealous.

Possessive.

Vindictive.

But he had never imagined she would willingly offer her own cousin as part of a bargain.

Then again, their relationship had never been particularly conventional.

Neither had demanded complete faithfulness from the other.

They had both entertained other partners whenever it suited them.

So perhaps he shouldn’t have been surprised.

Gui Ting Fei reached for her hand.

"And you wouldn’t mind?"

Ji Chu Hua tilted her head.

"Mind what?"

"Me fucking your cousin."

Her expression remained perfectly composed.

"Why would I?"

She smiled.

"As long as you help me get what I want."

Gui Ting Fei stared at her.

Then a slow grin spread across his face. He leaned closer and kissed her.

"I’ll see what I can do."

Ji Chu Hua returned the kiss.

Her fingers curled around his shoulder.

But behind her closed eyes, there was no affection.

Only calculation.

’Idiot.’

She almost sneered.

He had accepted the proposal exactly as she expected.

All it had taken was the promise of greater power and the possibility of possessing a beautiful woman.

Men like Gui Ting Fei were painfully predictable.

And she intended to use that weakness.

When they finally separated, he smiled.

"Looks like we’re going to be very busy."

Ji Chu Hua laughed softly.

"Very."

Gui Ting Fei settled back against the pillows, already imagining the advantages of having the future chairwoman of Ji Corps as his girlfriend.

Ji Chu Hua watched him. Her smile slowly faded.

Because while Gui Ting Fei was dreaming of Yue Ling—

Her eyes darkened.

She imagined herself sitting in the chairman’s office at Ji Corps.

Her name displayed on the door.

Executives bowing their heads when she entered.

Business leaders seeking her approval.

And Lu Tian—

Finally forced to acknowledge her as someone worthy of standing beside him.

Her lips curved into a cold smile.

’Once Ji Corps belongs to me, everything will change.’

Yue Ling would no longer be the favored granddaughter.

She would no longer be the woman everyone instinctively protected.

And Ji Chu Hua would no longer have to stand in her shadow.

She would have the power.

The influence.

The position.

Everything she believed Yue Ling had stolen from her.

Then Lu Tian would see her differently.

He would have to.

Ji Chu Hua slowly lowered her gaze toward the man beside her.

Gui Ting Fei had already closed his eyes.

Completely unaware that he was nothing more than another piece on her board.

She reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead.

Her expression was almost affectionate.

But her thoughts were anything but.

’Enjoy your little fantasy while you can.’

Her smile deepened.

’Because once I get what I want, I won’t need you anymore.’

She leaned back against the pillows and turned toward the darkened windows.

Beyond the curtains, snow continued falling over Imperial.

Somewhere in the city, Yue Ling was likely spending another peaceful evening beside Lu Tian.

The thought made Ji Chu Hua’s fingers curl.

Her expression turned vicious.

’Enjoy it while it lasts, Yue Ling.’

She closed her eyes.

’Because everything you have now...’

A slow, unsettling smile spread across her lips.

’...will eventually belong to me.’